The hidden labour behind activism — and why supporting it matters
The Black Lives Matter movement would be nothing without its cash flow forecast and project management software…said no one, ever. ‘I want to be an activist so that I can compile a code of conduct to cool the flames of the unexpected group chat drama in record time’ said no mini Audre Lorde whilst dreaming of a better reality. And honestly, did I ever think that when I started out running mental health workshops when I was 18, that my activist calling would be in spreadsheets? It’s a no from me!
But here’s the thing. When I was fined £750 for failing to file my accounts to Companies House in time, for said mental health project, because I wasn’t even aware I needed to, I realised I had a problem. I knew I wanted to create change, and I understood organisations as a vehicle to secure the resources to deliver it, but I didn’t yet have a driving licence for it. And I was alone.
Setting out into the world of social impact, I found others similar to me - spurred on by a passion for social justice and the urge to act, but not having had the benefit of studying business, organisations or change management. There was an acknowledgement there of a need for these systems and processes - what some call ‘infrastructure’ - to keep the vehicles running. Still, they were often an afterthought, falling to the bottom of the list when other priorities, such as delivery, were more pressing.
Those resourcing the work primarily wanted to fund delivery too. Funders would ask ‘how many people will benefit from this project,’ ‘what community is the focus’ - these were all external factors, preventing social activists from having the time to be inward-looking. And yet, this inward-facing work is crucial to the efficiency and sustainability of the social movements we want to see drive change.
It’s not sexy, it’s not cool, and it’s the bit no one sees. Nobody sees the hours of work put into a funding application or the hours spent discussing with your community how to allocate resources. And yet, this is what keeps the wheels turning.
There is a need to recognise this work - even better, resource it - so that we all have the best chance at succeeding, especially communities who are marginalised in some way, which, by way of activism itself, actors tend to be. Try as we might, we currently live under structures designed to oppress us. We need the know-how of how to work within the structures whilst campaigning for the change we want to see - this is where I come in, and I’m not the only one. Others offering this kind of work are Sophie Yates Lu and Anu.
We provide the unseen and unspoken services that are necessary but not noted. The unexpected admin that crops up when you decide to branch out and set up a social enterprise or charity or organise a community towards a common cause.
A genuine interest of mine is how we can adapt the tools available to us (spreadsheets, accountancy software, or, actually, any software) so that they speak the language of grassroots activists and are fit for purpose. Currently, a lot of my role is ‘translating’ business speak into a more digestible and relevant language for the amazing activists I work with - one that speaks to them more about why these systems and processes are key to sustaining the change they want to see; maybe even empowering, once you have the know-how to use the tools.
In the meantime, I’m thinking about coming up with a name to start creating content about these types of things - how about Auntie of Activist Admin? Or Operations Activist? Or Incredibly Boring Person Who Spends Her Life in Spreadsheets? Anyhow, I’m starting this blog post to bring to light the hidden labour behind activism and why supporting it matters. Let me know your thoughts and, even better, if you want to work with me, reach out - I’d love to say ‘hi, how are your spreadsheets?!’
