Three Ways to ACT Like You're Made for Freedom

When you start to get involved in advocating for dignified employment and speaking up for marginalized people, people start to notice.

You signed a pledge. It's on your Facebook, your Twitter account--heck, you even made a youtube video that is now available for the whole world to see. You've started the chain of conversation about what it means to be made for freedom. 

But what does that mean for your actual life? How do you live it out? What happens after you make the statement?

We've got three simple and practical ways to start. There is always more you can do, but these will get the gears going on the freedom track!

1. Educate yourself. 

Not only is this a way to understand the systems that oppress people, but it also gives you an automatic in to talk to people about dignity and freedom for all. Pick up Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn or watch the documentary by the same name (which not only exposes devastating systems and attitudes that oppress women but also uncovers truly innovative ways opportunities that help them escape). When people ask what you're reading or watching these days, look what a great topic you can bring up - and with the tone that you're learning, too. [Other informative reads: Girls Like Us by Rachel Lloyd, Not For Sale by David Batstone, Sold by Patricia McCormick]

2. Buy Dignified.

Seems so simple yet can be so tough. How can you say you're for freedom and that you don't want to support businesses that don't treat their laborers right if you don't know who those businesses are? Start by clicking around on your favorite apparel brands' websites. Sometimes they will have information about their supply chain and policies regarding child, slave, or sweatshop labor. You can also check out Fair Trade USA's list of licensed partners as a reference. Keep in mind that not all businesses that pay their workers well, source their materials ethically, and are transparent about their practices are fair trade. For other good businesses, check out Overdressed and Free2Work for their lists.

3. Talk with your friends about dignity.

One of the best ways to keep yourself on the right track is to bring it up with your friends. Did you know slavery still exists? Have you ever wondered how people could do that to each other? How do we stop the cycle of inhumanity? Conversations remind us why we stand for dignity because we tell others why we're doing it and remember. 

Do you have other simple ways to practice this in your life? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook.

Haven't signed the pledge yet? What are you waiting for? Sign it and post a video telling us who you are and why you're made for freedom.