Whether you have lots of time/money/energy to give to a cause you believe in, or you're a couch warrior, here are various levels at which you can be a better STEMinist.
Level 1
The Couch Warrior
There is so much you can do without getting off your butt. Here are some examples:
When anyone victimized by privilege bias opens up about abuse or discrimination, believe them.
Diversify your consumption of art, film, retail and music by looking for female (or LGBTQIA+ or BIPOC) creators.
Challenge your thoughts. Ask yourself if your thought is hurting anyone else. Ask yourself if what you think is really, factually true. Have you lived all your life with this thought? Who would you be without it?
Level 2
The Conversationist
You could take it one step further and bring out your inner STEMinist in social situations. For example:
If you see a vulnerable person being victimized, use your voice. Speak up.
Don't shy away from words that make people uncomfortable (like feminism). Start conversations about why they are uncomfortable.
When confronted, check yourself. Make a point to seek education about a topic from good sources. A man isn't the best person to ask about women.
Level 3
The Go-Getter
You're ready to take it to the next level and represent! Here are ways to do that:
Attend workshops, TED talks, events, protests, rallies. There is strength in numbers and you are done being passive.
Use and recognize your privilege to fight gender inequality in the workplace. Women in STEM get treated badly all the time. Make sure they're getting the credit they deserve, the leaves they're entitled to, the raises they earned.
Collaborate with women and other like-minded people to make a change.
