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Broke But Still Woke: How To Make An Impact As A College Student

Sep 5, 2016 | By Julia Schemmer | UC Riverside
*This is the second article in our student organizing series. Check out our first piece, “Becky With The Good Chairs” and stay tuned for more articles coming soon!

As college students, activism often comes with a hefty price-tag. In order to bring people to an event comes the cost of food (because what better way to bring people in!?), the cost of renting a space, promoting and marketing the event, and technology to run the event. It often begins a struggle of trying to pinch pennies to educate people about causes you care about, as limited budgets force people to pick and choose activities worth investing in. Yet, have no fear. Inexpensive events that can still make an impact are still possible, so check out the top ways you can make a difference on a budget!

Partner with organizations. Organizations often offer speakers who are willing to come and speak about the particular event you are organizing around. The more local, the better, as you’re less likely to be charged with travel and lodging expenses. There are so many incredible organizations working within areas you may be passionate about, so reach out and be prepared to be surprised with what may come.

Partner with local organizations. There is a lot of value in reaching out to neighboring small businesses and extending your hand as a force of collaboration. Introduce yourself to the manager or owner of the business, explain what your cause is, and invite them to any avenues for collaboration. We are stronger when we stand together and help one another.

DIY it. Put your Pinterest skills to use by making some of the things you would have bought instead. It costs nothing to send an op-ed, which can create the conversation you may have wanted to start through an event. Host card drives, make care packages, or develop your own marketing and promotion design to save a few dollars.

How do you stay woke when you’re broke? Let us know your secrets here!

Julia Schemmer is a first-year Public Policy major at UC Riverside and Media Intern for the UC Student Association. Her goal is simple: to put the lit back in politics.

As Executive Director, Salih leads our staff team and organizational strategy, keeps the UCSA office in operation, supports the Board and other student leaders, and fundraises to maximize the potential of our organization. Salih also oversees planning for UCSA’s annual statewide conferences.

 

Raised in Oakland, California, Salih Muhammad strives to embody the principles of service, sacrifice, and selflessness. For much of his life, he has been committed to living toward the liberation of Black people, at home and abroad.

 

In 2009, he continued the pursuit of knowledge at the University of California, Berkeley, where he excelled as a Black student and organizer on campus. His favorite quote is from Franz Fanon, who stated, “Each generation must discover its mission, fulfill it or betray it, in relative opacity.”