THE CIVIL SOCIETY
Activism in the civil society can lead to meaningful change. From reform to revolution, the health of populations can drastically improve when people mobilize and act in solidarity against the forces of oppression. Thus, civil society activism is a crucial pathway to leverage in public health efforts for primordial prevention.
People over profit.
However, the neoliberal capitalist political economy in Canada means that it is the other way around - profit over people. Much of the power is concentrated in society’s richest groups. The private sector has substantial power to shape policies through lobbying, political contributions, and corporate influence.
Civil society activism shifts power away from the private sector by amplifying the voices of communities, exposing corporate overreach, and pressuring governments to prioritize the public interest over private profits.
Voices for healthy
public policy.
Civil society activism is a powerful force for shifting economic and political power toward the people. When people gather in unity, their voices reverberate throughout all of society.
There is undeniable strength in the actions that are taken together by a group of people. By mobilizing communities, holding governments and corporations accountable, and advocating for policies that lead to better health outcomes, activism in civil society ensures that democracy remains responsive to public needs rather than private profit. Every action—whether through voting, advocacy, or activism—contributes to the development of healthy public policy, which is required to create a more just and equitable world.
Get Involved
There are many ways to take action and contribute to systemic change through civil society activism.
1. Stay Informed and Educate Others
Build your knowledge base of truths about the health system by reading and following credible sources, from peer-reviewed articles to Indigenous storytelling. Then, share your knowledge with others.
2. Join or Support Grassroots Organizations
Volunteer with local non-profits working to address health inequities through advocacy and activism. Donate to groups fighting for justice in areas of labour, gender, climate, and equitable access to resources and opportunities. This builds up power within civil society organizations.
3. Mobilize Your Community
Organize or participate in protests, boycotts, and awareness campaigns targeting exploitative industries. Use digital activism to amplify issues and create online movements. Other tools include flyering, canvassing, petitioning, and postering. Come together with members of your community and mobilize with the courage to stand up for your values.
4. Engage in Public Policy Advocacy
Be loud! Leverage the support generated from the community to amplify calls to action toward the government and private sector. Get in contact with elected officials and demand policies that protect the population and improve public health. The goal is to incite the government and corporate leaders to prioritize public interests over private profits. Support petitions, grassroots campaigns, and public consultations that challenge the status quo.
5. Exercise Your Democratic Rights
Vote for candidates who prioritize people over corporations. Support legislation that shifts the population distribution of risk in a favourable direction. Healthy public policy leads to healthy populations.