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Hello, my name is Chris Marlow, and I’m a modern-day slacktivist.

Okay, first let me say this, there are moments when I desire HELP to be a uber-hip, super-cool non-profit that has a gazillion Facebook followers, a million Twitter friends, and some amazing Youtube video’s that get massive views.  And of course, I get to be “known” for being the leader of this uber-hip, cool non-profit, basically a rock-star.

And social media can make me look a lot better, if I use it right.

This poses a problem.  See, my non-profit is really just a “multi-hundred-dollar” non-profit that is attempting to serve orphans worldwide. (funny, right) ) So please, please realize EVERYTHING I say at this point forward, is based on my own insecurities and frustrations.  Also, please understand, that I’m not against any of these new-school NPO’s who get the all the media hype and such.  I think they are super important, and these organizations deeply care.  See, the leaders of these organizations were “doing” before “doing” became uber-cool.  Before you could tweet your super-cool “doing” activity.
My real concern is me, you, us, and them…we see bright lights, stages, and stories of change.  And we instantly want to start something so we can tour the nation, write books, speak at events, become a “do-good celebrity and have social media following so that it makes us feel important, and rival Hollywood stars.”
This is a problem.  And if we’re not careful, this problem will actually hurt the global poor, and here’s why: Slacktivists assume they’re doing something to help, when in reality, they are doing something that hurts.  For example: I can attend a trendy event to be seen, wear an American Apparel T-shirt with some snappy design, and even give some cash. The issue: I can do all this for ME, and not THEM.  So, if that is the depth of my activism, then one fails to realize the most important part of activism.  And that is: presence, friendship, and community for those in need.

We can’t be faceless friends who care and show compassion from afar.  What the the global poor need more than our money, is our time.  Our willingness to know a name, learn a place, respect a culture, give a hug, grieve in times of loss, and laugh in times of joy.  An activist is one who is willing to act on behalf a person, not just a cause.  An orphan has a name, a story, a place…That kid needs a friend…not just some cause!

So this creates a tension, and social media exploits this reality.  Anyone can look like an activist in 140 characters.  I can take a trip, snap pictures, share a video and post it on Facebook, and boo- ya, I’m now an activist.  Or, let’s talk about the church, shall we?  It seems as if pastors and church leaders talk mission constantly these days. (who knew we had so many missional guru’s) They make splashy cool graphics, and Rob Bell like videos. But to many, mission is just an event on the calendar, a certain time in eternity that we have to put on our game face to love the “least of these.”  But, truthfully, deep in our heart, it’s not about “those poor people,” it’s about the event.  True missional living can’t be event driven.  It has to be based on relationship, this defines missional living.  And this is why social media can play a positive or negative role.  It can shrink the church, or cause a greater divide, the blind leading the blind, all in the name of activism.

The goal for an activist, is to use social media as a way to create real, authentic friendship with those who suffer.  When I was in S. Africa, my friend Willie did not have running water, but Willie did have satellite TV, and Internet access.  I can connect with Willie many ways now. But, I can’t allow social media to replace real relationships.  However, I can use social media to deepen our relationship and stay connected.  This creates intimacy, trust and joy.  Social Media can be used to do good, create change, and face global issues.

Activists are people who are ready and willing to sacrifice.  They sacrifice time, travel to hard to reached places, learn new cultures, listen to stories, and find practical ways to help.  An activist also knows one big reality: it’s a co-partnership.  The activist will be more blessed than those whom he or she is advocating more.  Irony, yes.  Read James 2; allow the ancient narrative to sink deep within the soul.

Social Media can be a bridge-builder.  A true activist can tell amazing stories that cause others to also become genuine activists.  All of sudden, the activist is connected to a tribe, a people who care about a real life issue, and they can follow in the footsteps and also make a difference.

If we choose to leverage social media and still be committed to pursuing deep friendships, we can be connected, and use technology as a way to change the world, one tweet at a time!

May we choose well and follow Isaiah 1:17 as we pursue good.

learn to do good!
Seek justice,
encourage the oppressed.
Defend the cause of the fatherless,
plead the case of the widow.

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