The COVID-19 pandemic has arguably taken a toll on many activist organisations, among them student organisations. With the inability to host physical events and gatherings comes the difficulty to keep in touch with, your audience. However, a number of organisations have proven that digital activism may be the way to go.
Throughout the past five months that COVID-19 has been active in Malta, several digital activists have kept their pages online in full swing to voice the causes they believe in. Starting a Facebook page and saying you’re an activist may be easy enough. However, staying active and making your voice heard online is easier said than done. These five pages show how digital activism can be effective, even if in the middle of a pandemic.
Jimpurtana
A coupling of Betapsi alumni who fell in love with activism and want to end the stigma surrounding politics. They started their platform to endorse an open-minded perspective on politics, and look down on partisan politics.
Young Progressive Beings
Self-proclaimed “young, radical beings who want to challenge the status quo”. YPB are a group of youths who were frustrated with the bi-partisan media channels available. So, they created a platform for themselves to fight for social progress, starting with reproductive justice.
Bejn Żewġt Imħuħ
A new organisation that popped up over quarantine aimed at promoting “conservative ideals of liberty, life and culture, within the nation state”. They are an independent organisation wanting to encourage youths use their voice and engage in politics, without having to pick either side.
Dear Decision Makers
Unlike the above mentioned pages, this is an off-shoot of two other organisations in the form of a pro-choice campaign. The page aims to tell the story of the impact of the complete ban on abortion in Malta.
ADŻ Green Youth Malta
Perhaps, one of the older organisations, this page is the ‘youth wing’ better well-known political party, Alternattiva Demokratika. It actively works to push forward especially environmental and social causes and brings youth directly into the political sphere.