Be The Change

Book excerpt: Inspiring and practical, BE THE CHANGE is the essential handbook for the budding activist. 'Gina Martin is a sensation' The Secret Barrister 'Gina Martin's powerful campaigning and vital activism changed the law, making our country safer for women and girls. This book tells us how she did it - and how you can too' Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London 'Gina is a total inspiration - an example of how one person CAN change things' Emma Gannon In June 2017, a man took a photo up Gina Martin's skirt at a music festival. The police told her that this was not a sexual offence; the man would not be charged. The law had let Gina down, and her first reaction was resignation. But something inside her had snapped. Gina was tired of accepting sexual harassment as a fact of life. Eighteen months later, she had changed the law and made upskirting a criminal offence. Now, Gina wants to empower you with the tools and courage to challenge injustice and fight for change, whether it's in your school, workplace or community, or even on a global scale. Filled with practical advice, the book includes guidance on how to write a compelling press release, set up an e-petition, find pro-bono legal support and secure media coverage for your campaign. In BE THE CHANGE you will learn: What activism really is and why it's so important How to use the internet to fight for what you believe in How to pick the cause you truly care about And how to do the hardest thing in activism: get started.