Editorial note: All Guest Post authors share their views and experiences, and do not represent Week of Saturdays. This is one of the submissions of writers participating in a 21-day Don’t Break the Streak Writing Challenge. Details here.
I saw his name trending on Twitter. “What did this man do again?” I thought. Curious, I checked trending tweets, only to realize he had tweeted in support of the End Police Brutality protests in Nigeria. Pastor E.A. Adeboye, with all his religious and political affiliations, has tweeted in support of the ongoing youth movement and protests in Nigeria.
Considering Pastor Adeboye’s influence, especially among Baby Boomers and Generation X, there’s a high possibility this seemingly small move from him, will persuade most of them to throw in their support as well. This is essential as Gen Z and millennials in Nigeria need as much help we can get right now.
So, if you’re an older adult or know lots of older adults who are still against the protests, here are six ways you can convince them to support the #EndSARS movement too.
Understand the why
Since you’ve probably not experienced the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) brutality firsthand, you may belittle the ongoing movement. “Why are these children agitating this bad and causing headaches for everyone?” You may be wondering. Therefore, you need to understand the ‘why’ of the movement before throwing in your support.
#EndSARS is a call to ban a police unit (SARS) that has encouraged kidnapping, murder, theft, unlawful detention, and extortion of mostly young people in Nigeria for many years. This can easily happen to your children, grandchildren, or even relatives, and they would never be found dead or alive.
This is why you must join the youth-led protests to end SARS and reform the police in Nigeria.
The #EndSARS movement is a call to ban a police unit (SARS) that has encouraged kidnapping, murder, theft, unlawful detention, and extortion.
Respect advocates of the movement
Although you’re far older than most #EndSARS advocates, you need to respect the advocates and leaders of this movement as you collaborate. You want to make sure that you’re coming from a place of genuineness and not ‘saviorism.’
You can regularly ask younger protesters about their welfare and what they need; it’s not enough just to tell advocates how you intend to help, you should ensure they’re aligned with your plans too.
Although you’re far older than most #EndSARS advocates, you need to respect them as you collaborate.
Use the tools at your disposal
You might not be as tech-savvy as Gen-Z and millennials, but your favorite apps – WhatsApp and Facebook – have more power than you think. Use WhatsApp broadcasts and Facebook statuses to persuade your family, friends, and colleagues to join the movement.
Due to the age difference, most of your peers might not understand the younger people’s perspective, but your contributions can help convert them. If you don’t know how to go about this, use Pastor Adeboye’s tweet as an inspiration.
Your favorite apps – WhatsApp and Facebook – have more power than you think.
Support your children
If your child is enthusiastic about the ongoing movement, don’t talk her out of activism. Instead, show as much support as you can. For instance, if you don’t feel comfortable with your children or younger relatives going for the physical protests, you can accompany them or provide them with sufficient mobile data to engage in online activism. Whatever you do, try not to dissuade activism in your home.
If your child is enthusiastic about the ongoing movement, don’t talk her out of activism.
Engage in the peaceful protests walks
Being older doesn’t mean you can’t enter the streets and advocate a good cause. Among the list of possible contributions, this stands out. It shows that you not only support the movement, but you’re willing to sacrifice your time and energy. If you can, endeavor to make it to one of these peaceful protests and join the youths in speaking with one voice.
Being older doesn’t mean you can’t enter the streets and advocate a good cause.
Donate
There have been several crowdfunding initiatives to support the #EndSARS movement. No matter how small, your donations will go a long way in sustaining protesters until Nigeria’s Federal Government implements the movement’s five demands. Curious about where to donate? You can start here.
We’re moving to only accepting donations in Bitcoin using BTC Pay. BTC Pay is a free, secure, decentralized and censorship-resistant platform, which makes it our best option, given the past few days #EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeria
— feministcoalition (@feminist_co) October 15, 2020
Please donate here: https://t.co/FvsEKetUL9
No matter your age, Nigeria is changing as we speak, and we can all do something right now to ensure the country and leaders do not relapse into more corruption.
Now is not the time to be silent. Now is not the time to sit on the fence. Now is not the time to ignore reality. Instead, younger people need and deserve your collaboration. To do otherwise is to support oppression. Please join us to end SARS now.
Feature image by Muhammadtaha Ibrahim Ma’aji
