As loneliness ravages the US, a new breed of activists is taking matters into their own hands. They're not fighting for justice simply to make a difference – they're doing so to find community.
Lani Ritter Hall's life was turned upside down after her husband of 40 years passed away in 2022. But instead of succumbing to despair, she found purpose through organizing with an activist group called Third Act. The former public school educator discovered that taking part in the group not only gave her a sense of direction but also helped her connect with like-minded people.
Hall's experience is far from unique. Across the country, activists, organizers and volunteers are finding new meaning in their lives by working together to create positive change. From twentysomethings who bonded over canvassing for social justice to elderly individuals like Hall, these movements provide a sense of belonging that's hard to find elsewhere.
The catalyst for many of these young people is a growing concern about injustice – issues such as reproductive rights and climate change are sparking widespread outrage and mobilization. For Ritter Hall, seeing Roe v Wade overturned was a wake-up call that prompted her to step up and get involved.
But it's not just the sense of purpose that's driving these activists; it's also the relationships they form along the way. Organizers like Emmanuel "Juni" Taranu are building strong bonds with fellow activists, often with deep-seated connections that transcend traditional friendships.
"Tgan Juni Taranu and I have become close because we've been working together for a while," he says of his relationship with a Palestinian American couple whom he considers family. The trust that comes from fighting side by side is palpable in these relationships.
For some, like Mary Holzman-Tweed, the journey to community starts with small steps – volunteering at local organizations and participating in grassroots movements. For Tweed, her experience in running a food pantry during pandemic lockdowns was transformative, helping her build confidence and connections that extended beyond the group.
"My friend would say that the work we do is not about being friends, it's about getting things done," Tweed notes. "We don't all have to be besties – but we can still learn how to get along and support each other."
The power of these relationships is undeniable. According to psychologist Dr Tangela Montgomery, the connections formed through activism are a game-changer for individuals, particularly those in marginalized communities.
"The most amazing thing that I think activism does for the individual is give them a sense of community," she says. "If you're someone who has a minority identity and is being oppressed – seeing the group as a movement can literally be life-saving."
Of course, there are risks involved with high-risk activism, which can take a toll on mental health if not managed carefully. However, Montgomery stresses that collective care should be at the forefront of every organization's strategy.
The result is a new breed of activists who aren't just fighting for justice – they're building something more profound: a sense of community and belonging that transcends traditional social groups.
In the words of Mary Holzman-Tweed, "We have to go out and touch people, because we never know what's going to save us."
Lani Ritter Hall's life was turned upside down after her husband of 40 years passed away in 2022. But instead of succumbing to despair, she found purpose through organizing with an activist group called Third Act. The former public school educator discovered that taking part in the group not only gave her a sense of direction but also helped her connect with like-minded people.
Hall's experience is far from unique. Across the country, activists, organizers and volunteers are finding new meaning in their lives by working together to create positive change. From twentysomethings who bonded over canvassing for social justice to elderly individuals like Hall, these movements provide a sense of belonging that's hard to find elsewhere.
The catalyst for many of these young people is a growing concern about injustice – issues such as reproductive rights and climate change are sparking widespread outrage and mobilization. For Ritter Hall, seeing Roe v Wade overturned was a wake-up call that prompted her to step up and get involved.
But it's not just the sense of purpose that's driving these activists; it's also the relationships they form along the way. Organizers like Emmanuel "Juni" Taranu are building strong bonds with fellow activists, often with deep-seated connections that transcend traditional friendships.
"Tgan Juni Taranu and I have become close because we've been working together for a while," he says of his relationship with a Palestinian American couple whom he considers family. The trust that comes from fighting side by side is palpable in these relationships.
For some, like Mary Holzman-Tweed, the journey to community starts with small steps – volunteering at local organizations and participating in grassroots movements. For Tweed, her experience in running a food pantry during pandemic lockdowns was transformative, helping her build confidence and connections that extended beyond the group.
"My friend would say that the work we do is not about being friends, it's about getting things done," Tweed notes. "We don't all have to be besties – but we can still learn how to get along and support each other."
The power of these relationships is undeniable. According to psychologist Dr Tangela Montgomery, the connections formed through activism are a game-changer for individuals, particularly those in marginalized communities.
"The most amazing thing that I think activism does for the individual is give them a sense of community," she says. "If you're someone who has a minority identity and is being oppressed – seeing the group as a movement can literally be life-saving."
Of course, there are risks involved with high-risk activism, which can take a toll on mental health if not managed carefully. However, Montgomery stresses that collective care should be at the forefront of every organization's strategy.
The result is a new breed of activists who aren't just fighting for justice – they're building something more profound: a sense of community and belonging that transcends traditional social groups.
In the words of Mary Holzman-Tweed, "We have to go out and touch people, because we never know what's going to save us."
its amazing to see young ppl finding purpose & connection thru activism 
they're not just fighting for justice but building a community that feels like home 
lani ritter hall's story is so inspiring - 40 yrs married and then suddenly finding new life through activism 
i think its time we start talking about the importance of collective care in activism too 
I mean, can you imagine being alone after 40 years of marriage? Like, Lani Ritter Hall's husband passed away and she was all like "oh no" but then she found a new family among activists. That's what we call community, folks! 
But seriously, it's amazing how activism can bring people together and create a sense of belonging. Maybe we can all learn a thing or two from these young (and old) activists who are rocking this whole community-building thing 
We need more of that in our lives!
These young folks are like, finally realizing that activism isn't just about changing the world, but also about having a decent human connection 
OMG u guys! i'm literally so inspired by these activists who r not just fighting 4 justice but also building a community 4 themselves!!! 
and i love how these activists r supporting each other & having deep connections 
dr tangela montgomery is a genius!!! 
collective care should b a priority in activism 
we need more of these activists who r changing the game! 
#activism #communityfirst
feels like people are finally realizing that change doesn't happen in isolation. These young folks and seniors alike who are finding purpose in fighting for a cause... it's beautiful 
. And I love how they're not just focusing on the end goal, but also on building those relationships and connections along the way. It's like, we need each other more than ever to take down systems that are so broken 
. But hey, if it's giving them purpose and community, that's what matters.
. That's what it's all about: building community, finding your people.
. I mean, I get it, they're trying to spread the word about their activism group, but can't they just make it easier for new members to join? Like, I had to fill out a 10-minute registration form just to sign up for their newsletter 
. And don't even get me started on the lack of accessibility options - no audio descriptions or screen reader compatibility 
. It's like they're trying to alienate potential members who need those features. And what's with the lack of clear information about meeting times and locations? I've had to dig through their social media posts just to figure out when their next event is 
. Can't they just simplify things a bit? 