Instagram Activism

COVID-19 Activism on Instagram

This page on COVID-19 Activism reviews how Instagram and Instagram Activism are reacting to the ongoing global pandemic. We have gathered examples of Instagram accounts that have adapted their content to advocate about the inequities, inequalities, and other social implications of COVID-19.

How Has COVID-19 Activism Taken to Instagram?

As the COVID-19 crisis has swept the globe and affected all of our communities, Instagram has been a platform that continues to connect social activists with their followers and causes. At this time we cannot gather and take up space in the same ways we're used to in order to mobilize for social justice and activist movements. Instagram allows social activism to keep its momentum, share resources for how to help those disproportionately affected by the crisis, continue campaigns, etc.

Instagram Accounts You Should Check Out

• @daylaborernetwork

  The National Day Laborer Organizing Network advocates for the rights of day laborers and immigrant laborers and organize campaigns with allies, partners, and workers. The work of NDLON is all the more critical during the COVID-19 crisis, as day laborers are expected to continue their work without hazard pay, sufficient healthcare, or appropriate compensation. On its Instagram account, NDLON shares testimonies, art, articles, and campaigns in order to continue promoting better pay, benefits, protection, and policy that serves day laborers. For more information: Worker and Migrant Justice Response to the Coronavirus

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  @amplifierart

  With more than 88K followers on this Instagram account, Amplifier Art partners with artists from around the world to create free, accessible, empowering art with the power to mobilize. "In response to COVID-19, Amplifier launched an emergency campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world looking for public health and safety messages that can help flatten the curve through education and symbols that help promote mental health, well-being, and social change work during these stressful times." To the right is an example of one of the posters from the latest campaign. Source: amplifier.org

• @cocosouthla

  The Community Coalition has been serving South Los Angeles for over 30 years. This organization works to amplify the voices of South LA community members, connect residents with resources, hosts forums (know virtually). "Although our office is physically closed, our team is working remotely and implementing programs through virtual mediums." CoCo partners with other initiatives, such as with Brotherhood Crusade and InnerCity Struggle in the project to give students access to the necessary technology to continue with their education, combatting the Digital Divide. Source: Community Coalition (CoCo)

• @reformlajails

  Reform LA Jails mobilized for the March 2020 LA county ballot for reforming incarceration infrastructure, including providing more resources for L.A. County Sheriff’s Department Civilian Oversight Commission as well as "developing a Comprehensive Public Safety Reinvestment Plan." Now, @reformlajails is backing #SuingToSaveLives, a campaign to sue the LA county and sherrif for the endangering conditions of COVID-19 in jails. On their Instagram account they post infographics, publicize zoom events, and share information about how the coronavirus is disproportionately affecting incarcerated men, women, and people. Source: Reform LA Jails

• @radicalmonarchs

  Radical Monarchs is a group for young girls of color that cultivates community, knowledge, power, and empowerment. Originating in Oakland, CA in 2014, Radical Monarchs organizes lessons and activities to teach radical love, social justice, and leadership among other skills. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Radical Monarch organizers have been assembling "Pandemic Joy Kits" in partnership (QW)POC artists and entrepreneurs. These Joy Kits have been delivered to the young Monarchs. Inside there are coloring pages, handmade face masks, b.b free comic book, and more. Currently Radical Monarch workshops have been moved to Zoom. Source: Radical Monarchs

What are the international, national, and local social activism accounts you follow? And how are they responding to the developments in the COVID-19 crisis?

Articles on Social Media in the Age of COVID-19

• This MSNBC Article looks at how else social media is responding to the COVID-19 crisis.
• This Metro Article gives suggestions of how to use social media in 'positive' ways. One of the suggestions include "Promote Worthwhile Causes" on your personal accounts.