Agency and Activism, Ctd Margaret Mead

This Act with Agency and Activism series began with Dale J. Stephens said in an interview with Forbes Magazine here:

"My best advice to you is this: realize that you have agency. Don’t expect going to school to get you a job, and understand that if you want to be successful you’re going to have to hustle and create opportunities for yourself."

This is very relevant to the young people in Northern Ireland. Not only in the careers sense in which Dale J. Stephens means it above; but also in the social and community activism sense. In Northern Ireland especially, young people err heavily towards a step in line, know your place (almost ageist) mentality. I looked at that mindset here on Slugger O'Toole. Margaret Mead said:

"Never ever depend on governments or institutions to solve any major problems. All social change comes from the passion of individuals."

She also said:

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Previous post in the series with former president of Ireland Mary Robinson here. I spoke of the need to act with agency before choosing to go to university here.