Interview with Megan Ivory—volunteer/activist

When did you first ‘act’?

My first decision to be active was in 1995 when France was undertaking nuclear tests at Mururoa Atoll in the Pacific. I was 14 years old and helped to organise state-wide walk outs by school children to protest against the French testing.

What made you take action?

The desire to preserve the planet for the future. I have always been passionate and outspoken and I cannot in good conscience watch something that I feel is wrong and not try to make a difference. I was also lucky to have met people who helped me channel my passion and resistance into a constructive activity.

How did/does it make you feel?

It is incredibly empowering to stand up and act against destruction, greed and exploitation. I take a great deal of pride in knowing that I try and make the world a better place. Activism also brings a great deal of happiness and contentment to my life; I love being surrounded by people who are active and positive, who are working for our future. To be motivated by a desire to better the world is infinitely more rewarding then acting out of selfishness.

What impact has it had on you?

I am conscious of my actions and impacts in all aspects of life, I try and lead my life in the most sustainable way possible. Activism has given me the best group of friends anyone could ever hope for. It has impacted other elements of my life more negatively; I have a criminal record for non-violent direct actions I have participated in. Stopping shipments of nuclear waste, preventing the spread of toxic waste etc can have legal consequences.

Do you think it has made a difference?

Absolutely. I have been involved in a number of successful campaigns and some that didn't experience the same victories, but all of them have made a difference. The environmental and social justice movements have changed the world we live in for the better, and I have been a (very very) small part of that.

What advice would you give to someone who has never acted before?

Act from love compassion and empathy and you will be rewarded. If you are not going to stand up for what you believe then you can't expect the world to change. Fight for your future, for your rights, for your heritage, do it because it needs to be done. It's very trite but one of my favourite sayings is this:

"I saw the forests dying and asked 'Why doesn't someone do something?' I saw the people starving and asked 'Why doesn't someone do something?' Then I realised that I was someone."

There is so much when we can do, as far as I'm concerned the only thing we can do wrong is NOTHING. Anyone can do something to leave the world a better place than they found it and there is no excuse not to. There are so many small things that have big consequences, imagine how amazing the world would be if everyone did one thing to make it better?