TBR Pile review: Make it Happen: How to be an Activist, by Amika George

‘Make It Happen reminds us that people of any age can create change in their communities. From finding allies to setting goals, everyone who wants to contribute to a better future can learn from Amika’s book.’ Malala Yousafzai


GET UP. SPEAK UP. DON’T GIVE UP.



The world is waking up to the fact that society is arranged to
benefit some more than others. There is much that needs changing. And you can be the one to do it. Anyone can make history, including a teenager launching a global campaign from their bedroom. And Amika will show you how, in this essential and inspirational step-by-step guide to being an activist.



Are your favourite brands making little effort to be diverse?




Are the people who’ve been hardest hit by COVID-19 not getting the support they need?




Is the environment being overlooked in favour of driving profits?



Amika George succeeded in campaigning to get the government to fund free period products in every school across England. Make It Happen is her guide to being an effective activist. With chapters on finding your crowd and creating allies, how to get those in positions of power and influence to listen, how to use social media effectively and how to look after your mental health while protesting. Amika will you show you how you can make real and lasting changes in your world.


Featuring candid interviews with award-winning campaigner
Caroline Criado-Perez, host of The Guilty Feminist podcast, Deborah Frances-White, founder of the Gurls Talk network and podcast Adwoa Aboah, and founder of The Pink Protest Scarlett Curtis, Make It Happen is the go-to handbook for the changemaker in you. 

My Review

In January HQ contacted me to see if I’d be interested in reviewing some new books. I chose this and another. I received them in early February and, due to being incredibly busy, I’ve just finished reading this book. I’ve actually read the bulk of it today.

I won’t lie, I cried many, many times reading this book. The passion or the author and the people she interviewed cries out in the words. I really enjoyed the insight from other activists into how they do what they do.

The advice given is well thought out and practical. If you’ve never organised a protest before, details like getting permission from the local council and police might not be obvious.

The thread of the story of #freeperiods unites the different chapters. It’s fascinating to see behind the scenes of a campaign. It obviously took a great deal of time and energy out of Ms. George at an already exhausting time (A Levels!). The chapter on self-care is important, and a timely reminder that you can’t help anyone if you don’t take care of yourself.

The writing is excellent, and I’m sure they removed the few typos in the final version.