I am an idealist. I always have been, and I always will be. Perceiving all of the world’s current problems as potentially fixable is both a challenge and a gift. Yes, I believe we can make the world a peaceful and better place, but idealism is often labeled as naïve.

This has been a struggle I’ve felt my whole life. Sitting in my international relations class freshman year, I was taught that ‘idealism is not the most realistic approach.’ Having debates with friends about voting and hearing phrases like ‘my one vote won’t make a difference’ have truly tested my optimism.

It has never made sense to me that there is such a negative connotation associated with being an idealist. Consider this: The more idealists that exist, the more realistic these ‘unattainable’ thoughts become. They are only unrealistic in the first place because of the skeptics who are unwilling to open their minds and

hearts.

Courtney Martin, my favorite author of all time, tackles the idea of idealism and activism in her new book, ‘Do It Anyway: The New Generation of Activists.’ Martin discusses a happy medium of idealism in a realistic manner. She provides hope to readers searching for a feasible means of accomplishing their dreams within social change.

The pages of ‘Do It Anyway’ are filled with hopes, dreams and ‘good failures’ that readers can gain insight and learn from. Kudos to Martin, who beautifully depicts the struggles and triumphs within activism, while simultaneously participating in social change in her own right. She tells the story of a middle school teacher in the Bronx and a prison reentry social worker in East Los Angeles, and she even writes about how Rosario Dawson uses her celebrity for social justice.

Martin raises some important points in the introduction of ‘Do It Anyway,’ before delving into her detailed analyses and in-depth profiles of activists. While we face many struggles internationally, there is an urgency to diminish all of the domestic issues at hand. Martin explains, ‘It is my strong belief that globalization and its effects demand that we, as Americans, get clear about the unmet needs and unanswered injustices in our own backyard.’ This is not to say that AIDS in Zimbabwe and genocide in Darfur are unimportant, because we are all global citizens affected by these matters. Before we attempt to solve any problems on a grand scale, however, our own soil is a good place to start.

Another vital component within effective social change is to consider where the preliminary desire, that first spark of inquisition, comes from. Martin writes, ‘I found that much of the most effective social change comes, initially, from a self-interested place.’ One is more likely to be successful in his or her chosen work if there is a personal connection behind it. There isn’t any shame in being selfish with philanthropy, because self-interest is the driving force behind our purpose.

Most importantly, Martin addresses the three words young people of our generation constantly hear from politicians, the media and teachers: Save the world.

The author’s main thesis could not be more perfectly articulated than on Page XVIII of her introduction: ‘In fact, the world will not be saved. It will be changed. It looks more like your mom — her palm on your fevered forehead, her handwritten schedule for sharing child care with neighbors, her letter to the editor of the local newspaper — than it does your president. Activism is a daily, even hourly, experiment in dedication, moral courage and resilience.’

There is a definite need for a book like ‘Do It Anyway.’ Young adults, between the ages of 18 to 24, who are aching to go out and save the world while only looking at larger issues can learn from Martin’s imperative advice: Just take it one issue at a time. This is the only way to turn idealism into a reality.

Krystie Yandoli is sophomore women’s studies major. Her column appears occasionally, and she can be reached at klyandol@syr.edu.