Happy New Year from Students For Liberty!
After what has been a year of unprecedented upheaval and challenges with COVID-19 and lockdowns, let us hope that 2021 will see the end of the pandemic. Perhaps there will be new opportunities to see increasing numbers of people who come to value the ideas of liberty.
On the occasion of the New Year 2021, here are 21 resolutions for you to consider:
1. Collect more crypto
With so much economic uncertainty and the concerning prospect of a gradual move towards a cashless society dominated by central bank digital currencies, 2021 could be the right time to invest in cryptocurrencies.
2. #FreeBelarus
In Belarus, the August presidential election has led “Europe’s last dictator,” Alexander Lukashenko, to declare himself the winner. This quickly prompted public demonstrations on an unprecedented scale. Protesters continue to demand an end to corruption, political violence, and human rights abuses. Let us continue to draw attention to this cause in hope of a freer Belarus in 2021.
3. Get borders reopened
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen many governments impose significant new barriers to freedom of movement. It is of vital importance for liberty and prosperity that this trend is reversed. We must not let the pandemic leave behind a legacy of increasingly closed, isolated, and inward-looking nations.
4. Read more books
Reading plays an important role in deepening our understanding of different ideas. Tweet your recommendations to @sfliberty. You can find some of our recommendations here.
5. Subscribe to a VPN
Digital privacy is likely to remain a hot topic for the foreseeable future, particularly as we conduct more and more of our daily activities online. Perhaps you should consider subscribing to a VPN in 2021.
6. Host a Star Wars marathon
Have you been meaning to host a Star Wars marathon for some time but, somehow, it just hasn’t happened yet? Why not make a point of finally rewatching every Star Wars movie back to back in 2021? While watching, consider the ways in which there is a crossover between Star Wars and the values of liberty.
7. Embrace sustainable living
In recent years, we have seen much innovation in the field of sustainability. Free enterprise continues to play an important role in finding solutions to environmental issues, but so does individual action. In 2021, let’s think of ways in which we can make a difference with sustainable life choices.
8. End economic illiteracy
Particularly in light of trade wars, lockdowns, and stimulus packages, it is now more important than ever to help increase awareness around basic economic concepts, and highlight the fact that a more prosperous society will also be a healthier society.
9. End the drug war
The past year has seen many positive steps towards the de-escalation of the war on drugs. However, these steps do not go nearly far enough. Let us hope that 2021 sees continued momentum building towards respecting individuals’ life choices and liberating the millions incarcerated for victimless drug crimes.
10. Become an entrepreneur
Have you ever thought about starting a side hustle, becoming a freelancer, or starting your own business? 2021 could be your year!
11. Study firearm safety
A good resolution for 2021 would be to become a responsible firearm owner, capable of defending yourself and others. Learning about firearm safety and good practices is an important part of that.
12. Learn self defense
Related to the resolution above, 2021 could be the year you invest time in learning self defense, ensuring that any attacker will regret their choice of target. Perhaps you might discover a hidden talent for martial arts.
13. Develop your writing
Effective writing is a crucial component in the battle of ideas. In order to further the cause of liberty and develop a valuable skill, why not make 2021 the year you start writing regularly? You could even send over a submission to the Students For Liberty blog.
14. Host a pro-liberty event
Whether it’s in-person or online, this could be the year for you to step up and host an event to help promote a pro-liberty cause. If you’re unsure about what kind of event you’d like to run, you can check out Students For Liberty’s campaigns page for more inspiration.
15. Attend an SFL conference
After a difficult year, we are hopeful that more in-person events will be returning in 2021. More than just an opportunity to develop your understanding of the ideas of liberty, Students For Liberty’s conferences are a unique experience that you surely don’t want to miss.
16. Grow your network
An excellent resolution to set for 2021 is to grow your network. The aforementioned Students For Liberty conferences provide a fantastic opportunity to meet and engage with people from all around the world with a shared interest in promoting a freer future. You can also consider joining online groups centered around specific issues or campaigns.
17. Embrace tech liberty
The new year presents an opportunity to reflect on the technological advancements that have helped to make the world a better place. In 2021, we should also be wary of the many barriers that impede future progress and innovation, and call for greater tech liberty.
18. Use constructive dialogue
When promoting our ideas, using constructive dialogue is the most effective way to gain new allies, or at least make others curious enough to want to find out more. Sticking to constructive dialogue will help create a culture more inclined towards freedom.
19. Be a better person
Related to constructive dialogue, the new year is also an opportunity to focus on how we can be more kind and understanding towards one another, particularly when it comes to debates where we can respectfully disagree.
20. Don’t be a jerk
If we are to convince others of the merits of our ideas, it is important not to underestimate just how counterproductive it can be to have a hostile, confrontational, or generally negative attitude when we engage in debates.
21. Invest in liberty
If you are serious about taking action to make the world a better and freer place in 2021, then consider investing in liberty by clicking on the button below.
This piece solely expresses the opinion of the author and not necessarily the organization as a whole. Students For Liberty is committed to facilitating a broad dialogue for liberty, representing a variety of opinions.
