Ah, padawan you are becoming wise indeed.

Most "activists" can not "organize" 10 people to follow them into a pub for free beer. You are exceptional, you didn't belong there.

Think of groups that have been successful. Study what worked for them. Meet with the leadership of those groups and take notes. They know what they are doing, leverage that.

Don't let a group interview you. Interview them. If they don't have their shit together, or seem willing to learn, move on. They are just a bunch of time wasting wankers.

Cannot find a group. Start one yourself. I'll mail you a $100 as your first donation.

Don't get discouraged. Mountains can be moved one grain of sand at a time.

Secure your funding. Asking for money is hard but absolutely necessary. Activist groups are always underfunded because no one wants to do that.

Walking away from those wannabes was the right thing to do. You learned a lot. Now translate that into something positive.

I have faith that you will do something impressive. 😇