There is no doubt that Olivia Rodrigo has been an influential pop star when it comes to philanthropy, particularly in supporting women and children. During her GUTS Tour, she notably donated free emergency contraceptives to attended her concert in St. Louis, Missouri.
Not only this, but as an artist with Filipino roots, she donated all of the proceeds from her Philippines concert during the GUTS tour to the organization, Jhpiego, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting reproductive health and education for girls internationally, including through its work in the Philippines.
On Aug. 29, 2026, Rodrigo hosted her own music festival, Daisy Chain Fields, in Irvine, California. The festival showcased popular singers such as Doechii, Chappell Roan, and Mitski, who all performed for free at the event.
The mission statement of the festival, found on the Daisy Chain Fields website, includes empowering statements,including that the festival was “founded on the belief that joy, community, and creativity can inspire meaningful change” and provides “opportunities for education, dialogue, and engagement around issues affecting women and girls in the United States and globally.”
I believe this festival has greatly accomplished this mission.
Daisy Chain Fields raised $20 million for 10 nonprofits that aim to carry out the goals outlined in its mission statement. Included in the lineup were nonprofits organizations such as the John Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health, the Center for Reproductive Rights, the National Domestic Workers Alliance and Planned Parenthood.
As part of the program, the festival included special guest Sarah McLachlan, who founded Lilith Fair, a revolutionary festival in the 1990s. The festival featured an all-female lineup of musicians and donated much of its proceeds to nonprofits that aimed to support women.
Despite facing bomb threats and protests towards the Planned Parenthood booths, Lilith Fair continued, demonstrating resilience in the face of those who sought to undermine its advocacy for women.
Daisy Chain Fields took much inspiration from Lilith Fair, highlighting its emphasis on donations to nonprofit organizations that advocate for women and marginalized communities.
I believe the creation and existence of this festival speaks volumes about Rodrigo’s use of her platform for good. She demonstrates that using a platform like hers for civic good is possible, and that possibility has now been realized through Daisy Chain Fields.
Utilizing a huge platform for advocacy is a topic that is widely debated. There is much critique over what advocacy is defined as, and how to avoid being a “performative activist,” is a person who speaks up about an issue because it provides social clout.
In many of these debates, there is a common trend that there is simply no “right way” to engage in activism.
However, I believe Rodrigo is very upfront with her advocacy. She has put the issues at hand at the forefront of her festival. Even the design of her stage has a 1970s women’s liberation aesthetic, with images of buttons that state, “Bans off our bodies.”
Daisy Chain Fields’ advocacy isn’t subtle; there are no undertones. The issues Rodrigo fights for are incredibly present and simpossible to ignored. This gives hope that perhaps more people, singers or not, can be encouraged to speak out about the issues they care about without fear.
Who is an artist that gives you hope and inspiration for betterment of our society? Let us know @HerCampusSJSU!