How to do the work

It is an absolute shit show out there in America. And the balance between being informed and needing to dissasociate in order to survive is a slippery slope. If you’re like me, you want to do your part but often feel overwhelmed with where to start. I’ve got some ideas I wanted to share in case you’re ready to jump in and get us on the long road to change.

Educate yourself and those around you

The reason those in charge are getting rid of the department of education and removing history is because they want you uneducated. If you’re uneducated you’re easily confused and more likely to buy into false narratives. Invest in local news, reputable sources and educate yourself on the facts. Call out ignorance and fake news when you see it. Tell folks when they’re listening to sources that are not based in truth. Refuse to buy into the lies and know the difference between facts and opinions.

Start Local

Long term change starts local. So find an organization (or two!) that you’re passionate about and donate your time and money to that space. You don’t need to spend 40+ hours and all your money doing this. Take an hour a month and work your way up to whatever works for you. Give $5 one time and work your way up to a manageable number long term for your budget. Local organizations are how we build community, empower local politicians, and save lives. The small town mayor fighting for women’s rights becomes a DC senator because we supported them at the start. Starting local is the number one way to drive change.

Bring your values to work

Do you work at a company that supports doing the right thing? Learn into that. Find out if they match donations. If you work at a company that doesn’t support your values and you can’t afford to quit, find ways to hire vendors and support small businesses that align with your values. Hire the small town LGBTQ+ Baker. Buy alcohol from the Black owned winemaker down the street.

Make Calls

5calls.org is the easiest way to call your local politicians. They help you find the right folks to make your voice heard as well as provide scripts for the issues that matter most to you. Calls to political representatives are up some 600% in the last few weeks. These elected officials are listening and they’re using your voice to enact change. Do not let up.

Show up

Protests are happening everywhere. Grab a friend and show up. Make a sign and memorize a chant. Along with making calls, this is such an impactful way to make sure your voice is heard.

There are more of us than there are billionaires running this country. It is on us to make our voices heard and fight for change. They want us discouraged and beaten down. If you need to take a break, take a break. And then get back in the fight. It’s going to take years to create the change we want and need, don’t give up.

More than a Social Media Moment

I’m really happy to see more and more people speaking up and saying that Black Lives Matter. I love seeing protests and donations and discussions that have started to takeover because of it. My only concern is that I hope people understand this is more than a social media moment. It is a movement.

So I’d like to share how I, as a white woman am working to make sure everyday I’m contributing to the solution. And before you say “I’ve always been an ally” or “I’ve always been aware” I encourage you to remember that this is a work in progress, you’re never done.

I’ve always thought of myself as someone who is not racist but the thing is, I’ve absolutely said things before, been uneducated, and can always improve. What’s the harm in knowing you can always be a better ally?

Listen

First and foremost, I'm listening to black voices. I’m opening my mind to just sit and listen to stories and experiences of black men and women and taking them for what they are - experiences I have never and will never have. I’m spending time listening without responding so that I take the time to really understand what these stories and experiences mean.

Reflecting

A lot of my time right now is spent reflecting on how/if/when I have been part of the problem. And if I have been, how could I have acted differently? I’m also looking at how the stories I’m hearing are shaping my viewpoint. How would I feel if I was this person? I’m trying to digest everything I’m taking in by simply reflecting on all of it. Taking the time not to speak, but to really digest what it all means and how I’ve been an ally and how I have been a problem.

Talking

I’m first and foremost talking to my white friends. We are having open dialogue on our part in this movement and where we can be better. We are talking about the stories we hear, the research we’ve done, and we are sharing the best places to learn more. We are having safe space discussions and checking in with each other before we speak and act.

Learning

I am constantly learning. Whether that be through reading, watching shows and movies and docs, listening to podcasts - I’m learning. I’m checking out articles, I’m on Twitter looking at what folks are saying. As much as possible I’m trying to retrain my brain. Education in America is based on a white experience. What we learn i school IS the white experience. I have a lot of that to unravel. It starts with seeking out the history that we should have learned and understanding how our country was shaped to oppress black people. It’s learning so that I understand the experience I didn’t have.

Sharing

I haven’t stopped sharing. On the socials, in person, at work - I am constantly sharing knowledge and encouraging discussion. It is my responsibility to do my part and keep the movement going. I’m not going to let it fizzle.

I hope that you’ll join me in continuing to work for change. I have noticed a lot of folks are already letting their feeds go back to normal, and its disheartening. It’s especially disappointing to see among people that call themselves advocates for change. Your entire social media experience doesn’t need to be BLM, but don’t completely erase those posts. Continue to push people to get uncomfortable. Call them out when they show they’re just here for a like on Instagram. Do your part. It’s not easy, but imagine being someone who actually lives this experience everyday. I want a better world. And I understand in order to have that, I’ve got to put in the work.