What's Everyone DOING?
You know, about the state of the world
So many of us are still shuffling about in a haze of rage, despair, and shock following the horrific outcome of the election. But so many are also FIGHTING. Because they always have been. The fight for a just world shouldn’t stagnate in the face of what feels hopeless; it should be energized. In addition to pursing more active volunteer involvement at my local abortion center, I’m still committed to the In Pursuit Giving Circle, which you can read more about (and join!) here ⬇️
I love the States Project because they do incredibly focused work and are so good at targeting ways in which their advocacy can make the biggest difference. Even if the federal government looks . . . like ours currently does, state government reform can go a LONG way towards progressive, equitable change. If you need a break from despondency, read about all the WINS the State Project achieved this election cycle here. And if you want to read more from Melissa Walker, head of Giving Circles, about how and why she keeps on keeping on, watch this.
So I’d love to know, in addition to escaping through books (just finished this one and it held me from beginning to end!), TV (BAD SISTERS IS BACK!), and taking time to grieve, what sort of steps are you all taking to feel a little more empowered and in touch with community? They can be big! They can be small!
Especially for people in Red States - one VERY impactful thing you can do is to contact your elected officials. You can email, phone, physically write, use a tool like ResistBot (makes it SO easy - it has pre-loaded messages). Getting negative messaging to your Senator can give them cover to try and stop some of these picks. Without hearing from constituents, they are going to cave, and fast.
https://resist.bot/
And in case you think this won't work - in the first T administration, they tried to take apart the ACA, so many people on both sides complained, they backed off.
I'm organizing a bunch of friends to read Jessica Valenti's book, Abortion, and get together to talk about it and make a plan to take care of each other and folks more vulnerable than us. I decided I'm going deep on that issue, because broad will burn me out. Obviously I will still pay attention and do the basic things on other issues, because it all intersects, but in terms of my time, talent, and treasure, reproductive justice is it. Deep, but not siloed. That's the plan...for now?!