What can I do?
It's one of the most frequent questions I've been asked. What do I do?
This is Part 1 of my answer (part 2 in my next post)...
What bigger question is there? For anyone seeing the suffering of injustice, this is the ultimate question.
Let's start with the myth that there is a direct, clear, concise answer to this question.
There's not. I wish there was. You wish there was. Millions of people over hundreds of years have wished there was. (Don't give up or quit reading yet!)
If there was some answer that would make THE difference, do this...say that... and you ARE the best type of ally and anti-racist and you WILL effect change...Well, someone would have already done it, and everyone else would have followed (hopefully), and we would not be having this conversation now.
The answer is diversity. The answer is - it depends.
Because there is not just one answer or one thing you can do. There are a plethora of options and choices that are important actions and, combined with all you and others like you do, this multitude can create the ripple effect that breaks through the strongest walls of oppression and injustice.
And, let me assure you...
You matter. You can make a difference. I (and so many others) are so very thankful you're here and you're trying to find answers to this question!
It really does vary so much depending on who you are - your personality, your strengths, your environment - how you can best leverage your compassion into action and impact.
And, there are so many possibilities that are useful and needed (and many are much more simple than you might expect). So, let's help you find the pathways you're most enthusiastic about and feel best match who and where you are.
The added bonus? You're much more likely to avoid burnout, stay engaged, and follow through this way than if you try to follow a checklist.
Okay, now let's look at a few starter (general) examples:
Money is not to be overlooked. Even small amounts, or a recurring monthly donation to a Black-led organization, for example, can be a form of action and supporting Black voices to carry out the things that they identify as most impactful and high priority.
Signing petitions. There are so many - choose ones that represent your values and priorities and sign away! Your signature is one more toward whatever critical number may make the difference for that person, issue, family, or system to take a closer look and make a change. (Receiving notifications and/or looking on sites like change.org or moveon.org you can search for the petitions that are meaningful to you and others get suggested based on past signatures. Caveat - don't sign without reading. Sometimes one sneaks into the recommendations that is completely counter to the others.)
Action Justice Change now sends out a weekly suggestions email (previously it was daily) with a few key items for the week (often signatures, donations, etc).
Combination - Sign. Share. Donate. For those active on Social Media, any of these can be signed and then shared or donated to, increasing the impact further.
Identify local organizations that are aligned with your values of social justice and see if you can get involved right in your community. Don't be surprised if these action items also include lots of signatures, phone calls, letters, and showing up to speak up at community meetings and events. One voice rarely matters - the accumulation of voices makes a significant difference and you can pick the formats that best represent your strengths and abilities (live speaking, letters, phone calls, all of the above?)
Lead a group to take a stand. Community clubs, organizations, and/or faith-based groups can demonstrate collective power in creating petitions, statements of support, and so on as well as gathering signatures. Organizations have influence amongst their participants and members; it can be really powerful for an organization (or a collection of organizations) to create a stance explicitly outlining their beliefs and support on specific social justice issues, gather as many signatures as possible, and make it public - get it published, talked about in the news, etc.
Individual conversations are ALWAYS a really valuable place to act on the learning and awareness related to racial issues and social justice. The most change is likely to occur in relationship, so talking with those we are already in communication with is significant (and often underestimated). Even if one can't convince or change another's mind, there is a strong value in standing up and being vocal about our support on these issues consistently so that THIS is what becomes clear as the loud majority rather than the other voices espousing the opposite.
Lastly, I'll just foreshadow my next post with more individualized options - and if you want a preview, check out my previous Facebook Live video about how to be an ally - there are many, many ways and each person using their strengths can add to the movement exponentially. Here's a link to the video - if this doesn't work, it is titled "More than One Way to be an Ally." https://www.facebook.com/SocialJusticeAllies/videos/204004307662070/
I could go on and on, (as you can tell!) I will follow up and expand on additional ways to take action again next time.
In the meantime, if you're already doing some or all of these items, give yourself a huge hug and celebrate your efforts. This work isn't all glamorous, and we usually don't get to see an immediate impact of our efforts - but please don't let this fool you about the significance of these actions.
You matter. You can make a difference. I'm so thankful you're here.
