Things You Can Do To Help "The People"
Not sure if you noticed but there’s a lot of injustices and anti-democratic foolishness happening in the US. There are real actionable ways to help people and help the situations and causes that you’re really feeling connected to. Check out the list below!
HOLD YOUR REPS ACCOUNTABLE: Our money pays the salary of senators/representatives, put them to work! Easily put in your address or zip code and you can get the direct phone number of your legislators AND helpful talking points and udpates on a wide range of issues on the 5 Calls website. Every call you make is logged and accounted for! Squeaky wheels get grease, let’s get loud on the issues that matter to us!
DONATE/VOLUNTEER: There are likely some incredible organizations and non-profits in your community that are organized and doing good work. Support them! Your time, money, energy and donations can go a long way within organizations are are already in the trenches. Check out orgs like Just Serve to find volunteer opportunities. Find your local Food Bank here for pickup, donations and volunteer opportunities.
TAKE ACTION: Some of us will boycott, some of us will march, get in where you fit in, all action helps that is right for your mind/body/soul. The 50501 Community hosts regular protests and days of action, check out their website for more info. Boycott effectively with this ongoing boycotts list on Choose Democracy, let your dollars speak!
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project has valuable information on their Know Your Rights page, including resources for individuals to better understand their rights. Combat rumors and misinformation by getting rights information from trusted sources.
TAKE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH: First and foremost, you have to “put on your oxygen mask first".” Tend to your mental health first, always. If you’re feel a gnawing obligation to “stay informed” know that it does not mean staying glued to social media and news for the majority of your waking life. That is NOT sustainable, rarely helps the cause and can lead to a decline in your mental health. Redirect your focus to action items IRL. Take social media breaks and set news/social media limits for yourself. Spend more time in nature without screens. Take deep breaths and explore meditation. Watch cats and dogs do hilarious things. Resiliency depends on putting down the sword and letting others take over so you can recharge and return the favor in the future. BALANCE people! Find balance.
CHECK ON YOUR LOVED ONES: Stay connected to your loved ones and the community at arms reach. Some people are not doing ok and may not speak up. Use you intuition while respecting boundaries. The biggest way the people win is by caring for each other and our resources. Together we win.
