"I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change, I am changing the things I cannot accept." - Angela Davis
Early voting has begun across the country as we're in the midst of what's being considered the most important election of modern time. The response has been historic, a record number of Americans have already cast their ballots. I'm sure we've all been inundated with recorded phone calls, text messages, emails, social media posts, and television ads from candidates. This is the usual course of events around a general election but we can all agree that this election is different. 2020 has been a year like no other and the stakes are high. We're dealing with highly politicized issues; the supreme court nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett, the impact of COVID-19, racism, police brutality, immigration, climate change, disparities in education, women's reproductive rights, equal pay, affordable access to healthcare, LGBTQIA rights, housing, and the list goes on. There's no shortage of work to be done to make the ideals of the United States Constitution a reality for all American citizens. It's going to take all hands on deck. We can't be spectators expecting someone else to do the work for us. We are the work!
It's easy to get overwhelmed or have feelings of helplessness because we don't know what to do or where to start. If we break things down into smaller action items there's enough work for everyone to participate and the key is to remain committed beyond November 3rd.
Dictionary.com defines activism as "the doctrine or practice of vigorous action or involvement as a means of achieving political or other goals, sometimes by demonstrations, protests, etc." Here are 10 ways in which we can engage in activism beyond November 3rd to move toward measurable change and equality.
Protesting is our Constitutional right and a way to make our voices heard. We can stand in solidarity with brothers and sisters for a common cause. Peacefully protesting is nice but sometimes we have to get loud enough for the powers that be to hear us. Applying pressure has brought us to this point.
Organizing - This can be as simple as organizing a meeting among family or friends to ensure everyone has filled out their census, registered to vote, and has an election day plan. We can exchange reliable resources, empower one another, and brainstorm ideas to remain involved after the election. My family has held several zoom calls specifically for this reason and they have been helpful.
VOTE - Another constitutional right and I can't stress the importance of exercising our voice. Our vote is our voice, it's our power and a tool to build the future we want for our children. Let me note that voting alone doesn’t change flawed systems of exclusion and oppression. We have to research the people that want to represent us so be intentional and hold them accountable. I'm an avid voter but in the past, I have been guilty of voting and not demanding enough accountability in exchange for it. That won't be happening anymore. My people and my community deserve better than the scraps we've been given. I'm working to be a more engaged voter. Politicians work for us not the other way around. I think we forget that.
Partner, volunteer or donate to organizations that are doing the work you believe in. If you can't be on the ground participating, help support the people that are. No donation is too small. There are many great organizations. I follow and support the work of https://untilfreedom.com/, https://colorofchange.org/, and https://www.feedbuffalo.org/.
Sign petitions for worthy causes and encourage others to participate.
Share reliable, credible information on social media - Read the entire article before posting please, and thank you.
Consider public service or community service if you love the people. You can't effectively serve the people if you don't love the people. That's why we need a new president and he's not the only leader that needs to go. I threw that in for free!
Read and research the true history of this country to understand the structural racism built into American culture. It can only be dismantled and restructured if we understand how it was constructed.
Support black businesses to generate an economy and create generational wealth.
When possible, have conversations with people that don't look like you, think like you, live where you live, or share your same political views to offer or gain a different perspective. I don't think it's always about convincing anyone after one conversation as much as it is about continuing to have an open dialogue, I think this lays the foundation for change.
There are many ways to engage in activism and I hope that people will find an action or several for that matter and remain committed to the work beyond November 3rd.
Let me know what you think about this list and share with me the ways you live out activism? I'd love to hear about it.

Commentaires