Not Quiet
I've been quiet here... but I haven't been quiet.
I've been talking with friends and family.
I've been talking on Facebook.
I've been making calls.
If you're feeling like I have been, like you woke up after the election to a world you didn't expect, recognize or know how to exist in, then I want to use this as a forum to talk about what I've been doing. And what I hope to continue doing. So you can join me.
Before I begin, if you are not a person of color you must recognize and begin to unpack your privilege. Not sure what I'm talking about? Look here: https://www.deanza.edu/faculty/lewisjulie/White%20Priviledge%20Unpacking%20the%20Invisible%20Knapsack.pdf
And then use your friend Google to find more.
Once you've begun- we can start attacking this more deeply.
First - read this: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/11/magazine/a-time-for-refusal.html?_r=0
NOT normalizing is critical.
Second - join a group where you can plan, and talk and together take action. In real life, on Facebook, wherever you find it. Surround yourself with people who will help motivate and push you forward. Here is one if you're looking for one: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1223843174315263/
ACTION is key.
Third - lift your voice, make it heard. Posting on Facebook is good, sure. BUT, we have to do more. I called my senators and congresswoman and asked them to stand up to Trump's appointment of Bannon. I will continue to call them and ask them to take action as I see fit because they represent me. Find your representatives here: http://www.whoismyrepresentative.com/ and find out how to best get their ear here: http://www.attn.com/stories/12768/former-congressional-staffer-explains-how-to-make-congressman-listen
YOUR VOICE matters.
Fourth - take in information that encourages you, but also makes you think and opens your mind. I have several places you could go- here are a few:
The latest issue of Brevity
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT and EDUCATION are necessary.
Fifth- self care is important, but remember that there are groups of people around us who do not have the luxury of sitting back and taking care of themselves because of parts of themselves they cannot change or remove. So please, if you are from a place of privilege like I am, remember that we can and must take care of ourselves, but that we also must stand up and use our privilege to act.
Will you join me?
What are you doing? Please share it so I can join you.
