 Find Your Power Amidst the Chaos: A List of Resources
This is not the first time our country has been in crisis mode. It won't be the last. But, for many, this is unfamiliar territory. It feels overwhelming. As our rights erode, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking one person can't do anything. But, that's not true. We just need to find our voice. Our skills, personalities, and individual circumstances are different. Not everyone can do everything. But, there is something on this resource list everyone can do. It's time to get in some "good trouble." People's Veto Day, April 5: Sponsored by 50501: 50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement, the Women's March, and Hands Off, this nationwide protest is being held in locations around the country. Find your local protest here. Indivisible: Find local, virtual, and various protest campaigns, including telephone banking, petition signings, and postcard mailings. Blue Wave Postcard Movement: Participate in postcard campaigns to protest and inform. 5 Calls: Call your representatives and tell them what you think. 5 Calls is an app for Android and iPhone which makes it easy. They even give you a script, so stage fright is no excuse! Boycotts Work: While not as dramatic as newsworthy protests, economic boycotts have a history of sparking change. Goods Unite Us and Open Secrets give full details about which political organizations and issues a company or individual supports. Boycotting those you do not agree with is a quiet, yet powerful way to use your dollars to protest. Use Your Voice: On social media, with friends, family, and community - voice your outrage. In a kind way, of course. Find Your People: Your family, close friends, and in your community - there are like-minded people within your reach. Be Kind to Others: It's easy to turn outrage into hate. How can people be so cruel, we wonder. It's a good question, but we can't let the actions of others change our caring and compassionate hearts. Be Kind to Yourself: The chaos is exhausting. It's important to take a step back every once in a while. Get out in nature, read a book, listen to music, or whatever you need to do to stay healthy in mind and body. And, never forget to hope. It's our greatest asset. "Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble." - John Lewis How are you handling the chaos? Comment below, or email Kristine at [email protected] and let us know!
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  From his teen years on, John Lewis was determined to not only give words to his observations about injustices heaped on Black Americans for 400 years, but he also backed his words up with actions.
John Lewis’ ancestors were among the many who escaped slavery only to find few opportunities open to them. As a boy, his parents pleaded with him not to call attention to himself. Brother Samuel recalls that their mother warned John “not to get in trouble, not to get in the way.” The message was clear ─ be quiet, keep your head down and don’t get into trouble. The lives of his family depended on it. Some years later, John Lewis talked about how difficult it was to balance speaking out about cruel injustices and keeping his family safe. He loathed endangering his family. But as he moved into adulthood, he could not stand by and do nothing. And, he didn’t. He paid dearly for his courage. But, as family members said at a memorial Saturday, July 25, 2020, he was a fighter for "the least of us." He knew pain and injustice. He never stopped causing “good trouble,” from sit-ins at lunch counters, to freedom rides on buses, from suffering serious injury during a peaceful march over a bridge to his tireless work for the voting rights of people of color. Rest in Power, John Lewis. Click here to read the inspirational last words of John Lewis. |
Nancy JeanNancy Jean is a woman of several lives and careers, including school teacher, homemaker, parent, amateur musician and writer. Read more... Archives
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