Back in February, I posted about 5 Ways to Get Involved Right Now in this scary, uncertain world we’re living in. Now, six months later, it’s easy to feel like things are never going to get any better. Some days, the weight of it all seems unbearable, but I just keep thinking: What we can do after Charlottesville and beyond does have the power to change things. What we do will make a difference.
What’s happening in Charlottesville is NOT a political issue. It’s a HUMAN RIGHTS issue. And there aren’t “many sides” because the last time I checked, you’re either part of the solution or you’re condoning racism and hate. And there’s absolutely no place at the table for that kind of violence.
Here are a few things YOU can do to make a difference today…
Speak Up
You have a strong voice. Use it. And more importantly, don’t be afraid to use it. When you see injustice around you, point it out. Our voice is a powerful tool, so please use it for good.
Listen
Although speaking up is important, sometimes listening is what’s needed more. Listen to people. Let them speak. And don’t talk over them.
Education & Support
Knowledge is power and education is the first step in combating hatred. Staying up to date on the news is a given, both online and in print, but it’s also important to learn how to respond to bigotry and work to be a better ally.
As for support, here is a great list of organizations in Charlottesville that need your help.
And in general, here are 5 organizations dedicated to fighting hate, discrimination and bigotry…
• NAACP
• ACLU
“Every minute we allow this to persist through tacit encouragement or inaction is a disgrace, & corrosive to our values,” Hillary Clinton tweeted recently. “Now is the time for leaders to be strong in their words & deliberate in their actions. We will not step backward. If this is not who we are as Americans, let’s prove it.”
We cannot let racism, misogyny, sexism, ableism win. We cannot accept this behavior as our normal. Too much is at stake. Because this is NOT who we are. This is not where we want to go. We can’t let ourselves be swallowed by hate.
Never underestimate the power and value of being a decent human being. As I’ve said before, the world can be a dark, dark place. Be the light. I love you… xoxo
[Top photo by Debbie Elliott for NPR. Bottom photo via We Heart It]