Be Part of the Solution
We all read the news. Perhaps all worry about racial injustice and wonder what can be done. A resilient response is to ask the question “what shall I do?” This question assumes you will do something, and can direct your wise mind to explore the options.
Here are some things my wife and I have been doing, many for several years. Perhaps some of these will work for you.
Educate yourself:
I have been reading How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi, one of many practical resources that are easily available.
Contribute to racial justice:
We donate through ActBlue, allowing us to split a financial contribution among 13 organizations working for racial justice.
Support American Indian communities:
Consider donating time and money to an American Indian organization. Over several years, we have given both to the Oglala Lakota Children’s Justice Center in Pine Ridge, SD. For a list of national native American organizations, go to https://www.diversitybestpractices.com/news-articles/top-native-american-organizations-to-know
Help people vote:
In pandemic times, writing letters is a good way to support the right to vote. We have been participating in an effort to send 10 million voter turnout letters in 2020 through Vote Forward. We also are participating in national efforts via the Sierra Club to register people to vote and help them turn out to vote.
You can also volunteer your time. In 2016, 2018 and again this year, I have volunteered to canvass for progressive candidates for public office. Although in-person canvassing is up in the air due to the pandemic, there are online options available.
Rock the Vote can help you encourage young people to turn out to vote. https://www.rockthevote.org/
Support the movement for poor and low-wealth people:
We are supporting and will participate in the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival on June 20. https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/
Listen:
I have been listening to stories and strategies for racial justice with the podcast Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast
Write your representatives:
Tell your members of congress, governor, and state representatives that you expect them to make racial justice a top priority. We have written to ours fairly often. Find contact information for them at https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials/