Being an activist at home

I reflected on if I should post this week and I decided that if I was going to write that it would be about advocacy related. Right now I think that it is important to use my blog despite being small as a platform to speak up against racism. Since I have reflected and acknowledged that I have privilege and I should not be silent. The resources mentioned are geared towards supporting the black lives matter movement.

1. Volunteer

2. Contact your elected official

Contact your elected official to voice your thoughts. The more people that contact them about the same issue the higher chance that they will realize that it is important to the people they represent. Also if they respond make sure to send a follow up whether it be by phone, email, or mail. They may forget because they are busy and most people forget to follow up so you reaching out will stand out more.

University of California Berkeley Library has some tips for how you can email your elected official

3. Donate

You can donate money to nonprofits or organizations if you have the money. Every donation helps no matter how small it may seem. If you can’t donate that’s okay and their are other ways that you can help.

Here are some organizations where you can donate to support the black lives matter movement and anti-racist work.

Bail Project Pays the bails of people who can’t afford it

Fair Fight Focuses on protecting voter rights and promoting fair elections

Black Visions Collective Based in Minnesota they want a future where all black lives are treated equally

NAACP Promotes equal rights for everyone without racial discrimination

ACLU works to protect people’s constitutional rights and liberties

Campaign Zero Dedicated to ending police violence in America with their 10 step plan

4. Sign petitions

This is free and takes only a few minutes of your time but it can make a difference.

5. Educate yourself

Take the time to educate yourself on the causes that you are supporting or advocating for. You can also reflect and acknowledge privilege that you may have.

Here are some suggestions:

Kids books to support conversations on racism

Author Ibrami X. Kendi antiracist reading list

Odyssey Article with 10 suggestions of Podcasts on race

PBS Black History Documentaries

6. Social media

Use the power of social media to spread awareness and offer suggestions for how other people can help. However please be mindful of posting photos or videos that include protesters’ faces without their permission to protect their identities. Posting should be the beginning or part of your advocacy work not the only thing that you do.

7. Talk

Have conversations about systemic racism and other social justice issues. Call them out if they are saying something that is racist or typecast. If you don’t say anything they might not know and the cycle or misinformation will continue.

8. Register to vote

For more information on registering to vote go to usa.gov/registertovote

9. Support minority-owned businesses

Here are some black-owned businesses that might not be mentioned as much as other businesses.

100 black owned etsy shops by madmommy

Black-owned beauty brands by the Life She Has

If you choose to attend protests or demonstrations please make sure that you are safe and prepared. I am including a link from Self about protesting safely. If you have any questions, ideas, or anything that I am missing you can always contact me or comment down below.