Community Thoughts

Introduction/Manifesto

I am someone who is overflowing with love and empathy, which of course means I'm full of rage at any given moment about the treatment of others.

Now, I know I'm not alone on that front. But I know it is becoming increasingly overwhelming when trying to think about what someone can do to do...well, anything to help.

I'm not going to lie to you and say it is easy to muster the energy to spare on others, and I'm fortunate to have more energy and support than most.

But does that mean it is not worth it? At what point do you no longer allow yourself to stand by or be quiet? What is your limit for injustice?

For me, I've reached the point a few times, but never knew what to do with that rage, that energy.

This page is to hold my ways of navigating activism, organizing, and community building; partly to document it for myself, but mostly to share with you, in case it would help you start too.

Activist Activities

I've been volunteering on and off throughout my life, mostly to get volunteer hours for school or to help out a teacher I liked.

However, I haven't applied myself to volunteer again as an adult. Until now, at least. There's a few places I want to volunteer at, but the application process is understandably taking a moment to get back to me.

But what else can I do?

This is a incomplete list, of course, but here's a few ideas:

• Join a banned book book club
• Host a potluck in your area
• Donate clothing to friends or a school's thrift closet
• Upcycle old clothing
• Learn a DIY skill like hand sewing, carpentry, gardening, etc
• Support your local library by attending events
• Join a hobby club in your area
• Learn how car maintenance works, to do for yourself and friends/family
• Swap old books with friends, family or donate to a Little Library
• Start a herb garden
• Learn more about community events in your area

Activist Learning

There's so much information out there, but sifting through the grime to find the helpful tools and tips takes a lot of effort.

Luckily, I am a huge nerd and love a good search-and-find research dive.

Here are some resources I have consumed that I find helpful, insightful, and hopeful.

• Ballotpedia, which I use to check my U.S.A. ballot, political candidates, and who funds them. Gives information on both parties with little bias, allowing you to draw your own conclusions.
• Social Justice Spotlight, a neocities website with lists on lists of references and reources! Dive in!