Tonight, I've been reflecting on what I can do with all this nervous energy. I blew off the "Protect Muller" Rally, because I thought it didn't really matter if I was there or not, plus my 3 year old fell asleep and I didn't want to have to stand on the Courthouse lawn for an hour holding him. I have decided to compile a list of things to do in Bloomington to "resist" in a meaningful way. Here are some suggestions for you to consider for meaningful activism, because I feel like my elected officials aren't going to do shiiiit:
1. Choose a hobby. You want to know what I recommend for channeling your rage? Needle felting. Just take a needle that's sharp as hell and just stab the shit out of some wool until it becomes an adorable animal. Or terrifying creature. You choose. Or, try knitting! Many people who live with anxiety and bipolar disorder find the repetitive act of knitting to be comforting. I also enjoy some subversive quilting when I have time. "How do I learn to do this?" you ask. The answer is Youtube. Or take a class from one of the local sewing shops, I know there are some out there. Use Google.
Want to see some makers who have taken their arts to the next level, selling their wares to benefit local groups like Moms Demand Action, check out The Persisterhood Workshop on Facebook.
2. Pissed off about healthcare? Volunteer with VIM. Are you upset that people in Indiana don't understand the concept of Medicare for All? Does it infuriate you that there are people who still don't have access to quality health care in this country? See what you can do to help at the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic. If you speak other languages fluently, bonus! Check out www.vimmonroecounty.org
3. Angry about family separation? Check out the Bloomington Latino Outreach volunteer page and see ways you could help local Latino families. Even though there are no families being separated in our community, we can still help raise up our Latinx siblings at home. Fluent Spanish speakers are needed, especially when helping with translation for medical situations such as signing up for health insurance.
Also, check out the Bloomington Refugee Support Network or Exodus and see how you can contribute your time or money. Again, it's not the same issue as separation, but still an issue where there is a need.
4. Frustrated for families living in poverty? Pantry 279, started by Girl Scouts for crying out loud, is in desperate need for Thanksgiving donations. Volunteer your time helping organize the food pantry at Monroe County United Ministries, or just donate some food. Mother Hubbard's Cupboard is another great organization. Community Kitchen and the Shalom Center can always use help. The Interfaith Winter Shelter has begun, and they always need folks to help staff it. New Hope Family Shelter always has a wish list of greatly needed items for you guessed it, families, living in their temporary homeless shelters.
5. Incredulous about Brett Kavanaugh? Check out Middle Way House and The Rise which provides services for women and children fleeing domestic violence and see what you can do to contribute. Drop off a box of tampons and pads, or any other comfort items that the shelter deems as needed (maybe call first to see what is most in demand)
This is not by any means an exhaustive list. Do you have suggestions for community organizations? Drop them in the comments! And keep fighting, even though it seems fruitless at times. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
No comments:
Post a Comment