Resist ! Keeping the movement alive

The Leader of the Free world has been busy this week signing policies that will have a severe impact on the lives of Americans and citizens across the world, in particular marginalised groups of people. It's going to be relentless, heck it already feels that way! but the key here is to not give in to these overwhelming feelings. Millions across the world turned out on their streets to march for the protection of our human rights, to send a clear message not just to the President but to leaders around the World that we will resist them! and if nothing else keeps us focused, it should be that... that WE ARE NOT ALONE! You may feel at times that you are alone through the actions you take/have taken or you may not yet know where to start, but know that there are others like you; fighting and questioning the same. 

There will be those that will try to derail you and exhaust you. They will tell you that other people are worse off than you, that you should accept your fate and be grateful, they will tell you its democratic or not that bad and try to encourage a cognitive dissonance from you, ask you why you are bothering now and much more besides......they are projecting their own fears, remember that. YOU ARE WOKE! It doesn't matter the length or circumstance it has taken for you to reach that awareness or be public about it, its not a competition but there will be those that will try to minimise your efforts in that way too.....YOU ARE AWARE! and what matters is what you are going to do about it. We will make mistakes but more importantly we will learn and it's important to never give into our fears, our self doubt for then we will be silenced. Understand that fear is at the core of the resistance you will face so show compassion and what you stand for, not just what you are against when engaging with people/spreading awareness....don't take shit though !

Don't stay safe - by that I mean allow yourself to be challenged and sit in that discomfort. Activism is not meant to be easy. Know yourself in those moments where you want to be defensive, for when those moments approach you should acknowledge them and choose to be open instead....it is a hard but worthwhile liberation!

So what do we do? Well all those causes and issues you have always cared about......continue advocating but raise your platform and shout louder, start publicly advocating if you haven't done so yet and make your support intersectional by investigating and educating yourself on issues and causes that do not directly affect you. Understanding the impact of our privileges and the lack of them will connect us better with each other and make us more effective in our solidarity and supporting the changes we want in this world. In the words of Audre Lorde, "there is no such thing as a single issue struggle because we do not live single issue lives". Do what you can to make a difference because if we are all acting together, no contribution is too small or too big....it is an action, take one or a few and follow through.

Tips

• Write letters to your government and sign petitions on issues and cause, maximise their presence on social media to reach out to others and encourage their support - it is a powerful tool when used well.
• Get creative about how you attract support for causes and issues - the Arts are a powerful means of this to inspire and educate. Organise and/or be part of events that raise awareness. 
• Take to the streets, volunteer, give funds, speak to people in your communities, share your skills - whatever it is just give what you can of yourself. 
• Have a motivation and don't forget it, this will serve as a reminder and source of strength when you feel like giving up. 
• Self care - no you are not selfish, you are being responsible and you'll need to be strong when handling dissent.

  

                Thank you for resisting! Thank you for caring !

 One Love

Hx