People are organizing. Communities are forming and banding together. Beautiful things are happening in the face of great darkness. One thing I know is the way I am personally relating with the current state of things needs to change, and I’m hoping to figure that out through writing here.
The good news is, Americans are increasingly realizing what a disaster Trump’s regime is for our country and our democracy. Their voices are growing louder by the day.
-Jessica Craven of Chop Wood, Carry Water
Screenshot from Facebook Live of May Day Event 5/1/25 (Voces de la Frontera)
Lately, almost all of my social media use has been sporadic and frantic consumption of headlines about the current political hell storm. It is not serving me to scroll through endless posts about the dismantling of all that I hold dear. It is not, as I have justified to myself, simply staying informed. It is keeping me in a constant state of dread, mostly frozen with overwhelm. It’s unhealthy, for me. It’s pulling me away from presence: with my family, in my work, in my free time.
Stepping away from social media (and by that I mean Billionare Bend-the-knee-Zuckerberg’s Meta products: Threads, Instagram, Facebook) I can spend this time more meaningfully. I will stay informed, but it will be in formats and doses that support my ability to act, rather than work against it. Here is what I plan to take in over the next month:
Up First - NPR podcast
How to be an Anti-Racist (reread) by Ibram X. Kendi
Chop Wood, Carry Water Daily Actions by Jessica Craven
Letters from an American with Heather Cox Richards
In consuming social media that is politically informative, but also intentionally shock-and-anger-inducing, I’ve felt continuously compelled to share countless videos, articles and Threads daily on my Instagram story and Facebook page. This feeling is like, if I share this content, then someone in my social circle will see the atrocities that are happening and be called to action, like it’s one thing I can do with just a few seconds and a click. But I’m not sure this massive waterfall of horrific and infuriating headlines is getting anyone anywhere different than it’s gotten me: stuck, frozen, and hopeless. Instead I want to be intentional with sharing: choosing actionable content or information that is meant to inform and not merely enrage.
I also need to sit with the fact that many white liberals like me are experiencing dread, anger, astonishment and internal calls to action amidst the daily injustices we’re seeing our government carry out, but also that hate, injustice, brutality, xenophobia, transphobia, ableism, and racism have always been here, and those it impacts: Black (Brown, Asian, Latinx…) people, Native Americans, immigrants, LGBTQ+ folks, people with disabilities, have always known it. Not just known it, experienced it, weathered it, bolstered their communities to survive it. This. Is. Not. New. Those in power are just giving hate a louder microphone and wielding a bigger stick. It’s short-sighted and even hurtful to speak as though these are completely unprecedented times, (NYT gift link). We can still resist, speak out, and support with our time, money and resources. We can still be in and build community, there’s never a wrong time to do that, but it doesn’t stop with a change of administration.
What I’ve been looking for, perhaps foolishly, is someone to tell me exactly the best and most effective ways to take action, to really make a difference, how to not be silent and do nothing. How to do “all the things I possibly can.” There are a million different answers and the question is ill-rooted and maybe even dangerous. Who is the authority on effectiveness? What group is most vulnerable and “worthy” of aid? Who “knows best?” The answer will change a thousand times and in the end, the people impacted are the experts on what is needed (duh). Perfectionism and the idea of “one right way” are characteristics of white supremacy culture. What I’m grappling with now is what meaningful action looks like for me. What feels best in my soul? What let’s me both be present (and not burnt out) for my kids, friends, family, community while still staying engaged. So far, on my list I have:
Raise compassionate, kind children who understand and celebrate diversity in all its forms, learn the facts of history (good, bad and very ugly), and recognize the injustices that still exist in our world and what is within their power to do about it.
This is How We Play. A new book in our house that has opened a treasure chest full of curiousity and learning about differences in ability, family structure and more.
Protest: in marches, with signs, with chalk, stickers, T-shirts, art, writing. Saying this is not okay gives others the courage to do the same. Being ready to speak up and use my privilege of relative safety when it’s needed. Since I won’t be on social media, I’ll find my local events here.
Volunteer. Action speaks louder than words. In April, this was canvassing for Judge Susan Crawford. This summer, I’m committing to some actions with our local Sunbeam Kids. Marching in Pride Parade next month as part of a Children’s Wisconsin team standing up for LGBTQ+ kids. Anything that involves native plants or community gardening.
Calling and writing legislators. I know this is important but sometimes it feels futile. Our WI GOP congresspeople seem unswayable, the only way their jobs are jeopardized for the moment is if they go against 45/47. I will keep doing it but I need all the factual encouragement I can get.
Attending town halls and local Democratic organizing meetings. Civic duties matter. Voting is just the cherry on top, we need the whole sundae.
Photo by Flavio Shibata on Unsplash
Please follow and like this newsletter for more to come on what the way forward looks like for me and *maybe* you can share yours too.
Very relatable. I have been talking about backing out of the socials you listed. I just haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Thanks for inspiring me. The possibilities are endless;-)