What Can and Should I Do RIGHT NOW?

By Naima Cochrane in Culture, Uncategorized on June 10, 2020June 10, 2020

Our world is in upheaval, but this is the beginning of change. Like many, I’ve been trying to find the lane and work through which I can be most impactful, helpful and effective, while simultaneously being vigilant for misinformation or half information, and also being respectful + responsible to those doing the labor of organizing, compiling, etc.

One of the things I do best is put information in context for others, so while I’ve been sharing, amplifying, etc on socials, I wanted to create a static place to do so as well. I’ll be updating this continuously.

I’ve done my best to vet any information I’m sharing below, but I encourage you to do the same. And in the instances of who to support/get behind/listen to (me included), I always advise you do your own due diligence.

RESPONSIBLE POSTING AND AMPLIFICATION:

I’ve been working on responsibility in what I share/repeat/etc for a while, knowing it would be crucial coming into the election season. Add COVID 19 and the this latest round of protests and uprising, and it’s even more crucial. Confirmation bias does a number on all of us. I created these guidelines for myself, and tasked myself to follow them in full.

HELPING WHEN PROTESTING ON THE GROUND AIN’T YOUR MINISTRY

Movements require many players, and people on the ground and the front lines need people on the back end to support. There are plenty of roles to occupy if you’re not physically protesting in the streets.

MAPPING YOUR ROLE IN A SOCIAL CHANGE ECOSYSTEM

Deepa Iyer created this system in conjunction with Solidarity Is and Building Movement Project to help you determine the role you best play in a social change ecosystem.

Are you a Weaver, an Experimenter, a Frontline Responder, a Visionary, a Builder, a Caregiver, a Disruptor, a Healer, a Storyteller, or a Guide? DOWNLOAD the worksheet and guide, and then apply your strengths and talents where they’re best used!

Weavers: I see the through-lines of connectivity between people, places, organizations, ideas, and movements.
Experimenters: I innovate, pioneer, and invent. I take risks and course-correct as needed.
Frontline Responders: I address community crises by marshaling and organizing resources, networks, and messages.
Visionaries: I imagine and generate our boldest possibilities, hopes and dreams, and remind us of our direction.
Builders: I develop, organize, and implement ideas, practices, people, and resources in service of a collective vision.
Caregivers: I nurture and nourish the people around me by creating and sustaining a community of care, joy, and connection.
Disruptors: I take uncomfortable and risky actions to shake up the status quo, to raise awareness, and to build power.
Healers: I recognize and tend to the generational and current traumas caused by oppressive systems, institutions, policies, and practices.
Storytellers: I craft and share our community stories, cultures, experiences, histories, and possibilities through art, music, media, and movement.
Guides: I teach, counsel, and advise, using my gifts of well-earned discernment and wisdom.

PETITIONS AND ACTIONS

CHANGE.ORG PETITIONS

Is signing a petition effective? Sometimes. It IS effective in creating awareness and attention; and driving messaging to #SayTheirNames and that #BlackLivesMatter, the protests and signs, the disruption – it’s all to draw collective attention, which then catalyzes change.