This morning a friend of mine posted this poem on Instagram:
This poem resonated with me so deeply for a number of reasons. One is that I am seeing a whole lotta policing of peoples actions in activism and that makes me worried for the future of all sorts of movements.
We are human beings engaging in the risk to take action in 2018.
We aren’t going to get it right all of the time.
For many throughout the country this is the first time they have spoken out.
There is a great need for grace among the activists. Let’s make space for those who want to pray. Let’s make space for those who want to protest. Let’s make space for legislators who want to make change. Let’s vote in legislators who will actually take action. We don’t have time for resentment and criticism.
After the shooting in Florida, young people rose up like we have never seen before. One of the most immediate reactions to their rising was adults swooping in to try to do it better.
Now is not the time to try and take over, now is the time to support and love the young people throughout this nation who are calling for a change right now.
Here are some things you can do right now to support the March for our Lives:
Go to the website and decide how you want to get involved with the march on March 24, 2018. Here is the link.
Donate money to their Go Fund Me page. Every little bit helps from $1 to $1000. Here is the link.
Work with the young people in your community to help them plan their own march in connection with March for our Lives. Here is the link.
Write to your elected officials and tell them enough is enough. If you don’t know who your elected officials are just Google, “who are my elected officials” and you will get connected through a link!
Come together, love each other, connect to the passion of your soul, and allow space for imperfect activism.
It’s Monday, light it up y’all, Dr. Melissa Bird
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