I know that the past couple of weeks have made “community” into quite the buzz-word. And that’s never been more accurate – we need to make sure we are actively engaging with our communities; both the members of volunteers and helpers, to those that are benefiting from them. A few of the things that I intend to do as a show of support is to –

• Support group leaders that put on our Austin-based events by hosting one yourself. Nothing like getting to organize and softly cruise-direct a group of friends and acquaintances over some food and drinks. These days, a nice and easy night out amongst those we know are safe is so important.
• Divesting in the corporations that are abandoning their DEI policies. Hard as it was, I waved good-bye to my Amazon and Target accounts, and made a list of thrift stores that I will be shopping from. We have buying power, and we can hit back where they’d feel it most – their quarterly earnings. In addition, I’ve made a comprehensive list of minority owned businesses that I plan to be spending my money at, and sharing reviews in the hopes that others will choose them over a mega-chain. If you’d like to make your own list, I recommend checking out Do 512’s website.
• Learning new skills to make my clothing last a little longer by way of sewing and mending, participating in my neighborhood Buy Nothing groups, and sharing the gift of knowledge when I can.
• Stepping in for friends in need – instead of posting a comment for someone whose just had a major surgery or a new baby, show up for them! Bring over some freezer-and-slow-cooker-friendly meals with instructions on heating, and catch up while doing some dishes or folding some laundry. This will be much more impactful than trying to catch up over a coffee that forces them to leave the house.
• Be a knowledge hub – if there are resources that can provide any type of aid to our vulnerable communities, share that information far and wide. If you know the process for casting favor or opposition on a local bill, post about it or offer to go as a group. If you know where raids and profiling are actively occurring, give people a head’s up.

Whether we acknowledge it or not, we have all benefitted from local organizers stepping up to gather, to share information, or to simply exist as a place of peace and solidarity. Now is not the time to stand idly by when so many of us are frantically seeking aid. I know it can be a little scary to use your voice amongst strangers or to speak on such politically-charged subjects, but if we don’t, who will? We can no longer wait around for others to step up, to support those who need help, and to organize and share information that will help us through these bleak times. As an optimist, I believe that America can become a land for all to live out their dreams, regardless of race, birth place, gender, sexuality, age, ability, or economic class. This has yet to ever exist, but with passionate community, we can make it happen.