Yes you need to vote, but what else can you do right now?

 

At this point, we have all heard the story of Gorge Floyd, if you haven’t here is another post we did that goes more in-depth. Black people's lives being taken and discrimination against black people by the government, police, and citizens of the USA without any repercussions is not new and it’s time to act. Voting is important; the current president has become a leader of racism perpetuates hate crimes and violence against POC, we need him out of office, but we can do more than just vote.

Let’s talk about what we can do as non-black individuals and as a community right now, because we don’t have time to wait for an election, we need to start seeing change now, there needed to be change hundreds of years ago. 

1. Donate: If you have the means it’s time to donate. Donating right now is important but if you can set up a monthly recurring donation that is even more important. Here is a list of organizations that need money now. 

There is also an Org called Pool Resources in Portland that connects people with individuals Venmo's so you can directly help people out. 

2. Protest: Go into the streets and show your solidarity, support, and demand change. If you are white it is important to remember that you can use your body as a shield to protect POC. If you are not black you have no right to destroy or loot while protesting or otherwise. It is also important to not post any images and or videos of protests unless faces are blurred, photos and videos can incriminate your fellow protesters. Here is a list of things that are important to bring when protesting to keep yourself and others safe. 

3. Educate yourself and then educate your family, your friends, and your community. Here is a list of anti-racism resources to start with. In this country, we are taught to be racist and it is our life work and responsibility to unlearn these prejudices, in hopes for one day where people will never learn them in the first place.  

4. Shop at black-owned businesses, support black artists, musicians, dancers 

5. Reach out to your black friends, check in on them, provide support and resources, listen to them but remember it is not their job to educate you or to make you feel comfortable. 

Finally, do research and don't blindly trust the media, your family, or friends. This is a very short list that could be expanded unto hundreds of pages but it's a place to start. Feel free to comment with more resources below.