Taking Action Now

In the previous post, we discussed how many people are fighting back and while we may seem “stuck” out on the sidelines, away from the violence and opportunities to help hands-on, mutual aid is a powerful way to protect our communities. In smaller-populated areas, we are able to test things without sacrificing much. We are able to relay what has worked at our scale, and incorporate new ideas from our friends with boots on the ground.
Mutual aid is empowering and dissolves the individualism that helped get us where we are today. I considered how someone can ensure they’re doing everything they can— not just the most important bits, but picking up the smaller things that maybe more people let slide. I’ve found some helpful ideas, and am compiling them here.

I’ll list them out and go into depth about any that may not be super clear!

-Find alternatives to brands and platforms you know to be harmful or dangerous. Corporations that give money to harmful causes that oppress others, platforms that don’t protect individuals, even fast food places you’ve found to be supporting all the wrong things. You don’t have to go without— simply find something similar that doesn’t feed the flames.

-Donate whatever you are able. Weekly, monthly, or as-able, even spare change adds up to help turn the tide!~

-You NEED to speak up. If a friend makes a “joke” about others, if a colleague raves about how they praise the violence, if a stranger out on the street casually slings a slur, SPEAK. Nothing fancy, don’t overthink it, don’t approach the person or otherwise behave threateningly— simply say something, “Racism has no place here.” “Make love, not war.” “People can’t be illegal, but documents can— and it’s a misdemeanor, like running a stop, certainly not deserving of hate or violence.” Then keep walking, talking, gaming. If you have someone who repeats these behaviors, grow more firm and assertive about your statements. Develop boundaries; “If you can’t stop using slurs, I can’t bring myself to be around you.” “If you cannot stop raving about the war, I will have to start skipping our lunch hangouts.” Whatever your case may be.

-Correct misinformation, clear disinformation. While this technically falls into the above “speak up”, it deserves its own point. Any time you hear someone seeming like they have all the facts, saying things about how the hate and violence is “earned”, regurgitating stereotypes, ensure you correct them. Corrections don’t need to be snappy or rude, simply state the truth. Be chill, nonchalant, demure, as they say. It’s OKAY for people to be wrong or stuck in a belief; getting angry and escalating will not serve anyone, and can reinforce their belief/feelings.

-CALL YOUR REPS! The National Switchboard can be reached at: 202-224-3121. Let them know you don’t support war, violence, discrimination, dismantling of necessary programs. Do some quick research about the bills your state is trying to pass, voice your opinion for/against.

-Talk to your family, elders, kids, about what’s going on. There are tons of free resources all online for you to sift through and discover what will work best for your family and situation. For us here in Casper Wyoming, we tell our kids we live in a bit of a bubble, that real life is not always this quiet and peaceful, that there are people and children like them fighting every day just to walk around without anxiety or fear. Elders are susceptible to AI and deepfake fraud/scams, and are less likely to verify information before resharing it, spreading misinformation. Fox News’ full name is Fox News Entertainment— they had to pay millions for their blatant misinformation, and Tucker Carlson has changed his stance on a lot of things since exiting the propaganda machine. They may deny and combat real information, but it’s important you keep sharing it, anyway.

-Support businesses owned by people affected by the violence and loss of resources. Black-owned, immigrant-owned, and queer-owned businesses are all incredible choices! Don’t forget CHILD-owned businesses! You’re reading this blog, so you’re helping boost a queer-owned business, right here in Wyoming. (Thank you!)

-Translate pamphlets, legal jargon, or other resources, if able, for community members.

-Check on your friends and family in affected areas. You can send care packages if certain items are more scarce, good clothing for the weather where they are, fun snacks and treats they may not have much (or any) access to. If you are importing or exporting, remember to factor in tariffs/customs!

-Do what you’re able for local community. Ridesharing/carpooling, delivering groceries, childcare, job referrals, donating food/money to the tiny pantries around town, filling the little free libraries with books, creating clothing swaps, volunteering with reputable nonprofits (like Orr’s Hope, Olivia Caldwell Foundation, Jae’s Place, StillGood, PRIDE, Interfaith, Kiwanis Club, Wyo Housing Network, Rotary Club).

-Have phone numbers handy. I have a national and local list, so I can help where able for folks online or people traveling, or while I am traveling. National numbers include hotlines for suicide prevention (Text/Call 988), conscientious objection (GI Rights: 1-877-447-4487), domestic violence (800-799-7233), sexual assault (800-656-4673). Local lines include things like 211 for local resources, and I stay vigilant about what phone numbers are on my list. Some changes to organizations have huge consequences; one shelter here started charging regular rent for their units for folks escaping abuse. Keep your eyes and eyes open to your community, so that when you help, you’re not giving someone a self-righteous lead to a dead-end.

-Prepare an emergency kit, help others prepare theirs. Cash, copies of documents and certificates, identification, some small, precious items that aren’t replaceable at all, and a list of contacts in case you lose power, your phone, etc.

-Attend a training. There are in-person and online seminars that speak on bystander intervention, de-escalation, immigrant rights, human rights and the law, tech support, personal safety. Then you’re able to share these resources, as many travel or have national ties.

-Self-care! This does not mean soak in bubbles every night. It means taking care of yourself so that you can show up for others optimally and sustainably. Feeding yourself nourishing meals, eating regularly, drinking plenty of water, getting those daily walks in. Discover a therapist that works for you, find a doctor who hears you.
You don’t need to be a beefy Batman to save someone, but you need to feel good.

-Allow others to show up how they can, where they are able. Don’t gatekeep or police how others give or contribute to the cause. This system is trauma, the game is overwhelm. That means our goal as the people, is to find our resilience and learn how to sustain our reserves. Help, but don’t preach or control. Don’t take a leading role for clout or perceived power. Let others fill the gaps they fit best in, without trying to force them. This is a marathon, not a race.

If you have additional ideas and resources, absolutely comment them!

This is not exhaustive at all, but it’s an empowering start for folks who have been feeling pretty powerless. You are seen and heard! You’re not alone; there’s plenty of us, almost wishing to make the trip out so we can put our hands on our brothers and sisters to lift them higher as they fight on these frontlines for our freedoms, right here.

Thank you so much for everything you do to help. Even when it doesn’t feel like much, striving to take a step every single day is hope, strength, courage, and healing. Keep going! There is a finish line, and we will cross it together.