Dear Amanda,
Recently, trigger fingers turned into Twitter fingers when two black men, Alton Sterling and Philando Castile were shot and killed by the police. The close timing of these tragedies sparked fiery discussions and think pieces on police brutality, social justice, gun control, racism and more. Sadly, barely a week has passed, and I already see a significant decline in conversation. I wonder, how can we keep the movements in motion after hashtags stop trending?
Simple: we’re going to take baby steps.
After four years of living in America, I finally reached critical mass. I went public with my political beliefs on Facebook. “We’re at the point where it takes more effort to be silent/political than it does to stand for justice.” Thankfully, I wasn’t alone. Many friends – of varying races from different countries – wrote personal statuses declaring their thoughts on current issues.
It took four years of living in America for me to write a Facebook status. Let that sink in.
This 4-step plan is for those like me who just woke up.
STEP 1: Pick three struggles
We can’t be and do everything for everyone. To be effective, we must focus our efforts.
Make a list of 3, local organizations to support. Follow their social media platforms. Be sure to turn on notifications. Sign up for their newsletter. Help them pressure you to take action by keeping them on your radar.
Your chosen causes should be local. Being able to see the change, and hear the stories will increase the chances of being a long-term supporter. It’s easy to stop your ‘feed the third world children’ payments because the problem is not in your face.
STEP 2: Stay accountable by going public
Similar to New Years’ resolutions, it’s easy to quit when no one knows you’re on a journey.
Post the names of these three organizations on Facebook or anywhere your friends will see. In this announcement, you will briefly declare your intention make at least one action of real support within a month and tag three friends to join you. Lastly, ask your friends to recommend three other organizations. They should post these in the comments and as an original status.
STEP 3: Show us the receipts
Went to an event? Donated money? Show us the receipts. Apply positive peer-pressure and tag those three friends asking them for their receipts.
STEP 4: Stick with it and keep evolving
You must be that friend. Yes, the one who seems to have a one-track mind. Keep sharing even after the hype. No need to be a spammer. Just be intentional about continuing to spread the word and hitting the streets. People post every week about haters; you can post every week about these causes.
When – for whatever reason – your relationship with an organization comes to an end, find a new cause to get behind.
Think of this journey to finding your life’s purpose like finding a student club to belong to. There are many. Most won’t fit. None run forever. You’ll join because it makes you look good professionally and socially. Hopefully, you stay because they do good.
Hey world,
It’s Onicia. I promise to keep these movements in motion even after hashtags stop trending.
National Lawyers Guild Chicago*
The National Lawyers Guild is a non-profit federation of lawyers, legal workers, and law students who are dedicated to the need for basic change in the structure of the political and economic system.
NLG Legal Observers program observes and documents the actions of law enforcement related to people exercising their First Amendment right to demonstrate for progressive social change. The primary role of the Legal Observer® is to be the eyes and ears of the legal team – to observe and record incidents and the activities of law enforcement in relation to the demonstrators.
The Stoop*
The Stoop is a live, off-book storytelling event at Rosa’s Lounge in Humboldt Park. Hosted by Lily Be and Clarence B, the show exists to be a platform that brings Chicagoans to a better understanding of one another and inspire change. This year, they incorporated a fundraising/outreach element in support of Chicago-based non-profits.
The Healing Corner
Going to neighborhoods known for violence, The Healing Corner provides HEALing by passing out free food and free hugs. Arielle Maldonado and Krystal Robledo lead commitment to spreading Hope, Empowerment, Atonement, and Love creating unity and peace in this city. Click to donate to The Healing Corner.
Finally, I’m supporting one more project. It doesn’t quite match the above criteria, but it inspired this article.
Amanda Seales
“Comedian, host, content creator, and more, Amanda Seales doesn’t just want to make you laugh, she wants to make a change! With an uncanny knack for taking serious topics (racism, rape culture, sexism, police brutality, etc.) and with humor, making them relatable and interesting, she combines intellectual wit, enigmatic silliness, and a pop culture obsession to create her unique style of smart, funny content for the stage and screen. In other words, she’s a witty woman working to upgrade the world.” (Get Your Life Season 2 Indiegogo)
I came for her Toprah shenanigans. I stayed because she’s an entertainer with a purpose. Click here to support Get Your Life Season 2.
#StayWoke,
Oni M (@Onicia Muller)**
P.S.: Thanks, Gynai for encouraging me to post.
*Indicates that I’ve received payment for doing work for this organization. However, none of them commissioned me to write this article.
**Indicates a person who just woke up and is in no way an ‘expert’. She’s likely to oversimplify and misstate the issues. You are welcome to school her in the comments section. She’s open to learning, no need to be a jerk.