First – We owe a big Thank You to our Divaland folk, who came out in force in Seattle to march with us, their families and their friends this past Saturday. Marching in our squad we had someone who works for the police department, a woman engineering student, professional power ladies, a trans kid, a tween of color, gay dads, lesbian moms, artists, writers, a Russian immigrant, tech folks, health care professionals, and us, the Divas. A powerful group.
But this march was just the beginning. We all need to move this from a one-time expression of solidarity and anger into a habit of activism. This march on Saturday was not our last Divaland action but a first step toward standing for what is right and just in our nation. Whether we are marching to the polls, donating to turn the 8th and 3rd Congressional Districts from red to blue, protecting our Trans community, talking to our legislatures about education funding, standing with Planned Parenthood, fighting for homeless issues, or speaking out against the Dakota Access and Keystone XL pipelines, there will be many more steps to take.
The time to act is now! #DivasTakeBackTheUS
In the days since the march, we have heard empowering anecdotes, and also reminders of the work we all have to do. Trump has already impacted lower income buyers by taking away the FHA mortgage insurance cuts. He has already cut grants that protect women from domestic violence and renewed gag orders regarding reproductive rights. Not to mention the pipelines, the wall, the lies about illegal voting. The list goes on and will continue for years to come.
We are alway stronger together. Divaland is hundreds strong and we can push forward on the issues that matter to us and our community if we take action. Together we are forming a habit of activism.
The Habit of Activism
Activism comes in many forms. Volunteering for an organization that is making concrete changes in our system is a form of Activism. Donating to a PAC that is fighting to support local, state, and national candidates that support our social justice issues is a form of Activism. Taking personal action by contacting your Legislators, Congressional Representatives, and Senators on important issues is Activism. And yes – VOTING is Activism. There are many ways we can be active, involved, and organized to make real change in our country. Remember that famous quote by Margaret Mead?
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
It still rings true today.
Here are just a few of our Divaland suggestions for how to start on the road to making activism a habit!
Take Action Daily by Contacting Your Legislators, Congress and The White House:
- Contact your Legislators by phone, email or person letter
- Call the White House to voice your concerns about President Trump:
- Contact your Congressional Representative, State Senators
- Contact Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House and Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority Leader
Join these Activist Organizations and Attend These Events:
- Join the Stand with Immigrants! – Emergency Protest this Sunday
- Join or Start an Indivisible Group in your area!
- Join the WA-07/WA -09 Indivisible Group in Seattle
- Hang with the Divas at Chocolate for Choice to support NARAL – Pro-Choice Washington in Seattle on March 15th
- Be heard at the Black Live Matter March on March 4th at 6 pm in Seattle
- Join the Divas in the Fight for Education Funding
- Join Washington Won’t Discriminate – Protecting our state’s transgender rights.
- Donate and Join Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
- Donate to Planned Parenthood in underfunded states (Alabama, Texas, Indiana, etc).
- Sign up to be on the ACLU action alert network. And donate!
- Ask family and friends to donate to the Southern Poverty Law Center instead of giving a birthday gift.
- Stand up to your business association if they are willing to continue business as usual and align themselves with people that do not represent your community.
- Support scientists and make Washington state a leader to prevent climate change.
- Buy the local paper and support journalists. They are our lifeline right now.
- Drink lots of water.
- Meditate and know that you are centered in your habit of activism.
- Help those around you.
- Shop local.
- Boycott anything that does not align with your values.
- Support public transportation.
- And make sure that our local government does something about homelessness in our area.
- Know that every enemy can be an ally. Just figure out what you need to connect with them.
As we write this we are on day six of 1,460 days of activism. 1,460 days is the length of the current administration. The activism habit you form now will last a lifetime. We need to make sure we are here for the long haul. Not one politician, one organization, or one person can create lasting change. Only a group of us banded together to do what is right will get the work done. And as you know Divas Get Shit Done!
Regardless of how you choose to make your voice heard – any action is better than no action. Please join us in making activism part of your habit this year. Thanks, Divaland!
