Get Involved!

When I develop the content for my sites, one of my objectives is to reflect who I am, my values, and what’s important to me without having to write an entire spiel about it directly. Throughout my life volunteering has more or less maintained an important piece of how I learn about the world and gain experience. I’m also one of those people who is in a constant need to do something in order to manage disquiet about whatever is happening around me. Some of my involvements are specific to where I live, so I’m not mentioning them here on this page. But, others are more national efforts and are organizations I’ve worked with, or continue to work with that have been truly positive experiences. Consequently, I’m of the mind that it’s a good thing to pass information forward, as well as nudge people into taking a firmer part in democracy. This is not a comprehensive list of what is out there, only where I’m more directly involved or the links to sites I’ve used to get specific information or a list of places to donate.

Calling/Communicating with Congress

I very much understand that Facebook is a ridiculous and probably corrupt enterprise, but there are elements of it that can be of good use. If you happen to have an account, try following your federal and state congressional critters. I personally hound my State Senator on Facebook, and he’s the kind of guy that responds to my comments to his posts almost every time, even if he can’t answer my questions. Twitter or Instagram might also be a decent avenue, but make no mistake they have their own problems with misinformation and the nurturing of White Nationalists. The point is, however, is that if you live in the United States, these individuals represent you. And, there is something very empowering about having concerns and speaking to the people who have the ability do make changes.

In terms of calling offices directly, I do so about once a week unless there is something time sensitive I hear about. In those cases I’ll usually call a second time. The good thing about this protocol is that it’s transferable to contacting other government agencies, or even providing feedback to companies. The same approach even applies to emails or texts (though I don’t go the text route). If, however, you are interested in texting your members in Congress, I’m told Resistbot is handy, though I can’t speak from experience.

The name of the game when contacting elected officials, especially congressional peeps, is to be counted, so you only need to communicate what you do and do not support. Sure, you can tell a story, but if you don’t have one or it’s intimidating, then don’t worry about it.

Instructions:

It’s best to not have a script if you email, but here is a sample you are free to use…either for email or to leave a message to call.

“Hi, my name is [name], and I’m a constituent [address and zip]. I’m calling to request/offer my support/oppose [insert your issue(s)]”

You can add more if you like, but you don’t need to. The message will be recorded and if enough people call, it becomes part of a tally. If I’m pressing an issue that I think might require a little more oomph to be convincing, I might tell of personal story or add why it’s so important of an issue to me. But, at the end of the day if all you say is what’s in the script, it’s enough for your voice to be counted. I know people get intimidated with this kind of thing, but I assure you it’s a fantastic feeling. This is democracy, and our collective and individual voices are more powerful than our cynical selves think. And, after a while staffers will recognize you and you build a kind of rapport, which is just a cool kinda thing…depending on the nature of the office you are calling.

Final note, you most likely will be leaving a message because of COVID. Don’t let that scare you off. Your voice still matters!

Political Activism, Postcarding, Phone and Textbanking

Postcards to Voters is extraordinarily well organized, so if you are looking for a way to get people out to vote or to support candidates, maybe even issues, but interacting with people is intimidating, this is a good way to go. Rogan’s List is a solid jumping-off point if you are on the hunt for issues, but are not sure where to start or what’s out there.

Environmental Voter Project is how I started with textbanking. They use Hustle which has been the easiest system to navigate, and great when you are short on time to follow through. Unlike my other recommendations, this organization is issue, not party specific.

Text Troop/Open Progress was intimidating for me at first, but they are VERY organized. You get a lot of support and direction.

Red2Blue: I was about to start textbanking or phonebanking through this group just before I went into the hospital. I’m still recovering, so haven’t started with them yet. That said, I trust the person who recommended this group to me. This organization is a one-stop shop for taking part in campaigns when you don’t have anyone specific in mind, but want to help Democrats get elected.

Criminal Justice, Policing Reform, and Racial Justice

PEN: I mentor incarcerated writers and do some copy editing through this organization. They have other arts specific efforts in prisons as well, so it’s interesting to get on their mailing list and read through their site.

Color of Change is a site that can direct you to online activism and policy efforts to champion.

Campaign Zero is specific to policing reform.

Donations

Bail Funds

ACLU

Planned Parenthood: People associate Planned Parenthood with abortions, but in addition to that avenue of health care, they also are the country’s main provider for rural and low income healthcare needs.

Raices: Their efforts work toward providing legal support with regard to family separations and other immigration issues.

Annunciation House offers hospitality to migrants, immigrants, and refugees in the border region of El Paso, Texas. They provid shelter, clothing, food, and other basic necessities to migrants, mostly from Mexico and Central America.

Volunteering with Kids

• Nursing Homes/Assisted Living: Intergenerational programs are an indescribable benefit to seniors. Right now there are probably limitations and it might not be safe to volunteer in a facility, but I can say that my six- and four-year-old absolutely loved going to the assisted living we’d been volunteering at for the past couple of years. And, even though we can’t visit right now, my kids will periodically ask to write letters to the seniors, which I’m told is well received.
• Food Pantry: Before COVID, my kids and I were helping stock shelves twice a month at our town’s food pantry, and it was one of their favorite places to be.

Support

Black-Owned Businesses

Wear Your Voice publication on Paetron