Look for the helpers and then become one
This is the post where I’m supposed to poetically summarise the pain and anger and turn it into positive action and inspiration. Well, I can’t.
You can’t turn negative emotions into positive ones.
Right now, I’m sitting with sadness, anger, disappointment, guilt, confusion, and exhaustion. But I also feel safe. My physical existence and being aren’t called into question. Imagine how many people woke up today and didn’t feel safe; people with disabilities, people who were born outside the UK, people who rely on the NHS to stay alive and well, people who don’t have homes and people who don’t know where their next meal is going to come from. Millions of whom are women, children and babies.
I can’t really begin to imagine how the next five years will impact them. But I can guess that life will be harder in significant and substantial ways. I fear that they will feel even more invisible and our system will continue to bend and mould to shapes that keep them on the outside.
And I’m tired of people waiting for someone else to make it better; waiting for someone else to organise, to corral, to write, to speak and to build. I’m tired of people looking away because it feels uncomfortable because it might affront their in-laws or upset a friend. That may be difficult, but it probably doesn’t threaten your existence.
This is what privilege is - being able to do these things and still be safe. We must step into the discomfort for those who can’t. Change begins with oneself, and one voice is all it takes. Greta Thunberg shows us this every day, and she’s only just getting started. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stands up to power like we’ve never seen before and we’re still feeling the waves of Tarana Burke’s #metoo movement.
Today isn’t the end. It’s the beginning. We have no choice but to make it so. We must start showing up in new and different ways. We have little machines in our pockets that mean we can organise like never before. We can tell our story and we can tell the stories of others. We can learn any new skill we need and have conversations with anyone we choose.
What would our world look like if we shared fewer latte pictures and more opinions? Fewer cute cat pics and more campaigning. Captured less about now and shared more visions of our future. I’ve been dismayed to witness so few people using their platform to talk about this election. Politics is divisive? You could lose followers or customers? Business isn’t political? Bullshit. Everything is political. And if you’re smart enough to have followers who listen and engage with what you say - then you can use their attention to make positive change happen today.
Democracy doesn’t stop at elections. There are hundreds of ways to take action and the simplest of ways is to talk; ask questions, have uncomfortable conversations with yourself and those around you. Sign petitions. Read the news. Follow politicians. Write things down. Have ideas. Donate. Volunteer. Share your opinion. Proudly.
Yes, this weekend will be about resting, processing and refuelling (and rest is a form of activism!) and we must keep showing up. Consistently. Nevertheless, we must persist. If you’re reading this wondering, “but how?” let’s talk, my DM’s are always open. I don’t know how either. I’m learning by doing and making it up as I go along. I’d love you to join me. You’ve always been invited and you’ve always had permission. As Milicent Fawcett says
“Courage calls to courage everywhere and its voice cannot be denied.”
“I am experienced enough to do this. I am knowledgeable enough to do this. I am prepared enough to do this. I am mature enough to do this. I am brave enough to do this.”
Let’s look for the helpers and learn how to become one. I am enough. You are enough.
Everyone is a bit scared. But we are less scared together.
Thank you Nicola Washington, Holly June Smith, Joeli Brearly, Gabby Edlin, Sophie Walker, Sarah Tulej ,Emma Svanberg and Ella Saltmarshe for your generosity and determination- you are the helpers. I see you. Thank you.
This post is dedicated to my friend Kristin Demafeliz.