>> Many times, these social issues feel so big compared to me that I'm unsure what to do! <<
For any issue, the internet makes it easy to run a search on various phrasings of "ways you can help" + "issue" to get suggestions. You can also search "organizations" + "issue" and some of those websites will have a "how you can help" tab with donation options, tips, etc.
Another general approach is to think about the issue and how it intersects with your areas of expertise. Take environmental activism -- I have a big yard, so I garden for wildlife; and I'm a writer, so I do some nature writing. A person in charge of a bank might choose native landscaping for the grounds outside and make a list of green investment options for interested customers. Everyone has skills and influence of some sort. You just cross-reference those with your interests of worthy causes to get actions in your reach.
>> This list helped me realize that, hey, I'm actually not doing too bad, <<
Go you!
>> and what I really need to do is arm myself with more education <<
Good idea. The internet and your local library are useful for that. You can also watch for presentations, which often have a "how you can help" section toward the end.
>> and align my time with mutual aid opportunities.<<
Check to see if your town has a homepage. Often that will have a section for local businesses and charities. You can then look for organizations to see whose activities overlap your interests. Other good places to check are your area newspaper and the local library. If there's a Chamber of Commerce, it will have businesses, usually with a directory; some also include nonprofits. Here's a site that helps you find local nonprofits. In fact "find X near me" is a useful online search in many cases, as many things have a finder website.
>> The fact that this is also in memory of a precious loved one is even better, and ultimately, very practical!<<
Aww. If Mom can inspire one new activist on the way out, that'd be awesome.
>> I am indeed sorry for your loss, however. She sounded like a wonderful woman; someone many of us can learn from now. May she be at peace. <3
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dancing_serpent
Re: Yay!
Date: 2021-12-31 11:40 pm (UTC)For any issue, the internet makes it easy to run a search on various phrasings of "ways you can help" + "issue" to get suggestions. You can also search "organizations" + "issue" and some of those websites will have a "how you can help" tab with donation options, tips, etc.
Another general approach is to think about the issue and how it intersects with your areas of expertise. Take environmental activism -- I have a big yard, so I garden for wildlife; and I'm a writer, so I do some nature writing. A person in charge of a bank might choose native landscaping for the grounds outside and make a list of green investment options for interested customers. Everyone has skills and influence of some sort. You just cross-reference those with your interests of worthy causes to get actions in your reach.
>> This list helped me realize that, hey, I'm actually not doing too bad, <<
Go you!
>> and what I really need to do is arm myself with more education <<
Good idea. The internet and your local library are useful for that. You can also watch for presentations, which often have a "how you can help" section toward the end.
>> and align my time with mutual aid opportunities.<<
Check to see if your town has a homepage. Often that will have a section for local businesses and charities. You can then look for organizations to see whose activities overlap your interests. Other good places to check are your area newspaper and the local library. If there's a Chamber of Commerce, it will have businesses, usually with a directory; some also include nonprofits. Here's a site that helps you find local nonprofits. In fact "find X near me" is a useful online search in many cases, as many things have a finder website.
>> The fact that this is also in memory of a precious loved one is even better, and ultimately, very practical!<<
Aww. If Mom can inspire one new activist on the way out, that'd be awesome.
>> I am indeed sorry for your loss, however. She sounded like a wonderful woman; someone many of us can learn from now. May she be at peace. <3
Thanks. I'm sure she's fine.