005. Do Something
See something harmful? Do something helpful
📚 The Art of Prophecy by Wesley Chu
🔊 1989 (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift
When there are such a multitude of awful, depressing things happening in the world, it can be tempting to say “Oh fuck off” and go back to bed with a mug of tea, a book and a pack of ginger biscuits. I’m not saying that isn’t a valid response to trauma but ultimately it’s born of a need for comfort.
Opting out in favour of preserving our own comfort and wellbeing is, let’s be honest, a privilege. It’s true that no one can pour from an empty jug but we should recognise that many have no opportunity to refill, or find their pot has been smashed by those who wish them harm or who care more for profit and people than humanity.
For those of us who are able, who have the time, freedom, health and security, I deeply believe we should use our brains, bodies and actions to step up for others. For instance, I’ve been so deeply heartened that so many people I love and respect have been online, out in person and haranguing their MPs to call for a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza.
And, while Suella may be gone, her legacy of cruelty lives on. I was appalled by her pronouncement that homelessness is a ‘lifestyle choice’ when it’s clearly anything but. No one - NO ONE - would choose to live on the street if there were any other viable option, just as, in the words of Warsan Shire, no one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark.
So, I’ve signed up to Shelter’s Walk for Home. On the weekend of 2 and 3 December, I’ll be walking at least 10km (though aiming for more) from Hastings to Bexhill and back, plus I’m aiming to hit 50km between 1 and 8 December. I’ve even signed up to Strava so you can follow my progress.
If you can spare a couple of pounds - the cost of a coffee? - or maybe a tenner, it WILL make a difference to people at rush of, or already experiencing, homelessness in the UK.
Just a few other ways to get involved:
- Email your MP: your taxes pay their wages so make sure they know what matters to you. You can find your local MP’s email address athttps://www.theyworkforyou.com
- Write for Rights: Amnesty’s original campaigning method is still going strong and you can now write in support of the rights of political prisoners around the world from your phone. Find out more at https://www.amnesty.org.uk/write-for-rights
- Support refugees with Choose Love: when you’re thinking about presents this festive season, why not Choose Love? Shopping on behalf of yourself or your loved ones, send bundles of life-changing supplies to refugees in desperate need https://choose.love
- Make a difference at work with Neighbourly: Does the company your work for have the potential to make a positive difference? Why not suggest to the powers that be that they sign up to work with Neighbourly. They can help connect you with volunteering opportunities and even distribute donated surplus product! https://www.neighbourly.com/business
Why not let me know how you’re making a difference? Love you byeee xx
