Why We "Get Political" and How You Can Get Involved
Why We "Get Political" and How You Can Get Involved
"It can be overwhelming to witness/experience/take in all of the injustices of the moment; the good news is that they're all connected. So if your little corner of work involves pulling at one of the threads, you're helping to unravel the whole damn cloth." - Ursula Wolfe-Rocca
We often get asked why a business would "get political." Granted, this is mostly from online trolls, but the question lingers with others who are not so maliciously aligned. And the answer is always a question: why are you not "getting political"? What is holding you back, either personally or professionally? And how is it that, even now, there is not a general awareness that everything is political and connected?
We recognize the risk in being vocal and visible in our defiance, and we do it anyway. That is a choice we make, and we have the privilege of asserting our influence in ways that align with our values. "But you'll lose business and ostracize part of your audience!" Baby, that is the whole damn point. We don't worship at the altar of capitalism to make pandering to those who would deny basic humanity to others worth it, so long as we get paid; we actively don't want them in our space, as evidenced by our signage and actions. Does it affect our bottom line? Maybe, but not enough that we've noticed or cared about. In fact, it usually has the opposite result of more (actual) followers, more love and loyalty, and more community. And we happen to believe that community is a beautiful form of resistance, in and of itself.
The networking and alliances that have been created have been incredible, and it really does amplify the idea that action helps metabolize anxiety, because let's face it- it's really hard right now for anyone even moderately paying attention. That is where the container of community and safe spaces helps to provide action items, coping skills, camaraderie, and mitigation of isolation. We love being a place where people can turn for assistance when in need, a listening ear when they're feeling the weight of everything, and a place for joy and resilience, even for a short amount of time. The psychological toll of being present for all of this is heavy. This timeline asks so much of us right now, including the ability to hold many paradoxical things with both hands: joy and suffering, anxiety and action, paralysis and persistence, awareness and grounding. We need a safe place to land when doing this kind of work, and we have always endeavored to provide that for everyone. Because we need everyone to be doing this work, if we want to disrupt the systems of control that are wreaking irrevocable havoc on our civil liberties and our planet. We also need hope to keep going, and we can often find that when we're engaged with others who are moving in the same direction. This is why we offer the space for that to happen.
When you speak up, it gives others the permission to do the same.
So, what can you do if you're still trying to wade into the waters? Join us for our activities if you're local (obviously), and start here:
- Pick a topic that you're curious about and that you have the capacity to influence.
- Look for people already doing the work. Learn from them, and take your time on this step. Activism requires humility and likely some deconstruction of what you "know" to be true.
- Find groups that are focused on that topic and start networking, whether that's in-person, online, or both.
- Start acknowledging the intersectionality of other issues and how the distribution of impact is not random.
- Build solidarity with people operating within this understanding and these groups or coalitions, and be open to possibilities you've never thought possible.
- Show up to the protests, marches, rallies, vigils, and benefits that will redeem your hope in humanity. It's important to feel the energy and refill your cup.
Whatever you can do, start there, even if it's just reading history that's not heavily revisionist, such as "A People's History of the United States" by Howard Zinn. Have conversations with your neighbors, friends, family, and loved ones. Remember to smile at strangers and hold doors open for people, because one of the most insidious results of these mind games is the loss of our ability to connect with others. Protect your humanity and empathy at all costs, and practice kindness, because doing that already makes you a bada** that's welcome at our table anytime.