I've been tuning back into the news lately. For the past few years, I'll admit I haven't been reading the news every day. Living through a pandemic, an election, and an insurrection has made reading the news exhausting, depressing, and bad for my mental health. I know many of you feel the same way. It's hard to read that barrage of negativity all time and then try do go about your day as a functional human being.
I started reading the news again to keep track of the anti-LGBTQ legislation that's been sweeping the US. I feel like some lawmakers are counting on us being unengaged to pass these bills that target my community, and in my small corner of the country where my vote has power, I'm not going down without a fight.
The positive side of being informed is that information has power. The facts can be used to back up arguments, and to help other people see your side. When you are informed, you can effectively take action and help create the world you want to live in.
The downside of being informed can be quite heavy. In a world that is currently so full of senseless tragedy, you are burdened with the names and faces of those who are suffering, and of those who are no longer with us due to preventable acts of violence. This burden has been crushing me for the past few weeks, as I have struggled with feeling powerless. What action could one person possibly take to fix all of this?
The answer is not that simple. It is going to take all of us.
Everyone needs to do their part. Stand up for what you believe in. Call your senators. Speak about the issues. Help your friends and neighbors. And stay informed. If you are aware of what's going on in the world around you, you are better equipped to help others.
I want to leave you today with a particular example and call to action. A few weeks ago in Lewiston, Maine, a young man was racially profiled and targeted by the police. He was pepper sprayed and arrested. In a community that is supposed to be safe, this young man was harrassed and had his rights violated by people who were supposed to protect him.
There has been a huge community outpouring of support for this young man. Member of the community have been contacting the Lewiston Police Department and posting on their facebook page to bring their attention to this unjust event. Project Relief has raised almost $20,000 to help with legal fees and assistance. Standing up for justice can feel impossible as an individual, but when we all stand up together we can make our voices heard.
This incident has not yet reached its final conclusion, but I am confident that we as a community can make a difference as long as we stay informed and keep fighting for justice.
If you are able to, you can donate to the Project Relief fundraiser here.
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