Activism in the Age of COVID-19
Maybe you’re like me and you’re totally immunocompromised or you live with someone who’s immunocompromised. Maybe you’re not, and you’re just tryna do your best to survive this global pandemic—that’s fair too.
Either way, you’ve come to this post because you’re trying to see how you can not only give a shit about what’s going on, but you also want to educate, spread knowledge, and actually DO something for the cause. You’re in luck. I’ve outlined a few things below:
USE YOUR PLATFORM. This is the first thing, because it’s probably the most important thing. If you’re on social media, that means you have a platform. It doesn’t matter how many followers you have, it matters that you’re saying something and doing more than just pretending you can’t. Your voice matters. Make an infographic to share with your followers, or share one of the myriads of infographics that are cycling out on the feed everyday.
Peaceful Protesting: If you’re planning on going to a protest, make sure to not only wear a mask, but also maintain social distance as best you can. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared for anything that could happen (rubber bullets, tear-gas, etc.) And (!!!) go get tested for COVID as soon as you can (you can google “free COVID-19 testing near me",” and that should be a good start.
I’m immunocompromised, but there was something in me that absolutely had to be there for this. I went to a peaceful protest a few weeks ago, but as most of you know, I’m still healing from a pretty bad femur injury, so I went on crutches. TERRIBLE IDEA AND I DO NOT RECOMMEND IT!! Unless you have a spare wheelchair or pads for your armpits, because I not only calloused my palms, but I also bruised my ribs and armpits from being on crutches all afternoon :(
DO NOT ATTEND IF YOU ARE UNWELL OR VULNERABLE, STAY HOME!!
Sign Petitions!! I’ve made a separate Blog Post here
Donate!! I’ve made a separate Blog Post here
HAVE THOSE TOUGH CONVERSATIONS! You can say and do as much as you do— but when it comes to spreading the word, you always have to make sure that you’re not just talking to people who agree with you. Part of being an activist or even just being a part of the positive future we’re trying to build is being able to have those tough conversations with people who may not agree with you, and who could use a little enlightening on these subjects.
Things you can talk about (as a starting point, at least): The BLM movement, systemic racism, systematic racism, anti-blackness, colorism
Educate others!! They can google this stuff for themselves, obviously, but if they’re not inclined to— link them to this resource guide
REMEMBER: You don’t have to have a million followers or a website of your own to make a difference. Your voice matters, no matter how loud you are. Do what you can, with what you have— but make sure you do something. Silence is violence, and complacency is shameful. 40 years from now, when someone asks you what you did during this important time— are you going to be able to say something you’re proud of? The future depends on us to do the right thing and shape the world into a more positive and less ignorant place.
