Today, we want to share something different: these are resources that the 350 team have found helpful to stay committed to this movement for the long haul.
Donald Trump’s administration is a threat to people everywhere — but people everywhere are standing up to resist him. Thank you to each of the millions of people who’ve marched, called representatives, risked arrest, or stood by those most threatened.
This kind of defense is important… and it’s exhausting.
Meeting these difficult times head on will take creativity and courage by the gigaton — which is why I want to share some lessons with you to strengthen ourselves for the work ahead. You can read the full article (compiled by our dear 350 colleague Daniel Hunter) and sign up to receive occasional tips at findingsteadyground.com. These are some simple things you can do right away:
- Make a conscious decision about when and where you’ll get news — and what you’ll do afterwards.
- Get together with people face-to-face to support each other and make sure we stay in motion.
- Pray, meditate, or reflect on those you know who are being impacted by oppressive policies, and extend that love to all who may be suffering.
- Read, listen to, or share a story about how others have resisted injustice.
- Be aware of yourself as one who creates — to counteract passivity and a belief that we do not help shape the world.
- Take a conscious break from social media.
- Commit to sharing with others what’s helping you.
Defense alone won’t get us where we need to go. Especially now, we can’t get caught rehashing old fights. And we should keep demanding answers and offering solutions to the world’s biggest problems.
But I know for me, that’s hard to do when I’m in an overwhelmed or reactive state. When we’re in bad shape, we’re less creative, and less able to plan strategically.
This is a moment to feel our anger or grief, connect with others, as well as break out of our comfort zones, try new things, and be bold. We need ambition that’s on scale with the crisis at hand.
We have a long journey ahead — and we need each of you in strong spirits.
As ever, we are grateful to be part of building a thriving movement with all of you.
Thank you,
Zoë for the 350.org team