As a network of blogger communities we renew our commitment to directing our influence towards positive social change that is long overdue.
The Blogger Union leadership stands in solidarity with the black community in this historic push for justice. We also take a stance against injustice in action.
Here are some ways you can too:
Educate yourself
- Read the books
- listen to the podcasts
- TED talks
- follow activists on social media
Here’s a list to get started: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BRlF2_zhNe86SGgHa6-VlBO-QgirITwCTugSfKie5Fs/mobilebasic
Donate to organizations making a difference
- NAACP
- Southern Poverty Law Center
- Color of Change
- The Sentencing Project
- The National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls.
Vote at State and Local Elections
“But the elected officials who matter most in reforming police departments and the criminal justice system work at the state and local levels.
It’s mayors and county executives that appoint most police chiefs and negotiate collective bargaining agreements with police unions. It’s district attorneys and state’s attorneys that decide whether or not to investigate and ultimately charge those involved in police misconduct. Those are all elected positions. In some places, police review boards with the power to monitor police conduct are elected as well. Unfortunately, voter turnout in these local races is usually pitifully low, especially among young people — which makes no sense given the direct impact these offices have on social justice issues, not to mention the fact that who wins and who loses those seats is often determined by just a few thousand, or even a few hundred, votes.” ― Barack Obama, How to Make this Moment the Turning Point for Real Change
Get involved and voice your concerns
Attend town hall and city council meetings, sign petitions, and contact your district attorney’s office and other local government.
Listen to others’ concerns, ask how they would like to be supported.
Engage in conversations regarding social issues and take a stance for justice and equity.
“We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant. Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must – at that moment – become the center of the universe.” ― Elie Wiesel, The Night Trilogy: Night, Dawn, the Accident
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