District 2 Highlights Self-Care Part 2
At our July 26th Indivisible District #2 monthly meeting, we formed small groups and talked about how we’ve been doing since the current administration took office. We shared details of how we’re taking care of ourselves and the highlights of those discussions were printed in a previous newsletter titled, Indivisible District #2 Highlights Self-Care, Part 1. Part 2 summarizes the last of the notes that were taken as we shared in July.
Staying true to our deeper human values of mutual respect and dignity for all, and living them out in response to the current administration’s challenge to our democracy, seems to be at the heart of our self-care practice. We care for ourselves by not giving up. We care for ourselves as we reach out to others, join hands, share our thinking and increase our numbers. What we each do to stay aligned and alive day-to-day varies considerably, but not surprising, as explored in Part 1- there are themes.
Learning from History: Context and Perspective Helps
We have many examples to draw from as we look now to protect human and immigrant rights, free speech, the environment and access to health care, jobs and education. From studying Gandhi to Martin Luther King Jr., more recently John Lewis, we see non-violent, focused and sustained movements and their leaders have brought positive changes to our country and others. It helps to know we’re in good company, historically, and to learn how ordinary people have reclaimed their rights and freedom countless times. Are you on Heather Cox Richardson’s email list? A political historian, she uses facts and history to make observations about contemporary American politics.
Our groups had many books to recommend, including “This is an Uprising: How Nonviolent Revolt is Shaping the Twenty-First Century” by Mark Engler and Paul Engler, which inspired a book club to form and read it together. Naomi Klein describes it as a “gift to social movements everywhere.”
“Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America” by Robert Reich is another helpful read, from his personal story of fighting bullies as a short kid to fighting the shift of economic power away from the working and middle class and to the elite class and corporations as Clinton’s Labor Secretary.
Stacey Abrams developed, “Ten Steps to Autocracy” a framework outlining warning signs of a growing autocracy can based on the work of Professor Kim Lane Scheppele of Princeton.
Nikole Hannah-Jones book, “The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story,” which has been out for a while, offers additional perspective on the roots of our present day struggles with racism, nation wide.
And don’t forget the History Channel with film on George Washington, Sam Adams and others offering more detail on the heroic beginnings of our country, you may never have known about.
Connecting, Taking Action and Building Our Community
Almost everyone said connecting with each other at District #2 Indivisible meetings and taking action in our community (sometimes with District #3) was making a huge and positive difference in their outlook since the inauguration. We really are better together and accomplish more together too! When a friend just doesn’t seem to get it, going to a honk and wave with our neighbors is not only uplifting but also moves things along. And maybe that friend will come along next time!
Specifically folks are finding joy in making slogans, signs, and going to marches and trainings in non-violent protest and resistance labs. Writing and calling reps, and learning about resources for immigrants has become part of our daily routine. “Know Your Rights” is a training at St. Andrew’s Legal Clinic for those wanting to be a legal companion for someone who is an immigrant. Check out the Portland Immigration Rights Coalition, PIRC. You can call 1-888-622-1510 if you notice ICE activity or someone in your family has been detained by ICE.
Finding our voices and speaking out is so empowering, we naturally want to reach out to others. Several people mentioned they’d like to learn more about how to speak with those who do not share our views. Learn how to encourage others to get involved and take action. As we are finding these days, nothing feels better than speaking out in defense of Democracy.
Thanks for sharing everyone. Hope to connect again soon, Gail