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In the wake of what seems like endless violence against innocent children, I’ve been thinking about this Ruth Wilson Gilmore quote “where life is precious, life is precious”.

Ruth Wilson Gilmore, professor and prison abolitionist has said that the quote is a way of thinking about how people in some cultures and communities respond to crisis, vulnerability, or confusion. When Ruth Wilson Gilmore speaks of “abolition,” she is working with a long view towards making a whole world, starting now, in which prisons and policing as we do them now become unnecessary, unthinkable. In this sense, abolition is not primarily a matter of what we abolish, but what to build and to organize around.

Gilmore also says “abolition is not absence, it is presence. What the world will become already exists in fragments and pieces, experiments and possibilities. ... Abolition is building the future from the present, in all of the ways we can”.

Which brings me to this week’s inquiry:

• How do we be present to what is and what is possible?

• How do we stay vulnerable with each other?

• What are the life-affirming ingredients we need to build a better future?

• What already exists that we can build upon?

• How do we “make a place” where everyone can be free?

May these questions guide your imagination as we stretch into the new year and new world.

Kerri (she/her)

Art by @morejusticemorejoy

NTK (need to know)

• Don’t Panic: Organizers Weigh In on Defending Reproductive Justice From the GOP. How organizers are building mutual aid networks to defend against attacks on reproductive rights.

• Back to the Basics. At a time of political realignment, progressive movements need to get back to building relationships, across differences, and growing their base.

• How movements can incorporate anti-fascist strategies and reimagine justice through transformative frameworks. Looking Beyond Survival, with Ejeris Dixon

• Does it say something about the state of our society that our present stirring was triggered not by the raising of tents, but the firing of a weapon? Insurance Denials, Chronic Pain, and a Nation’s Rage.

• The Democratic Party lacks the energy of a determined opposition — it is adrift, listless in the wake of defeat. What Do Democrats Need to Do? Act Like an Opposition Party.

PRACTICING SOLIDARITY

The holidays aren’t happy for many of us and can be one of the most anxiety producing times of the year. It can be difficult to navigate conflict skillfully - especially when so much is at stake - but if we choose to educate and organize our families, especially when we care about them. If you’re navigating family dynamics and uncomfortable conversations, we’ve got you. United We dream put together this helpful guide to clapping back at anti-immigrant lies during the holidays:

• Call out the lies with curiosity. We don’t have time for debates built on myths, but starting with curiosity opens the door to real conversation

• Share stories that hit home. They can argue with the stats, but they can’t aruge with your story. Share your story or the story of someone you love. Make it personal because it IS.

• Process the conflict; don’t let it slide. When tensions arise, meet them with courage. Avoiding the conversation doesn’t stop the harm.

• Drop the facts; make your case. This is your chance to bring the conversation back to what’s right: the values of dignity, community, and humanity that we should all share.

• End with boundaries and strength. Not every conversation will change a mind, and that’s not your burden to carry. Speak your truth, set your boundaries, and let them know you won’t compromise on your humanity.

Here’s the full guide.

Art by @Feminist

DIGGING DEEPER

Folks are really struggling right now…and sometimes asking “how are you doing?” isn’t helpful (despite your good intentions). Here are ways to check in and let someone know you care without asking how are you doing?:

• Offer some insight into how you’re feeling first: “I’ve been having a hard time sleeping and focusing on work. I’ll be ok - but its tough. How have you been feeling?”

• Ask something specific: “What have you been. thinking about?” “How has your day been?”, “How does it feel to be you right now?”

• Offer support (without questions): “I miss you! I’m just checking in! Hope you’re ok, but i’m here for you if you’re struggling”.

• Be curious: “I’m wondering what’s helping you cope right now?”, “Have ou read any good books or watched any good shows lately?”

• Offer an activity to do together: “Want to watch a movie together over zoom this weekend?”

• Hold space: “I care about you and you’re on my mind. No need to respond; just want you to know.”

Art and words by @revelatori

TOGETHERING

Tonight is our last Togethering community meet up of the year. Join us at 6EST/3PST. You can register HERE.

WE-NESS

Take care, folks.

Art by @tiffanygilgore

Thanks for subscribing to WELLREAD. For the last several years we’ve been providing folks with the need to know (NTK) news, calls to actions and resources for how to stay engaged and resourced along the way. But now, we’ve added an option to “upgrade to paid” to help sustain our work. While we will never put our content behind a pay wall, we depend on the support of our community to keep us going. 💛

Upgrade to paid