Friday, July 10th 2020  

#OURPOWER is in our numbers. Get powered up with some self care tips and stay plugged in to Our Power with this newsletter!

Self Care, too, is a Radical Act of Resistance

Emphasizing the power of self care in organizing. 

Let's be honest. Sometimes it's not easy being an activist or an organizer. Some days are hard. Some days are really hard. Especially for those working in an issue like gun violence, for survivors, it can be difficult to keep pushing through.

We all want to be the strongest in the fight against gun violence, or against climate change, or for indigenous rights, or every issue that impacts us, but we must remember: the biggest threat against our movement isn't the NRA. The biggest threat is the lack of activists that are ready and able to take them on.

People burn out and movements lose momentum all the time, and the practice of self care is necessary to make sure your community is resilient, long lasting, and effective. 

Self care looks different for every individual and community, but starts with acknowledging that you don't have to bury your emotions to do this work. Be honest with yourself when you reach capacity, and create space for breaks that bring you joy.

***

🚨 In the Community

• Join NextGen, Headcount and UCSF for a 100-days-out webinar on the 2020 election on Wed, July 22.
• Allied Media Conference Presents Visionary Organizing for Education Justice July 23-26
• March For Our Lives is hiring a Federal Advocacy Associate

🚨 Direct Actions 

• This guide has everything you need to know to support the Black Lives Matter movement
• Send a pre-written letter to your government officials and council members demanding the reallocation of the police budget towards social services
• Practice self care with this guide for Black organizers.
• As always, pay attention to your community organization's local actions.

COVID-19 Resources

As a reminder, all chapter activities in-person are still suspended until further notice. During this strange time, it’s important to create networks of mutual support. Here’s some resources that grassroots organizers have compiled.

• Resources for Students
• Demands from grassroots organizers
• MFOL mental health resources

If you have any feedback or would like to recommend someone for the spotlight, just reply to this email or your Regional Organizing Director.