Hello from the Writing Attic!Look people, I won’t sugarcoat this. We’re in treacherous times. Settled law is anything but, people are getting their affairs in order, and there’s a political stranglehold gearing up in state legislatures. We’re firmly entrenched in minority rule. But here’s the thing about minority rule. It means there’s a majority of people who do not agree with the rule. And a majority who do not agree on the rule can take action to remake their world—that is firmly in their power. But it requires each person of that majority to stand up and actually wield their personal power. I promise the rest of this newsletter will get into the business of writing. But sometimes there are far more pressing things at hand. What is most pressing right now is that you (yes, you!) do not fall into despair and instead recognize the power you have. And you have a lot of it. You have the power to vote in all upcoming elections. You have the power to double-check to ensure your voter registration is valid. (Do it, right now. Check it.) Most importantly, you have the power to use your time, talent, and/or treasure to support a local mutual aid organization that focuses on something you find personally important. You don’t have to donate or volunteer for everything. Just pick one organization that you feel is doing good work that you would be proud to support. Then hit that volunteer button. Sign up for the newsletter. Show up when they ask. If you’re anything like me, you feel like you’re not doing enough unless you’re doing it all. Stop that. Right now. Nobody can do it all. But one person can make a hell of difference when they keep their focus. Imagine you are carrying a bucket of water. Everyone around you is also carrying their own buckets of water. Everyone is carrying their water to the same destination — a garden growing fruits of justice, equity, peace, kindness… it’s a very variegated garden of goodness. In the distance, you see a fire that threatens the garden. You aren’t close to the fire; other bucket carriers are closer. Maybe in the moment it makes sense to divert your path and empty your water on the fire. But if everyone empties their buckets on that one fire, who will have enough water to put out other fires along the way? Who will be there to carry more water to the garden of justice? Better to keep your path straight and your bucket full. There are other bucket carriers closer to the fire who will put that one out. When the fire is in your path, you will use your bucket to put it out. Rest assured: We are all carrying water to the same place. So choose your bucket. Consider your time, talents, and/or treasure as you fill your bucket. Is it a bucket of voting rights? Reproductive healthcare? Ethical journalism? Information access? Sustainability? Community-building? Maybe your bucket has two or three things in it — but no more than that. Don’t muddy the waters. Choose your bucket. Choose it well. Carry it home. If you need some inspiration, here’s a few orgs in Nashville: Open Table Nashville — Outreach and support services for the unhoused (I donate monthly) The Equity Alliance — Consolidating Black voter power to build a more equitable state SEIU-Local 205 — Metro workers union. Advocating for living wages, better benefits, and dignity for all public servants of Nashville (I currently serve as a union steward.) Stand Up Nashville — Amplifying the voices of the vulnerable as Nashville development grows at an alarming rate NOAH — An anti-racist, faith-based coalition of organizations in town advocating for housing, justice, education, and economic equality Urban Green Lab — Helping communities live sustainably and advocating for environmental justice Hands On Nashville — A one-stop shop directory of all volunteer and donation opportunities for non-profits in the city Drop me an email and tell me what’s in your bucket. Then, let’s gossip.
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