How to Take Meaningful Action Right Now, From Small to Big Ways

The past couple of weeks have been especially heavy. The devastating murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor have compelled so many to rise up and take a stand against racism and societal injustices. The need to fight for what is right and pay attention to what is going on around us is important now more than ever. 

Personally, for me, I spent the whole weekend overwhelmed, emotionally paralyzed, and sad. I knew I wanted to and must do something, but I didn't know where to start. There were so many thoughtful posts on social media and news outlets on how to take action—including this wonderful piece on THE/THIRTY's sister site, Who What Wear. But reading more and more about what people were doing to help, understand, and learn made me feel even more overwhelmed. Then, there was the guilt that I felt about making it about me.

As a non-black POC, I have felt the effects of bias, prejudice, and feeling "different" from others, but by no means do I know a black person's experience. Being Asian in America is different from being black in America. Full stop.

Out of the concern for my mental health, I took a break from social media to reflect on what's happening and try to understand the perspective of so many who are suffering and have suffered at the hands of racism in the U.S. I recognized I couldn't make clear decisions or be of help to anyone at that moment, so I took the weekend to think. And now that it's Monday, and I'm ready to do what I can. Where to start, though?

You might be feeling similarly right now. You want to put yourself, your resources, your energy out there, but you don't even know where to start, or maybe feel like you don't have enough power to make a difference. Well, the good news is, anyone can make an impact. Even if it's in the smallest of ways. To help, I've taken some inspiration from wise words I've read on social media; from my own co-workers, friends, and family; and from all the difficult yet thoughtful conversations we've been having with each other during the past couple of days, and made a list of ways to take action—from the smallest (but by no means unimportant) to the biggest. Take a look below.

We'd love to keep this important dialogue going with you, THE/THIRTY community. Please reach out to us if you think there is something else we should add to this list or if you just need someone to talk to. We're here for you. Our DMs are always open on Instagram.

Make it a point to be an active listener. This might be the simplest and most important place to start. If you're not black, you will never truly know what it's like to be black in America, but by listening with an open mind and open heart, you will get a better understanding of their perspective and experiences. And the more you know, the more you'll be able to effectively help and contribute to the cause.

And it's not just listening to the people in your circle—you can also listen to the many activists and thought leaders on social platforms and podcasts. Below are some to check out…

On Instagram and Twitter: @rachel.cargle, @dribram, @deray, @professorcrunk, @breenewsome, @myishathill, @ebonyjanice, @iamrachelricketts

Podcasts: Code Switch, Come Through With Rebecca Carroll, Pod Save the People, 1619

Knowledge is power. It might seem that staying at home and reading books and articles on racism and the black experience is like doing nothing when compared to seeing the people out there who are protesting, but by educating yourself more, you'll be prepared to take a stand and speak up when you see injustices happening.

This extensive anti-racism resources document has suggestions for books, articles, TV shows, movies, and more.

Discourse is important, too. The conversations will be tough, but they're essential. This can mean talking to the black people in your life to understand their perspectives. Through that, you might be able to find out how to be a better ally and think of ways that you can be of more help. And it can also mean taking the knowledge that you have learned and discussing it with your non-black friends and family to help further their education on racism.

Take a few minutes out of your day to call, text, or sign petitions. Here are a few places that need your help…

Justice for Big Floyd Petition

Color of Change #JusticeforFloyd Petition

#JusticeForBre Petition 

If you have the means, donate to some worthy organizations that are fighting to end racism and injustices, and to protect those who are affected. It doesn't even have to be a large amount, just whatever you can. And when shopping or dining, think about the companies you are giving your money to—make it a point to support black-owned businesses. Who What Wear has a list of fashion, beauty, wellness, and home brands to support.

Need some ideas for where to donate? Here are some ideas…

ACLU

Black Lives Matter

Bail Project

Campaign Zero

Community Justice Exchange National Bail Fund Network

Communities United Against Police Brutality

Equal Justice Initiative

I Run With Maud Fund

The Movement for Black Lives

NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund

Official George Floyd Memorial Fund

Unicorn Riot

Get involved in your community by donating your time, expertise, and energy to an organization. Here are a few places to check out…

Color of Change

NAACP

Showing Up for Racial Justice

The Audre Lorde Project

Next: What You Can Do to Combat Racism