Plants aren't the only ones growing...

I've been doing a lot of thinking and observing over the last few days, not adding my two cents to the talk and action going on (at least not as a presence on social media). Mostly, I've been trying to be better at shutting up, and knowing when to listen, and reading, and writing, and researching, and learning more and more. A lot is going on in the world and it's important to see this conversation happening on platforms and with people that I had never before witnessed mentioning their thoughts on racism and oppression to date. My great hope is that these conversations, and protests, and revolutions will continue much longer than something trending on facebook and instagram (or whatever else we may be using at this time) and that they won't stop until we have torn down the all systems in place that are so dangerous for any person not holding white privilege. I hope that while people holding said privilege scramble to catch up in a conversation that they never knew was happening, that they/we will become fully aware of how that is a privilege in itself. The _option_ to "join" a fight -- one that has been ongoing for centuries -- rather than just leaning back into a world designed specifically for their/our own comfort. North America is built on the backs of so many people that do not benefit one iota from the final product. What is now known as the United States and Canada has been sculpted into a continuation of colonialist and capitalist ideals that trample down anyone in the way. So, I implore anyone new to this to check themselves often (I do too! I am in no way exempt from any of this!) and please don't bombard the teachers, anti-racist educators, and leaders of this movement with dms and questions. If you bombard anyone with anything, let it be donations to any of the countless fundraising and donation based opportunities that you can often find linked in the bios of these social media handles. I recognize not all of us are in a position to donate the money we'd like to. I understand not having much to give. In these cases, we can give in other ways too. Become involved in the protests and demonstrations. Even introverted folx (like me) can get to typing and holler at officials in government. Demand action and flood inboxes. Get involved in politics. I understand that a lot of folx will balk at that, feeling it too daunting a task, and believe me -- I get it -- but leaving the politics to "people that know something about it" is exactly why we' are where we are right now. Google is a thing, use it as much as possible. Read, read, read. Beyond books, there are articles, essays, blogs, you name it. Reading not your thing? (Try.) Audiobooks are also a thing. Listen. Learn. Know we're going to mess up, say the wrong thing, do the wrong thing, not get a "the work is all done" cookie. Thank someone if they call you out and correct you. If you're triggered by it, don't get defensive, just breathe and learn. Do better. Be better. At this time, I am searching the interweb, trying to hone in on organizations, groups, people, that are operating in the more rural areas of Nova Scotia. Many movements are centered in K'jipuktuk, which is fantastic, and I would like to join forces with similar movements in the outlying areas of the province as I'm rarely near K'jipuktuk and so can rarely attend stands of solidarity in those areas. As I google away, I welcome any comments/DMs directing me to groups like this. And if you are in a rural area and know there is no such thing in your area are wanting to find ways to contribute/organize, I'm in! Let's talk. One of the phrases going around a lot is "silence is compliance" (I'm not sure who originally coined it but would love to credit them so if you know, do tell.) and it's true. Call each other out for racist behaviour. Don't worry so much about "not rocking the boat". Tip it. Don't give people a free pass just because they're friends or family or you fear rejection or accusations of being "too sensitive". Don't continue to be part of the problem. And to the folx that do follow me on social media, and are friends, and family, know that I am not going to stop talking about any of this. Ever. Know that I'm going to continue to say and do things that make people uncomfortable. Know that if I'm considered "too sensitive" when I'm trying to be a decent womxn-being, then I own that. It can be one of my superpowers. And I am totally okay with you clicking that "unfollow" or "unfriend" button. But if you want to make a change, reach out, and we can stumble forward together.

Let's grow.