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Do something.

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Standing Rock Medic and Healer Council

The efforts to prevent further DAPL construction continue. Awareness of this unbalanced struggle is growing, but so too are the aggressive tactics used by law enforcement and private security. A few days ago, water cannons were used while temperatures dipped below freezing. These actions were justified as an attempt to put out fires set by the water protectors; video footage shows the militarized forces using them directly against people, refuting their claims. Over a hundred individuals had to seek medical care after this encounter, and it seems unlikely that these tactics will wane given the impending January 1st deadline:

“If this deadline is missed, a majority of the stakeholders with contracts to ship oil through the pipeline will be able to renegotiate or cancel their contracts. This could be devastating to Energy Transfer Partners and the other pipeline companies behind DAPL.”

This time around, I’m donating to the Standing Rock Medic and Healer Council. They focus their efforts on “coordinat[ing] supplies, resources, and volunteers between various medic and wellness clinics at the Standing Rock Dakota Access Pipeline Opposition camps.” When facing rubber bullets, tear gas, and hypothermia, and with winter quickly approaching, this group needs all the support they can get. They are the primary health and wellness resource for the thousands camped in the area, and funds are used for

“communication equipment to facilitate signal on-site at camp for more efficient supply and volunteer coordination, subzero weather infrastructure to keep medics, healers and their patients warm through winter, and equipment & supplies including backboards, medical gear, and herbal remedies.”

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and while our happy traditions today clearly do not match the history of our (European) violent and oppressive presence here, I am thankful that indigenous groups have stood against greed to protect the water and the land. 

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ACLU

The results of this year’s presidential election are disappointing, though not incredibly surprising, unfortunately. Though there were bright spots in state and local races (Kim Foxx here in Chicago, Ilhan Omar in Minneapolis, Kate Brown in Oregon), the electoral college at the national level means we are facing national leadership that will benefit few. This is not to mention leadership in Congress which will likely follow suit with presidential policy.

In the last few days since the election, there have been many accounts of individuals embracing the rhetoric of hate common with our president-elect to act out against minority groups. Racist, bigoted, xenophobic, and misogynistic actions have occurred from classrooms to gas stations - Nazi graffiti scrawled across buildings, white students yelling at their classmates to “go back to where they came from,” and one account of the killing of a Saudi student. The motives on the murder are not yet clear and the white assailant is still at-large.

Those emboldened are unlikely to stop, especially if policies negatively impacting people of color, immigrants, Muslims and Jews, the LGBTQ community, and women are pursued. Luckily, there’s an amazing group that has already committed to protecting those most at risk - the ACLU. The organization was formed in 1920, and it “was founded to ensure the promise of the Bill of Rights and to expand its reach to people historically denied its protections.” More about the ACLU:

“We have grown from a roomful of civil libertarians to more than 1 million members, activists, and supporters across the country. The ACLU is now a nationwide organization with a 50-state network of staffed affiliate offices filing cases in both state and federal courts. We appear before the United States Supreme Court more than any other organization except the U.S. Department of Justice.

In addition, we work to change policy as well as hearts and minds. Our Washington Legislative Office lobbies the U.S. Congress to pass bills that advance or defend civil liberties and defeat those that do not; our affiliates work in state houses across the country to do the same; and we use strategic communications to engage supporters on the most pressing civil liberties issues of our time. The defense of America’s core liberties cannot rely on the courts alone. Politics and public opinion matter too.

The ACLU is nonprofit and nonpartisan. We do not receive any government funding. Member dues as well as contributions and grants from private foundations and individuals pay for the work we do.”

Issues that they work on include criminal reform, disability rights, immigrants’ rights, racial justice, mass incarceration, reproductive rights, and voting rights, to name just a few. I’ve signed up to make monthly donations to ensure that they have the support to try in court and press legislation that benefits those at risk. We can hope that the next four years won’t be as grim as some fear, but we can’t act as though this will be the case. 

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My Block My Hood My City

It’s an unfortunate reality that Chicago is very, very segregated. The outcomes of that reality vary, and we often collectively think about it in the most dramatic, tragic terms. But this extends to everyday interactions and attitudes. One aspect I’d never really thought to consider until the last year or so, was not feeling connected to the rest of the city.

Both the Invisible Institute Youth/Police Project, and the National Public Housing Museum’s Youth Advisory Council made this clear - that not all Chicagoans feel welcome in, or even a part of, the rest of the city. Yes, this city is large. Yes, there are many areas inaccessible via transit. But those aren’t the only factors that make some areas seem off limit - income inequality, racism, and a host of other ugly issues come into play.

That’s where My Block My Hood My City steps in. They take high schoolers from different south and westside neighborhoods, and take them on outings to visit other neighborhoods with the aim of “introduc[ing] Chicagoans to places in their city they’ve never seen or experienced.” It seems simple, but it can have a big impact. As founder Jahmal Cole says, "segregation promotes social economic isolation and exclusion... a lot of what they think is possible is shaped by a few blocks." Expanding horizons and getting youths out of their comfort zones can open doors for them and help them to see that other options may be available. 

Past trips have included excursions to Greektown and Wicker Park, and other groups have had the chance to go to Sox games and sailing on Lake Michigan. Additionally, the organization has organized park cleanups and a city-wide potluck, to bring people together to build understanding. And Cole has also planned events for Chicagoans to visit southside neighborhood Englewood. The neighborhood has its fair share of challenges, but he believes “there is beauty in Englewood — it may be a diamond in the rough, but Englewood residents haven’t lost sight of the diamond.. there are organized efforts to shape that diamond, and it may take a lifetime of work to make it happen … but with awareness and your support, it can and will happen."

The world could certainly do with some empathy and understanding, and starting this work in a direct way in your own city is a great start. Small steps can make a big difference if it pulls people together.

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Haiti Community Support

Hurricane Matthew proved to be deadly when it hit the Caribbean earlier this month. Haiti was hit particularly hard, it was the third strongest hurricane on record to make landfall. Hundreds died due to the flooding and wind, and many more are still missing. Homes, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure was destroyed or severely damaged. And an outbreak of cholera compounded the challenges faced once the storm moved on.

Not living in an area hit by a disaster like this one, and not having any direct ties, it can be difficult to know which organization to contribute to to make the greatest impact. Luckily, a trusted friend from St. Croix made recommendations on places to donate to, where money would go the farthest. One of these was Haiti Community Support.

The organization got its start in 2005, and they have helped to improve infrastructure like access to clean drinking water and build schools and healthcare facilities in Au Centre. They believe that in empowerment:  “our support funds go directly into the village to a proven team of community members who know what their village needs... by believing in what Haitians can accomplish... [they] consider... [themselves] a partner, not a patron; a neighbor, not an outsider.” Their mission:

“delivering education, nutrition and health care to children in the rural mountains. Most of our $60,000.00 annual budget comes from private donors. Those donations make possible the education of 225 children, a nutrition program, a health clinic, and other community development projects such as our water project and road building.”

When disasters like this one, the effects can be felt for much longer than the challenges are covered in the media. It’s important to support organizations invested in communities, who will be there both in times of tragedy and times of relative stability. 

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Sacred Stone Camp Legal Fund

The fight to stop DAPL has continued, with more and more gathering at the Sacred Stone Camp from across the country to support the cause. Local law enforcement and private security have resorted to using pepper spray, attack dogs, and showing up in full riot gear to “deal” with the peaceful protestors. Dakota Access LLP’s temporary restraining order against key leaders of the movement has been dissolved, but is clear that they won’t give up. 

There have been dozens of arrests, and so there is a call for a distinct fund to support not only the legal action to stop the pipeline, but also one to assist those now navigating the criminal justice system. In one day alone, “22 people, all unarmed, including medics, journalists, and legal observers” were arrested. It is doubtful the system will treat them fairly: “the Morton County Jail informed the Camp’s legal team that the ND States Attorney, Al Koppy, had ordered that only a North Dakota licensed attorney could visit the jailed water protectors, which is a violation of their constitutional right to counsel of their choosing for initial consultation.”

This country has largely chosen to ignore injustices like this one, but Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Chairman David Archambault II recently addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva to build international support to stop the pipeline. Hopefully these collective efforts will build the momentum necessary to stop further construction. 

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Black Youth Project 100

Many are saying racial conflict is at an all-time high in this country. In fact, there’s actually an increase in awareness due to factors like the web that is causing this seeming “spike” in racially-charged events. It’s not that there’s more discrimination or violence than there has been in the past, it’s just that society as a whole is finally learning about its regular occurrence. 

Organizations are working towards a more equal nation, individuals are protesting and making concrete demands for a better future. One of these includes BYP 100:

“an activist member-based organization of Black 18-35 year olds, dedicated to creating justice and freedom for all Black people... [they] do this through building a collective focused on transformative leadership development, direct action organizing, advocacy and education using a Black queer feminist lens.”

They are seeking economic, social, political, and sexual freedom. They work to accomplish these means by:

train[ing] young black activists in direct action grassroots organizing skills, so they can build the power we need to transform our communities.

mobiliz[ing] young Black leaders on issues including ending criminalization and dismantling the prison industrial complex, expanding and securing LGBT and women’s rights.

run[ning] campaigns using on the ground and digital tactics towards the goal of ending the criminalization of Black youth, racial profiling and police brutality.

Specific issues that they have focused on include the Fight for 15, to increase the minimum wage to $15 for more economic mobility, and police brutality and killings of people of color. 

They are fighting for a better world for themselves, their friends, their family, their community. There is much we need to change to accomplish this, and they deserve as much support as they can get. 

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Sacred Stone Camp

While there has been an underwhelming amount of mainstream news coverage of the protests agains the Dakota Access Pipeline, this movement is vital to the community it impacts. The proposed pipeline puts people and the environment at risk, and it violates numerous orders and federal acts.

The Sacred Stone Camp was established on April 1 in between the pipeline’s proposed crossing of the Missouri River and the water intake valves for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, as a means of peaceful protest against the pipeline, whose construction is already underway. Thousands have gathered from around the country, representing a range of tribes, to prevent construction from continuing. Security forces have provoked and attacked the peaceful protestors, but they are holding steadfast. 

There is much at stake. Pipelines regularly leak, often catastrophically. The impact on the river and surrounding watershed would be horrific. Water is life, and so life would be gravely altered by this threat. The area is also home to important cultural and historic sites to the local tribes: 

“The place where pipeline will cross on the Cannonball is the place where the Mandan came into the world after the great flood, it is also a place where the Mandan had their Okipa, or Sundance. Later this is where Wisespirit and Tatanka Ohitika held sundances. There are numerous old Mandan, Cheyenne, and Arikara villages located in this area and burial sites. This is also where the sacred medicine rock [is located], which tells the future.” 

Organizers are asking for donations to continue their peaceful resistance move, as well as financial support for their legal action against the Dakota Access Pipeline. This country has treated its original inhabitants deplorably since the first day a European set foot on its shores. We need to stop and treat them with respect. 

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Chicago Community Bond Fund

There have been a number of groups leading protests across the country, especially relating to police brutality and issues of systemic racism. Chicago has seen its fare share of these marches and sit-ins. And an unfortunate reality of these events is the arrest of activists.

Aside from more public arrests like these, so many are arrested and detained for what are often very minor charges (70% of pre-trial detainees at Cook County Jail are detained for nonviolent offenses). Often, individuals end up in jail for extended periods of time because they cannot pay the astronomical bail fees. This is where the Chicago Community Bond Fund steps in by:

“support[ing] individuals whose communities cannot afford to pay the bonds themselves and who have been impacted by structural violence. Inability to pay bond results in higher rates of conviction, longer sentences, loss of housing and jobs, separation of families, and lost custody of children. By paying bond, CCBF restores the presumption of innocence before trial and enables recipients to remain free while fighting their cases. CCBF also engages in public education about the role of bond in the criminal legal system and advocates for the abolition of money bond. CCBF is committed to long­term relationship building and organizing with people most directly impacted by criminalization and policing.”

The volunteer-based organization is fighting for systemic change, while also doing the immediate work of helping those who cannot meet bail. They believe that “access to money should not determine freedom, that pre-trial incarceration is fundamentally unjust.” Since December 2015, the group has posted more than $135,000 on bail to free 26 incarcerated individuals in Cook County Jail. And the repercussions to posting bail are real:

“the simple inability to pay bond often has severe negative consequences on the very things that help someone charged with a crime succeed: employment, stable housing, and strong family and community connections. Pre-trial detention can cause loss of housing and/or jobs, separation of families, and lost custody of children. It also results in higher rates of conviction, as people are forced to plead guilty in order to go home rather than fight their charges.”

The police and justice systems in this country need to be seriously overhauled. This process will take time. In the meantime, it is heartening to see organizations like the Chicago Community Bond Fund acting and advocating for a better future.

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Freedom Square - Back to School Supply Drive

The #LetUsBreathe Collective created Freedom Square, “a community block party and occupation to imagine a world without police.” It has been going strong for 19 days at this point, and they have hosted a variety of activities including a free community grocery store and arts and crafts activities for local kids. Freedom Square “continues the momentum of the “Black Lives Matter In Lawndale” march and civil disobedience at CPD’s Homan Square,” which has the terrible reputation of being the police’s illegal detention center. Accounts of abuse are numerous.

One of their current calls to action, in this completely donation and volunteer-based movement, is a back to school drive for the surrounding community. From their social media post about the need for supplies:

“Since the genesis of the ‪#‎FreedomSquare‬ occupation, we have been dedicated to centering young Black people most impacted by structural divestment and state violence.

The North Lawndale community has experienced more school closings than any other community in Chicago coupled with 70% of the schools in North Lawndale becoming charter or turn-around schools, leaving community members vulnerable to private developers and entities.

As young Black people are beginning a new school year, we aim to provide them with the supplies they need. We ask for folks to bring khaki uniform pants in all sizes, for all body types and gender identities. In addition to khaki pants, we are asking for book bags pre-packaged with school supplies on the attached images. If you’re unable to drop supplies off at #FreedomSquare, you can purchase supplies remotely via our Amazon wish list at http://bit.ly/lub_back2school.

We are grateful for the continued support as we build a world without police and prisons – a world where we are standing for love, fighting for freedom and building community.”

Education is critical, and it is a basic right. It’s also an unfortunate reality that education is still unequal in this country, that those in some neighborhoods are left behind due to systemic racism and underfunding. I wholeheartedly support Freedom Square’s school supply drive as a way of combating this inequality.

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Near West Side Community Development Corporation

Yesterday, Jonathan Mills, a beloved basketball star of North Lawndale, was shot and killed on the west side. His was not the only shooting or death yesterday, at least 10 individuals were involved in this kind of violence in the city. It is a constant, and it is terrible.

Jonathan was playing basketball as part of the Near West Side Community Development Corporation’s West Haven Safe Summer Basketball League. The Near West Side CDC is responsible for a wide range of programs which support community residents, with a mission of “creat[ing] a viable, mixed-income community in West Haven without the displacement of low and moderate income residents.” They formally organized in 1988 after fighting against the displacement of 1,500 residents and the destruction of hundreds of homes during a proposed relocation of the NFL stadium. Some of their areas of focus include:

1) programming in the areas of job preparation, life skills training, and financial literacy 2) social services to residents in public housing 3) maintaining and developing the area’s commercial corridor 4) offering permanent housing to residents who would otherwise be homeless 5) implementing youth programming focused on athletic, artistic, and academic activities

Jonathan Mills was involved in the summer basketball league, which was started in 2007 and regularly draws in 300 players and thousands of spectators. The initiative runs from May to August and provides a safe space and alternative activity to gang activity. 

For those that would say that people are ignoring “black on black” crime in light of police brutality, I would point them to this organization and so many others that are doing the work to help their communities. A violent death is only something outsiders can ignore, not those who deal with these tragedies on a regular basis. I’m making a donation to the Near West Side CDC in honor of Jonathan Mills. 

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Mothers Against Senseless Killings

It feels like the news if full of death, that there’s no hope. And this is true, in a way. But it is also true that many are fighting against injustice and senseless violence. When all else fails, when you’re at a loss for what to do, support those doing good work.

Mothers Against Senseless Killings is one of those amazing groups, doing good work. MASK started in June 2015 after a shooting in Englewood left one woman dead, and the community in fear of retaliatory violence. Tamar Manasseh mobilized area mothers to form patrols and stake out intersections. The group relies on an “eyes on the street” approach, and they try to form better bonds with youth in the community:

“This is about mothers reconnecting with children that haven’t been mothered that much,” Manasseh said. “Take away the guns, and they’re just kids.”

In addition to their continued patrols, they also organize weekly planning and strategy meetings to deal with violence, and they host support groups for families dealing with loss. From their website:

Mothers Against Senseless Killings - MASK (in conjunction with Men Against Senseless Killings - MASK) are women in collaboration with community stakeholders working together in the fight to end gun and gang violence in affected neighborhoods. MASK is made up of mothers, family members, friends and volunteers of every race, religion, color, creed, educational, economic and social background. We work to be a support mechanism for one another and a presence in the fight against violence. MASK also acts as a supplemental force to local police departments and other law enforcement agencies and help find ways to keep people safe. In addition to our activities, we organize to support those who put forth legislation to fight for stricter gun control laws as well as place members in locations and situations where our voices and interest can be expressed and heard.

In light of the recent violence throughout the world, I’ve made a direct donation to MASK, and I’ve also made a donation to a friend who is making a food delivery to the mothers on patrol. We should stop and recognize those acting in the face of adversity and tragedy.

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Grand Teton National Park Foundation

In honor of Father’s Day, I’m supporting the Grand Teton National Park Foundation. Since retiring, my parents have been enjoying traveling across the country, focusing particularly on the mountainous landscapes of the west and north. Last summer they spent a good part of the season exploring Canada and Alaska. The Tetons have always been a family favorite, with their dramatic beauty.

This private non-profit helps the park by

“fund[ing] projects that enhance Grand Teton National Park’s cultural, historic, and natural resources and help[ing] others learn about and protect all that is special in the park... by supporting work that goes beyond what the National Park Service could accomplish on its own, the Foundation initiates improvements, critical research, and outreach that enrich visitors’ experiences and create a stable future for Grand Teton National Park.”

Some of their projects include funding wildlife research to help with “management decisions and conservation plans, with the ultimate goal of preserving... wildlife for the enjoyment of future generations.” Their efforts have recently focused on wolves and bighorn sheep, and they have also looked at the migration patterns of mule deer and native fish populations. Their Youth Engagement Initiative helps connect younger audiences with the park, exposing them to conservation and stewardship principles. They have been focusing on drawing in more diverse communities, establishing programs like Pura Vida to provide opportunities for Latino youths.

Our parks are indeed a national treasure, and the upcoming NPS centennial is definitely cause for celebration. Let’s all support the efforts to protect these places.

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Howard Brown Health Center

It is an unfortunate reality that hatred still governs the actions of many. With the influx of information via media and the web, it seems like this is more the case now than ever. In reality, we are likely just more well informed about tragedies inspired by intolerance. 

Through all this, organizations like Howard Brown Health exist to help support groups often discriminated against. Established in 1974, its goal is

“to eliminate the disparities in health care experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people through research, education and the provision of services that promote health and wellness.”

It is one of the largest LGBTQ organizations in the US, and it focuses on a variety of needs in the community: primary medical care, behavioral health, research, HIV/STI prevention, youth services, elder services, and community initiatives. They serve all members of the community regardless of sexual expression or orientation, regardless of age. 

Their efforts over the years have resulted in a hepatitis B vaccine, opening a facility with pharmacists specializing in HIV/AIDS treatment, and opening a center to support at-risk and homeless LGBTQ youth. They have been an advocate for the community from their inception, and it is clear from recent events that the work of organizations like the Howard Brown Center is still invaluable.

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Sarah’s Circle

Most books I’ve been reading lately have dealt with issues of welfare, the prevalence of female heads of household in low income community, and the underground economy that flourishes as a result of a lack of resources. Women already face a host of challenges in today’s world, but this is even more the case when facing homelessness.

Sarah’s Circle is a local non-profit that started in the 1970s to deal with the relatively new problem of homelessness among females. The organization grew over the years, and importantly, it was guided by the idea that it would accept women as they are. Their mission is to serve as:

“a refuge for women who are homeless or in need of a safe space. By providing life necessities, housing, case management, clinical and social services, we encourage women to empower themselves by rebuilding both emotionally and physically; realizing their unique potential.”

They support women through trauma and illness and provide resources that are often otherwise difficult if not impossible to obtain as an individual. They remain a presence even after women have found more stable housing solutions. Their dedication to helping rather than imposing values makes them an invaluable asset to the city as a whole. 

I’m making this donation in honor of two awesome ladies getting married who introduced me to this organization. 

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Growing Home

In honor of last frost date here in Chicago (and hopefully consistently warm weather for the rest of the season), I’m donating to Growing Home. This Englewood based organization has been active in the community since 2002, and their mission is:

“Inspiring healthy living, community empowerment, and economic development in Englewood. We have a vision of a world of healthy people and communities. Everyone deserves to have a good job, and everyone deserves to eat well.”

The organization trains those in the community with employment barriers by providing 25 hours per week of paid on-the-job experience and job-readiness training on one of their farms. Additionally, they assist with criminal records, medical care, child support, and housing. The organic produce harvested is then sold at affordable rates to the surrounding neighborhood, areas considered food deserts due to the lack of grocery stores. 

Last year alone, 40 individuals enrolled in the program, and over 80% completed training and went on to find jobs. Growing Home’s model of supporting individuals helps the community at-large, and does it all through a humble activity like farming.

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Postpartum Progress’ Climb Out of the Darkness

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and many friends are expecting or becoming moms.  

While taking on this new role is fantastically rewarding for many, it often comes with some serious risks and burdens. I often feel like the experience of pregnancy and motherhood is portrayed in a narrow and unrealistic way: everything is amazing about the experience and you’re less of a woman/mom for thinking otherwise. Both physical and mental illness that are either exacerbated by or caused by pregnancy (and life post-pregnancy) are still often hush hush, taboo. It’s heartbreaking to know how many women struggle with their health, especially knowing that they are also dealing with the extraordinary challenge of raising a child.

Enter Postpartum Progress. This organization helps to raise awareness about a range of maternal mental illnesses, through educational materials, advocacy, and peer training. One of their large fundraising events, the Climb Out of the Darkness is coming up, and a friend of mine is participating and fundraising. The event is

“the world’s largest event raising awareness of maternal mental illnesses like postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety & OCD, postpartum PTSD, postpartum psychosis, bipolar/peripartum onset, and pregnancy depression and anxiety. Climb Out of the Darkness is held on or near the longest day of the year annually to help shine the most light on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. The event features mothers and others across the globe joining together to climb mountains and hike trails to represent their symbolic rise out of the darkness of maternal mental illness and into the light of hope and recovery.”

Moms are totally kickass, I’m constantly amazed by their strength and love. Let’s all pitch in to make sure these ladies get the support that they need.

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Planned Parenthood

Though I suppose I’m an “adult,” and I suppose by extension that means I should do grown-up things like have a doctor I regularly visit. But I don’t. Instead, I visit Planned Parenthood, and I have to say my experiences at PP have always far surpassed a visit to a GP. 

From something as simple as a checkbox on the forms, inquiring how you identify gender-wise, to an open acknowledgement by multiple doctors that the women unfairly bear the brunt of family planning, I so appreciate how transparent the values of this institution are. The staff are incredibly friendly, and they are clearly there to serve their patient and uphold their mission:

- to provide comprehensive reproductive and complementary health care services in settings which preserve and protect the essential privacy and rights of each individual - to advocate public policies which guarantee these rights and ensure access to such services - to provide educational programs which enhance understanding of individual and societal implications of human sexuality - to promote research and the advancement of technology in reproductive health care and encourage understanding of their inherent bioethical, behavioral, and social implications

It is clear from visits with multiple PP doctors over the years that they have my best interests in mind, and they have gone above and beyond to provide me with holistic care. I see diverse faces every time I visit, and I’m glad it’s a resource in our community. 

Planned Parenthood provides free and reduced services for so many, so I regularly donate money when visiting to help both the organization and those who face tough times. No one should be turned away from receiving the care they need based on their financial situation. I’m glad PP is there to help.