MAKE CHANGE March
Enough is enough.
Enough with the genocide. Enough with pricing people out of food and housing. ENOUGH.
We want and need change, but don’t know how to make it happen, or at least happen fast enough.
It can feel overwhelming and stressful to want to help and not know where to start. Change is important, inevitable and constant. So where do we start?
Educate yourself.
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest” - Ben Franklin
The news used to stress me out, and I definitely need to take it in small doses. However I do think it is important to be aware of what is going on, and be sure I’m getting the full picture.
One of the most important lessons my dad taught me growing up was to look at both sides of the story. As a history major, I have a lot of practice in that. Not everyone loves history, and I can understand that. However, to understand what is happening right now, history is crucial.
Here are some resources to learn more about the current situation in Gaza and why people are protesting for a ceasefire.
There will be peaceful protests for ceasefire this Saturday March 2nd: Shut It Down For Palestine
Check here for the time and location closest to you.
If you want to contribute in another way, here is a list or organizations providing aid to the Palestinian people:
This article by Alycia O’Dell “9 Best Charities Impacting Palestine” also has a list of charities to choose from and more information about each.
I also want to make it clear that wanting a ceasefire and aid for the Palestinian people does not mean I support terrorist organizations or their actions. It means I don’t support genocide.
And while on the subject of how HUMAN BEINGS are treated. We also need to change prices for our basic level needs.
Familiar with Maslow? If not, read more here.
I used to teach about his hierarchy of needs back in the day, and found this handy visual that I think sums it up great.
Copyright 2003 Mitch Anthony
The idea is that, if you don’t have your basic level needs met, it’s hard (nearly impossible) to reach the other levels. And the first levels? FOOD, SHELTER, HEALTH. Yeah, the things so many can’t afford right now.
So we have to ask our government leaders: While many of us are in survival mode, you want us to support genocide with the money you already tax us out of? I think not.
I don’t know what planet these politicians and billionaires are living on, but it’s not this one. Maybe that’s why they keep trying to build things in space??
All that to say, if you feel crazy and out of control, you are not alone.
So what can we do?
We think about what we DO have control over.
How we spend our MONEY
How we spend our TIME
So here are some changes I will be making this March:
Be intentional with WHO gets my money (where I shop specifically)
Be intentional with WHO (which apps) I spend my time on
Continue to educate and update myself
Make small changes to start
Just like setting up automatic savings, sometimes it’s best to start small and then increase over time.
Small, baby step changes can add up and give you the motivation to keep going.
I have control over my hair so I changed that this month 🤣
It’s still there and long. Just with a shaved undercut, and I LOVE IT.
No more crazy baby hairs sticking out
No more Mila ripping my hair out
Took off so much weight!
Looks badass when I put it up
Pays homage to Alyse and makes me feel connected to her (when she had to shave her hair for chemo) ❤️❤️❤️
Getting a haircut may not seem like a big deal, but it inspired me to continue making small changes where I could.
screenshot from tiktok
Can I change what I post and write about to also support those in a humanitarian crisis? YES
Can I change where I shop and what I buy so I don’t willingly fund a genocide? YES
Side note: boycott Kellogg products starting April 1st or earlier if you want (read more here)
Can I change how and what information I consume so I get a full and (hopefully more accurate) picture of what is going on around me? YES
How you choose to engage with money and what you purchase is up to the individual, but for the most part we are all a part of the consumer cycle.
BE AWARE AND STAY PETTY. What I mean by this, although I am prepared for things to cost money, I am also prepared to question prices, bills, and major financial decisions. ESPECIALLY when our money is currently funding a genocide.
Staying petty means being AWARE
BE AWARE: Understand and read things before you sign them (ESPECIALLY RENTAL LEASES). You can save yourself a lot of hidden fees by paying attention.
BE AWARE: Do not click on suspicious links, give up personal information, or give money to someone just because they ask (yes, I do need to say this). If you need to, say “my finances cannot support that at this time.”
STAY PETTY: Shop around prices when grocery shopping, get quotes from other providers if your rates go up. As they say, “don’t accept the first offer” Every penny counts.
STAY PETTY: Ask questions. I mean it, ESPECIALLY MEDICAL BILLS. I saved us from paying almost $3000 medical bills WE DID NOT OWE because I kept calling and asking them to check it was billed properly. Turned out, it was not coded correctly.
STAY PETTY: Document everything. Write down amounts, dates, names. You are now a spy for your money, congratulations special money agent you.
Etsy sign: sold unfortunately :(
