Plans for today and beyond
Maybe "plans" is more accurate
Hey, all. It’s been a while. Below, in case it might be helpful to anyone, is a quick share of what’s driving my actions today, plus a few of the people/groups/spaces I plan to turn toward and take cues from afterward — no matter how long it takes for results to come in, and no matter the response/backlash.
1. Today might include
The only thing I know for sure is we’re having breakfast for dinner. Quick. Cozy. EASY. Before that, actions will likely include taking a beat to breathe with Saeed Jobes, and participating in Working Families Party GOTV and/or PA ballot curing from my couch while cartoons occupy my sick 6 year old companion. Maybe we’ll listen to this playlist and throw some Miss Katie in, too. Maybe do some drawing later? Definitely no Wordle.
By night, to avoid staring at looping coverage for hours on end, I might call voters in Alaska to see if they need last-minute rides to the polls, or join a SURJ “Many Over MAGA” event.
I recognize it takes a certain type of life setup and resources to do any of this right now. But please let me know if you’ll be doing any of it, too. Including the breakfast for dinner part.
More ideas from Mia Birdsong:
(I couldn’t embed the post for some reason. Click through to read her list.)
2. Why the above?
Some perspectives that have informed my planning and my improv over the past couple of weeks:
This quick slideshow from @SunriseMvmt and these < 3 minutes from @ndncollective on Instagram.
The crew I’ve met through EmbraceRace, who helped me figure out who to vote for in the messy local school board race.
Several recent podcast episodes from the teams at Undistracted (i.e. this one), Vibe Check, and Native Land.
Voices from the Uncommitted movement like Rep. Ruwa Romman’s. Related: Do you know about Swap Your Vote?
And recent How to Survive the End of the World podcast episodes, including Choosing Our Terrain, in which Autumn Brown interviews adrienne maree brown about takeaways from hosting a series of “election time” interviews with a bunch of really smart organizers, artists, and more. One of the biggest unifying themes that emerged: we’ve got to block MAGA, including through voting if we are able, and build the left, so that we actually strategically get out of this two-party “duopoly” hellscape.
And that block-and-build mandate brings! us! to!
3. The day(s) immediately after
Remember that lots of smart organizers have been planning for this. Whatever this is.
The Embodiment Institute is offering this Zoom on Wednesday “to help you stay connected to your body and your purpose right now.”
Wednesday night, SURJ will hold a mass meeting re: “White people’s work after the election.”
On Thursday there’s a “making meaning of the moment” mass call led by Working Families Party and hundreds of other groups.
If you feel like a virtual healing circle might be useful on Nov. 13, the Revolutionary Love Project is hosting one.
I’m not sure who all is being approved to attend these, but the Election Sabotage Response Network will offer daily briefings as long as necessary. (Speaking of election interference…)
4. Your turn! What else should folks be aware of?
I hope you are able to find at least a few moments to do what you need to do today. Send me pics of your cereal tonight if you want. Take such good care of yourself and your people.