I'm ready to help our neighbors
Because little actions solve big problems so take the pressure off!
Last January, I hosted a morning with about 12 of my friends to talk about small actions we could take to feel like we were actually doing SOMETHING in a world that had been turned upside down.
And it was remarkable how much better we all felt just committing to one tiny movement to get the ball rolling.*
Because small shifts work.
When our neighborhood found itself with literally thousands of families deposited on our doorstop (wearing only flip-flops and shorts in the middle of a freezing Colorado winter), it wasn’t a huge donation or massive action plan that found them clothing, food, and shelter.
It was the everyday actions of hundreds of people, coming together, and doing what they could in the moment.
And, here’s the thing, each action mattered.
People were constantly apologizing for not doing more and those of us in charge were like, “OMG, STOP IT!” because we knew little actions solve big problems.
Can I say that again in case you missed it?
LITTLE ACTIONS SOLVE BIG PROBLEMS.
This mom opening her house to a family meant they weren’t sleeping on the street, which you better believe was life-changing to that family.
These ten moms who donated an hour of their busy time to sorting through clothes meant people could shop with dignity and find clothes to keep them warm.
These four families who volunteered to drive people to appointments once a week meant they felt safe and didn’t spend half their day on a bus.
These dads who went to Costco and bought tents, jackets, and bulk food meant families had somewhere safe to sleep and food to eat.
These moms (yes, it was a lot of moms!) who put together nights for immigrant hairdressers to cut hair meant they could use their craft while making money and creating community.
We need to quit thinking it’s on our shoulders to solely save the world and instead do what we can do.
Because I get it! Kids are on summer break, there are meals to make and clothes to wash, and, duh, you need to make time to go and see Materialists because a rom-com with Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans will most likely SAVE HUMANITY!
So, what if instead we shifted to the idea we’re all in this together? That any action is better than inaction? That committing to one small thing a week is enough to start creating momentum, joy and connection?
That taking small steps towards building a world we are proud to live in can’t help but create goodness and light?
This weekend, I spent a lot of my life reading about the LA protests and alternating between rage and despair. By the end of Sunday, I was overwhelmed, verging on tears, and vibrating with injustice.
And then I remembered: I LITERALLY HAVE A SUBSTACK CALLED “ONE SMALL THING” and decided to inspire myself (as you do 😂).
I brainstormed a big ole list of things I could do this week to help our immigrant neighbors, but I’m not going to let you peep it because we’re going for easy, streamlined, and doable, okay?
Instead, I’m going to share three ideas and ask you to commit to the one that you’ll actually do. Remember, we’re going for collective action here! Some action is better than none and we only need to do one small thing.
Pick one idea and then comment below when you’ve done it!
Reach out to any friends / people you know in the immigrant community who might be feeling unsettled and let them know you have their back.
Yes, this can feel vulnerable and scary, but I also keep thinking how I’d want to know I had friends I could call if I needed help or to simply talk.
You could text something like: Hi! I was thinking about you this weekend and wanted to let you know I am always here for you. Feel free to call me night or day should the need arise and know I will be there to support you however I can.
Or, if that feels like too much, you could always say: Hi! I just was thinking about you this weekend - know you have a friend in our family!
👉 Bonus points if you share this guide to knowing your rights.Watch this new YouTube series by Heather Cox Richardson on how the United States was founded and share it (it’s fast - around 10 minutes!)
I’m betting you don’t remember the specifics behind why the colonists actually rebelled because you learned it one million years ago and Ryan Slinkard’s neck was so highly distracting even Paul Revere couldn’t bust through.
Which is why this refresher feels timely and important - it’s a reminder of the ideals America was founded upon and why they’re so important to defend now.
👉 Bonus points if you watch and share this video on how difficult, expensive, and time-consuming it can be to get proper documentation.Go to a protest this upcoming weekend.
It’s funny, Alice and I have been watching “Ugly Betty” and one of the story lines is her dad is undocumented. In it, the ICE agents that knock on his door are wearing suits and calmly question him. He has an opportunity to meet multiple times with his case worker to help her understand how he ended up here. He can hire a lawyer. It feels otherworldly.
And, I know many of you are uncomfortable with protesting (that’s why there are three choices!), but it’s becoming more evident that we need a mass of people out there, making noise and saying we’re not okay with the way things are going.
So, if you’re up for it, here’s a full list of where they’re happening and when!
👉 Bonus points if you subscribe to welcome.us’ newsletter, a great resource for finding ways to support immigrants (aka newcomers) in your area!
Okay, this is a lot, but I also want to remind you it’s not all on you! Just choose one item from the list, commit to it, and then tell us in the comments what you did. We’re all here cheering you on with love and support!
YOU ARE AMAZING!
xx. Kara
PS: I laid out why you’re probably tired from all the news and what to do about it in my podcast episode How to Take Meaningful Action When the World Feels Overwhelming and Scary. Give it a listen!
PPS: Just do the one thing and let us know how it goes! 🎉
*I had big plans to do it on a larger scale here in Denver (and will in the near future!), but then got sick and had to prioritize not peeing my pants from coughing every time I ate.