This morning, I joined dozens of other volunteers at the Second Harvest Food Bank in San Jose. Working side by side with 20 people on a conveyor line, we filled boxes of vegetables. In 3 hours, our mighty team collectively packed over 900 boxes of 25 lbs of fresh vegetables to be distributed to people who are food insecure and without enough to eat. There are hundreds of volunteers each day at Second Harvest who help bring food to their clients in need. Their operation is amazing. I am in awe of what they do every day, year after year. The volunteers are all ages, backgrounds, and represent the diverse community in…
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7 Ways Reluctant Activists Can (Safely) Make a Difference
I’m a Reluctant Activist I am deeply troubled by what’s going on in today’s world, particularly the systemic racism we see played out again and again across our nation. As a white American woman, I recognize I must take an active role in helping to dismantle oppressive structures with the goal of an equitable, safe and just society for all. No longer can I stand quietly as a witness. I must actively commit to the solution. Otherwise I am part of the problem. I need to step up now. But here’s the problem: I have never considered myself an activist. Not that I don’t care passionately about issues. It’s just…
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Microblog Monday #16–Listen
Listen with a curious mind, an open heart and a willingness to be vulnerable enough to say, I don’t understand. Tell me more. Most often, this is the best first step. Whether the turmoil is in our external world as it is now, or going on inside me, I’m often at a loss for what to say or do. Then I realize I don’t need to SAY or DO anything. I simply need to listen. Listen with curiosity to the voices of those in pain. Listen to those who understand through living a life very different than mine. They have perspective and insights I don’t have. I want to listen…
