Showing posts with label the best of Hail Mary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the best of Hail Mary. Show all posts
Happy Holidays, You're Awesome
Yes, it's Christmas, and to everyone who doesn't celebrate it, well, it's an awesome day to realize how lucky we are. I'm not normally so shy looking as I am at the end (I'm quite loud in real life) but it was the end of a very long day of love and retail, haha.
If you wouldn't mind, in the spirit of the New Year, please take a minute to answer the following questions:
-Why do you come to my blog? What do you like best?
-Should I do more videos?
Thank you guys. Your participation, kindness, and inspiration motivate me to keep blogging.
Please keep being wonderful.
Always,
Mary
PS: The song is 'Building All is Love' from the Where the Wild Things Are soundtrack.
You are relevant to democracy
Mary's Note: Whereas a large amount of my readers are American, I must tell you that the Canadian and American political systems are VERY different. In the Canadian system, you do not merely vote for your leader, you vote for the leader of your area, and they win a seat. Every party tries to get the most seats in the house, and the one that succeeds gets to elect their party leader as prim minister. This is where the cheesy title comes from. I am not able to explain it efficiently here, but ignore the specific terminology because this applies to you too, and all you other countries out there. Except Denmark and Germany apparently... you guys keep it up!
No one wants to admit that democracy is just an abstract idea.
We're always just so busy fighting for it, you know? Never mind the whole Cold War issue and that time when we tried to impose it on Africa and how we still continue to yell "undemocratic!" at everything we don't like. Sometimes we forget to take a minute and look at what it actually means. Definitions of it are quick to use words like equality, but this leads to a problem... does this mean that the dictionaries have too idealistically defined democracy, or does this mean that what we have isn't it? There are a number of reasons equality is still not in our government, but I'm going to talk about one that you personally can solve, dear readers.
You are not running for government.
Although I write this for everyone, I speak specifically to the younger girls. I speak to them because I know that they have strong opinions and values and morals that maybe anyone isn't listening to right now. Or maybe people are listening to you. Maybe you're like me, and had one of the most supportive and inspirational role models you possibly could in a family. Maybe your grandmother who ran for federal government always encouraged and begged you to hold true to your strong opinions. Maybe you come from a family of independent and hard working women, but somewhere, somehow along the way society has, whether intentionally or through the traditional patriarchy of most societies, has instilled a sense of modesty within you that makes you think that you are not good enough to hold a position of power.
There are more women involved in the Afghani government than there are in the Canadian House. I won't pretend the job isn't difficult. I had the honour of sitting and watching several great female politicians speak of their experience in the federal government, and with all the shouting and yelling it can be hard for girls taught to "be polite" to actually raise their voices and be heard. Alongside, Green Party leader Elizabeth May, backed up by Glenn Pearson, claimed the heckling and booing that occurs could constitute abuse. PMS jokes and subtle sexism only add to an intimidating male-centric culture. And of course, if a woman is to have a family, she is likely a primary caretaker with many duties and responsibilities. For her to take on a position of such power would indeed require breaking some standard gender roles within her family. It takes someone strong to deal with all of these things, but here's the thing: I know you guys are strong.
Women should not be blindly elected to beef up any number count and make us look more presentable to the United Nations. As Elizabeth May put it on Wednesday, "Who would we rather, a house full of Stephen Lewises or a room full of Sarah Palins?" Indeed, being a woman does not guarantee you are acting in your sisters best interests, but I am assuming none of you reading this are Sarah Palin. Women do not need to be forced into positions of power, they need to be elected like anyone else... if only they'd run. A house full of men cannot best represent the interests of 52% of the population: girls.
This is why I challenge you. I know you are all activists in your own ways. You are saving Darfur, you are reading the newspaper, you are raising money for cancer, you are making a difference. There are many women political columnists, journalists, pundits, writers... This is all very good, and your interest is fantastic, but why would you talk about other people's power when you can grab it for yourself? International issues, problems with current government, and especially your reproductive rights are all things that need critiquing from many different perspectives, including yours. I know you are already a political girl, so why not become a female politician?
The voice of the world is not a middle aged white males, it is a chorus variety. So why is theirs the one we hear above the others? Speak up. Sing out.
Always,
Mary
This post is for Anna and Lee, both of whom should especially take this to heart.
No one wants to admit that democracy is just an abstract idea.
We're always just so busy fighting for it, you know? Never mind the whole Cold War issue and that time when we tried to impose it on Africa and how we still continue to yell "undemocratic!" at everything we don't like. Sometimes we forget to take a minute and look at what it actually means. Definitions of it are quick to use words like equality, but this leads to a problem... does this mean that the dictionaries have too idealistically defined democracy, or does this mean that what we have isn't it? There are a number of reasons equality is still not in our government, but I'm going to talk about one that you personally can solve, dear readers.
You are not running for government.
Although I write this for everyone, I speak specifically to the younger girls. I speak to them because I know that they have strong opinions and values and morals that maybe anyone isn't listening to right now. Or maybe people are listening to you. Maybe you're like me, and had one of the most supportive and inspirational role models you possibly could in a family. Maybe your grandmother who ran for federal government always encouraged and begged you to hold true to your strong opinions. Maybe you come from a family of independent and hard working women, but somewhere, somehow along the way society has, whether intentionally or through the traditional patriarchy of most societies, has instilled a sense of modesty within you that makes you think that you are not good enough to hold a position of power.
There are more women involved in the Afghani government than there are in the Canadian House. I won't pretend the job isn't difficult. I had the honour of sitting and watching several great female politicians speak of their experience in the federal government, and with all the shouting and yelling it can be hard for girls taught to "be polite" to actually raise their voices and be heard. Alongside, Green Party leader Elizabeth May, backed up by Glenn Pearson, claimed the heckling and booing that occurs could constitute abuse. PMS jokes and subtle sexism only add to an intimidating male-centric culture. And of course, if a woman is to have a family, she is likely a primary caretaker with many duties and responsibilities. For her to take on a position of such power would indeed require breaking some standard gender roles within her family. It takes someone strong to deal with all of these things, but here's the thing: I know you guys are strong.
Women should not be blindly elected to beef up any number count and make us look more presentable to the United Nations. As Elizabeth May put it on Wednesday, "Who would we rather, a house full of Stephen Lewises or a room full of Sarah Palins?" Indeed, being a woman does not guarantee you are acting in your sisters best interests, but I am assuming none of you reading this are Sarah Palin. Women do not need to be forced into positions of power, they need to be elected like anyone else... if only they'd run. A house full of men cannot best represent the interests of 52% of the population: girls.
This is why I challenge you. I know you are all activists in your own ways. You are saving Darfur, you are reading the newspaper, you are raising money for cancer, you are making a difference. There are many women political columnists, journalists, pundits, writers... This is all very good, and your interest is fantastic, but why would you talk about other people's power when you can grab it for yourself? International issues, problems with current government, and especially your reproductive rights are all things that need critiquing from many different perspectives, including yours. I know you are already a political girl, so why not become a female politician?
The voice of the world is not a middle aged white males, it is a chorus variety. So why is theirs the one we hear above the others? Speak up. Sing out.
Always,
Mary
This post is for Anna and Lee, both of whom should especially take this to heart.
100 Ways to be an Activist
Honestly, you don't always have time to save every part of the world always. Going into university next week means I have even less time then usual in preparation for the things to come, and it's really forced me to think about what I want to actually do with my life. The word 'active' is in activism, yet it seems to be a part that people forget about. Our best intentions are only as good as the effort we put into making them a reality, but sometimes it can be hard to take these dreams to the real world if we don't know where to start.
Well, there are 100 ways...
1) Find a cause that truly matters to you, so that you can literally feel the passion running through your body as you hear about it and your eyes almost well up and you begin to think of the injustice behind it. Embrace the power you have as a human to care and concentrate it into causes that truly matter to you.
2) Donate money to cause above. It's basic, but always required.
3) Cut your hair for cancer. I did it, and it makes you feel great knowing that if you ever get another bad hair cut again you can just cut it short because been there done that! Oh AND you get to know you just made a cancer patient's life a lot easier... kind of a big deal.
4) Start your own chapter or club at school and hold meetings to promote, discuss, and take actions on your cause.
5) Participate in someone else's club. We're not all leader. HOWEVER, this does not excuse apathy or a lack of effort. You know if you're lying to yourself about 4).
6) Pick up litter. Not only does it hurt animals, it hurts us. It hurts the food we grow, the water we drink, and the world we live in. Bring gloves and a plastic bag.
7) Read a variety of media to keep up to date on current issues. You can't change something if you don't know it's happening.
8) Podcasts about social change are a quick and easy way to get information on the go, and by subscribing you're encouraging the actions of the people involved in producing them!
9) Set aside your latest buy and blog about something that means something to you every now and then. Reach out to your readership and encourage them to care too.
10) Donate sneakers to Unicef and make someone's long walk much easier.
12) Donate business clothes to Dress for Success to help a woman get back on her feet.
13) Donate everything else to Value Village.
14) Recycle!
15) But try to repair it first. It's better to fix something than to throw it away, even if it's a more ethical way to toss it!
16) Composting your food turns it into food for Mother Nature.
17) Using public transit saves road space and emissions, two things we're always making more of at the expense of the planet.
18) Answer surveys! Someone is asking you for your opinion. GIVE IT TO THEM!
19) Surveys also usually have a 'more?' box for your comments, and make sure to tell them more! Politicians come to your door to get youth to vote, so tell them what it will take. People want you to like their product, so you just have to set the terms around your goals and what you'd like to see them do for your cause.
20) Buy things from bake sales. We've all been there.
Thanks
21) Buy products that use waste minimal and more efficient packaging.
22) Question everything. Is something eco friendly if its shipped from China? it may be organic, but that's a lot of gas to get it over...
23) Buy local produce. Help local farmers.
24) Eat in season.
25) Get to know your local farms. They're not the same as the big scar factory ones you see on PETA commercials.
26) Plant carrots or tomatoes or some other thing that apparently anyone can grow.
27) Plant a tree.
28) Play games with children: check out Big Brothers Big Sisters.
29) Read books to the elderly.
30) Learn the names of the major politicians in your city, province, country...
31) Learn the names of key global politicians who are relevant to news today.
32) Vote. God.
33) Vote. Seriously. Even if you don't like anyone. Spoil your value if you have to. Just let them know you care and you're unimpressed.
34) Tell other people to vote.
35) Fight for other people to vote.
36) Make pamphlets about anything.
37) Hand them out.
38) Make a bag with a message.
39) Make t shirts, pins, buttons... make them have meaning.
40) Memorize inspirational quotations to keep you going.
Thanks!
41) Donate books to hospitals, to libraries, to schools...
42) Teach someone to read, be it a child or someone learning to speak English.
43) Attend local theater and concerts.
44) Have an awesome tote bag you take everywhere and decline when plastic is offered.
45) Get a reusable bottle. Nalgene and Sigg give you cancer or whatever apparently... just ignore brand names and find one you like and drink it. Make sure it's recyclable if it does crack.
46) Buy your clothing second hand.
47) Don't let people bully others
48) take shorter showers.
49) Save water by reusing it. That which you used to clean your dishes can go into your garden if you use natural soap, which you should anyways because it will just end up in your rainwater.
50) Plug everything into one extended power plug so you can just unplug it every night. Even turned out, it can drain power and waste energy.
51) Don't call people fat. Ever.
52) Don't worship models (admire isn't worship.)
53) Follow activists on Twitter. A lot of people have an account and sometimes that daily random does of inspiration is what you need to take action.
54) Hold a walk or rally for a cause. Make sure to increase visibility by making posters and wearing all one colour.
55) Read about famous activists and know what they've been through to accomplish what they have. It will put your struggle into perspective.
56) Know your history: the million man march changed everything, and you can too.
57) Speak intelligently. "That's retarded" is ignorant and offensive and only shows you know nothing about the situation they are going through.
58) Don't use stereotypes, they are the opposite of action.
59) Instead of avoiding labels like "feminist", redefine them to what they should be.
60) "It is better to rally for something then protest against something." -Me, a few months ago.
I still agree.
61) Tweet about one important thing a day and bring it to someone else's attention.
Thanks!
62) Don't feel self righteous just because you joined a cause on Facebook. Raising awareness helps, but one little thing like that is merely slactivism.
63) Start an informative website for people to go to when they want more information on what you're talking about.
64) Write letters to the editor.
65) Donate condoms.
66) Do not under any circumstances ever prevent anyone from buying condoms.
67) Realize abstinence only education is stupid. (Sorry, let's be real, I'd take educated sex over uneducated sex any day.)
68) Respect other peoples religions. Respect includes a basic knowledge so you don't continuously question them and make them feel different.
69) Support advertisers who represent genders, races, and other demographics equally and respectfully.
70) Watch the Special Olympics as well. They are just as exciting and challenging and heroic.
71) Support your troops. Even if you don't agree with the war. Even if they're acting funny because they came home and they're shell shocked and scared and angry and crying and not yet getting the help they need. Even if they seem normal but a little off somehow. Even if you don't support your own government's choices. Even if hald the people you know in the army are jerks. Support your troops. They're doing it for you.
72) Support alternative business models. Buying an item that donates some proceeds is not a charity, but it is a good business model.
73) Focus. Seriously. Just focus.
74) Don't always assume your North American mentality is right. It's tempting to look down at the struggling and preach to them, but preaching seldom actually helps the person in need.
75) Donate 10% of your income to charity.
76) Donate bottled water, blankets, batteries, sanitary, and nonperishable food to shelters and food banks.
77) Buy a present for someone less fortunate at every major holiday.
78) Never waste something someone else could use.
79) Donate pet food to local animal shelters.
80) Donate diapers
81) Teach English to immigrants.
82) Send letters to those fighting overseas.
83) Know what recovery position is in case someone has a seizure. Stand up for someone with autism who might not be able to express what's bothering them. Understand neurodiversity.
84) Give up your seat for people who actually need it on the bus. Someone who needs a cane can't take the jumps and bumps like most of you can.
85) Take pictures of things that are wrong; polluted lakes, racist vandalism... Have proof and be clear when you are taking a stand for something.
86) Be critical without being rude. No matter how hard you're working for good, if you're hyperactive and make ill founded statements against "the corporation" (its the new "the man.") you only discredit the cause and lend to a stereotype.
87) Read local news.
88) Make local news. Do something worth talking about. Contact them. Get creative.
89) Actually pay attention to when the news is advertising a missing child. People frequently say "Imagine being that parent" and feel pity, but imagine being the child who is scared and either alone or with someone dangerous. Now understand why it's important.
90) Research what animal had to suffer for you to buy eyeliner. Make the answer none.
91) Research how many children made the jeans you're wearing. Realize it.
92) Talk to your friends about things that bother you. If you find someone with similar views, it can be easier to realize how to make a movement.
93) Attend a meeting of a grassroot local movement.
94) Get to know your neighbors.
95) Instead of giving change to, or even looking away from the homeless, spend some time with an organization that can make a real difference in their lives. Stretch your coins into a change that can benefit more people instead of just one.
96) Push for your school board to keep from cutting art programs. Mental health is as important as physical health, and yet frequently gets shafted during decision making and budget times.
97) Give someone a musical instrument.
98) Give someone a copy of something that matters, like 1984, or even V for Vendetta.
99) Uh.... have I said 'Vote' enough yet?
100) " Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." -Plato.
Always,
Mary
What It's Like To Be... a Woman who's had an Abortion
Sometimes in life, there are situations where there seems to be no good answer, just options that are better than others. The problem with these options is that they are seldom obvious, and usually require a lot of thought and painstaking decision making, while being accompanied by doubt the whole time. This can definitely sum up the experience Georgia, a strong and talented Australian girl with an enviable position in the much coveted fashion industry. This vegetarian of twelve years, currently engaged to the man of her dreams, and a talented photographer (as displayed in this post!) seems like one of the coolest girls you could know, and would be an excellent best friend. And she would be, even if a year ago Georgia had an abortion.
The thing about Georgia's abortion is people sometimes forget that Georgia is not her abortion. She is still the warm, funny, friendly girl she always was who made a decision that will be with her the rest of her life, but she made a hard but appropriate choice to have to carry the decision with her instead of the fetus. Sometimes a woman can be careful and smart, but still feel she is not responsible enough yet to raise a child. Sometimes this is the most responsible decision.
Georgia was lovely enough to explain it for me:The thing about Georgia's abortion is people sometimes forget that Georgia is not her abortion. She is still the warm, funny, friendly girl she always was who made a decision that will be with her the rest of her life, but she made a hard but appropriate choice to have to carry the decision with her instead of the fetus. Sometimes a woman can be careful and smart, but still feel she is not responsible enough yet to raise a child. Sometimes this is the most responsible decision.
Q: What was your opinion on abortion before your pregnancy? Has abortion changed it?
A: I went to an all girls school, where women were applauded, and a broad and unbiased education was paramount. I am also university educated, so I am fortunate enough to have been surrounded by strong and positive female role models.
Abortion is not something I thought I would personally have to deal with, and was definitely not a decision I took lightly. I am still, and always will be, pro-choice. I believe it is a woman’s right to choose her future, regardless of mistakes she may have made in her past.
Q: What was your first reaction when you found out you were pregnant? Did the idea of abortion come to you immediately or did you think of it later?
A: My first reaction to the news was devastation.
I had taken two at home tests. The first was negative and the 2nd positive. It was then I went to a doctor to find out for sure. As soon as she confirmed the news I broke down.
The doctor was very clinical, told me I had 3 options, (to keep the baby, adoption and abortion) and at this stage the best thing for me to do was start a pros and cons list regarding each one.
I did weigh up the pros and cons of every option though, and it definitely helped me to make my decision. Having a baby at that time was never part of my plan, and I knew that I was not ready to bring a child into the world.
Q: How did you pick which clinic to attend? Was the clinic positive and helpful or did you feel judged for what you did? Were there lots of options?
A: I did some online research and basically pulled a few numbers. I phoned around and went with my gut feeling based on conversations I had with receptionists. I cannot say enough about the clinic I attended! They were supportive and helpful from first contact.
I had made an initial appointment, and canceled it the day before because I just didn't feel ready. They were completely understanding, and beyond kind. When I attended a week later, I underwent a counseling session, completed psychology tests and was assigned a personal nurse to help me understand the process, answer any of my questions, and quite literally hold my hand from the start to the end.
I met with the both the doctor and the anesthesiologist before the procedure, and the whole environment was supportive and sensitive. They also ensured patients had a friend or partner to be there when the procedure was over; someone to take them home and support them when they left the clinic. I was completely informed about any risks involved, and supplied with contact numbers and references should I have any issues or concerns after leaving. I now have such a respect for those people who looked after me and all the women in the same situation. They were truly amazing.
justice seekers
indybay
Q: We frequently see people protesting outside the abortion clinics. Was this an issue with you at all?
A: On the morning I went to the clinic there were at least 15 people outside, holding placards, praying, chanting, and protesting. It was horrible to have to deal with that on top of everything else. I understand that this is a sensitive issue, and that people are passionate about it, but I do not believe harassing women in front of a clinic is the right or effective way to get a message across. This was a decision that I had thought long, hard, and agonized about. It was not something I was going to change my mind about upon being set upon by [others].
Q: How do you feel when other people say mean things about abortion? Has this situation ever arisen? Are you open with your experience or do you prefer to keep it to yourself?
A: I don’t advertise the fact that I had an abortion, but if the subject comes up, and I am with people I respect and trust, then I have no problem in talking about my experience.
When people are judgmental and ignorant though, it really just makes me sad. How can you judge not having been in that situation? But hey, all I can do is try to educate and empathize.
Q: Did you have a strong support group while going through this? Was this important?
A: I have amazing friends, and they were very important to me during both the decision making process and afterward. They were willing to stand by me whatever choice I made, and that was really touching. I would have been lost without them, and I think it would be very tough to go through this experience alone.
Q: Are there any days you regret your abortion?
A: The regret I have is getting pregnant in the first place. I am happy in my life, and I know in my heart, that if I hadn’t made that choice, I would have many regrets. There a so many things I want to achieve in my life, and having a child is one of them, but I want to be a responsible and amazing mother, able to provide the best for my child. Quite simply, I would never have been able to do that, if I'd had a child at that time.
I won’t say that it was easy. It took me a long time to deal with. I did go through some depression and a great sense of loss afterward. I cried a lot. I was upset at myself for not being ready to have the baby I had conceived. But 14 months later, I look forward to the day I am ready, and knowing that when it happens, I will be in the best position for parenthood that I can possibly be.
Q: Name some misconceptions about abortions and women who have them.
A: The thing I was most surprised about was that the waiting room was comprised mainly of couples. Ages ranged from 20s - 40s. It was my misconception that mainly young single girls have abortions, teenagers without decent support networks, or uneducated women living "hard" lives. This is most certainly not the case!
I have also heard ridiculous notions that women frequently use abortions as birth control measures, and I simply can't accept that anyone would put themselves through that instead of just taking a pill, or putting a condom on their partner.
Q: Were you religious? Are you religious? Did any of this have an impact on your decision?
A: I was baptized catholic, and spent 12 years in catholic schools, but I am not practicing. I am a spiritual person though, and I do believe in a higher power. There are many aspects from many religions that I take on board, I do believe in re-incarnation, I believe in life cycles, and I believe in karma. But I think, spirituality is a fluid thing that should grow and develop within us as we do. As cliché as it sounds, I do think everything happens for a reason, and I think every experience helps us to learn and eventualize our full selves.
-
It is interesting to look far back into history and see what beliefs many of the early people had on abortion. In fact, almost every ancient religion, from Zoroastrianism to Hinduism, had a period between conception and the developement of the fetus into a true child. This has later been scientifically proven, but even in ancient times there was admittedly dangerous (mind you, so was child birth at the time) but will available options for women who were in danger from their husbands or if their health was in concern.
Yes I can use chopsticks
An interesting thing to look at is the practices of many Japanese Buddhists.
" I think abortion should be approved or disapproved according to each circumstance." -Dalai Lama, New York Times, 28/11/1993
Abortions there acknowledge both that the fetus is not yet a child but also deals with the spiritual side with an offering to the god Jizo of lost travellers and children. Small statues are placed and visited annually, with the understanding that Jizo will guide the soul of the child off to another reincarnation which is more appropriate for it. The respect involved in a culture that embraces such practices is admirable.
There are a lot of different choices for a lot of different people; I made the choice to write this, and you made the choice to read it. You may make the choice to always be against abortion, but others of you may make the choice to have an abortion some day, or to be there for someone who has made that choice. In the end, there are a million choices that we are all permitted to make, and I hope that Georgia's story has inspired you to realize that there are many different choices that are appropriate for different people, and to judge without compassion is inappropriate. In fact, to judge at all is inappropriate, and goes against majors tenets in most religions, especially Christianity. Because, in the end, this is not your choice to make.
You may not respect Georgia's choice, but as a person, she still deserves your respect in the same way that everyone deserves the best in life. If there is one thing I can hope for, it is that you all go out and make what you think are the right choices that will give you the best, most meaningful, richest, lives you possibly can live.
Because there is truly beauty in choice.
Always,
Mary
More?
Birth Rate Up, Abortions Down (because girls don't have access...)
Planned Parenthood (for beyond just abortion information and into STDs and general sexual health)
I really wanted to include a link here about pro life people who still managed to respect abortion even if they didn't agree with it. I could not find one. I really hope you understand that it can happen though, I have faith in you.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
This is what happens when you allow your child to hang around with her grandmother who is too involved in the art scene.
Suddenly she is obsessed with being part of expressionists paintings and only eats Campbell's brand soup.
Never underestimate your influence on someone and who they might become.
Here's to all the strong women out there; you may not all be mothers but I'm sure everyone is a mentor to someone and has the power to touch someone's lives in a meaningful way!
Love you Mom (& both grandmas...!)
Always,
Mary
PS: Posting has been weird lately, hasn't it? Normal posts soon...
PPS: THANK YOU FOR ALL THE BIRTHDAY WISHES! But more on that tomorrow...
Suddenly she is obsessed with being part of expressionists paintings and only eats Campbell's brand soup.
Never underestimate your influence on someone and who they might become.
Here's to all the strong women out there; you may not all be mothers but I'm sure everyone is a mentor to someone and has the power to touch someone's lives in a meaningful way!
Love you Mom (& both grandmas...!)
Always,
Mary
PS: Posting has been weird lately, hasn't it? Normal posts soon...
PPS: THANK YOU FOR ALL THE BIRTHDAY WISHES! But more on that tomorrow...
100 Things: YOU can do to save DARFUR
Imagine being a thirteen year old girl, knowing you have been raped by ten soldiers. Then, imagine realizing another one is about to take his turn.
Imagine sneaking out of your house at night, walking for hours in dangerous lands to bring heavily protected water home to your family. Then, imagine realizing the water you worked so hard for has been poisoned and everyone will die in a death that will be drawn out and messy.
Imagine watching your brother shot. Imagine watching your grandmother kicked. Imagine fire falling from helicopters, burning everyone in your village to. The mud walls you set up for protection only contain the licking flames, and the smell of burning human flesh fills the air as your entire kin dies out and falls into ashy graves. For some people, this is not their imagination. This is real.
THIS IS THE GENOCIDE IN DARFUR.
What is it about the number hundred that is so magical, that makes it seem like there's all the possibilities in the world? Last time I posted 100 things, I just gave general advice, but the world is full of hundreds, and I hope you take advantage of realizing how many possibilities there really are out there, especially when it comes to solving a complex situation like Darfur.
The answer is there, you just have to believe it is.
1) Read my very first post about Darfur and get a basic understanding of the genocide that is happening in Sudan and causing everyone so much suffering.
2) Understand that although the people may change, The Holocaust, the Armenian genocide, Rwanda, the Sikhs, Poland, China... and many many more are all very comparable to Darfur and all equally deserve attention because at the end of the day, they are ALL HUMAN LIVES at stake, no matter what skin colour or religion.
3) Read this, this and watch this (I'm sorry, midly monotone voice but worth it, and it's only 9 minutes) to get some varied views.
----
Once you understand, only then can you take actions that will make a difference.
4) Talk to your family and friends about Darfur and educate them about the humanitarian crisis that is happening overseas. It is fairly easy to bring up in conversation, "I was reading this book today..."
5) Make random strangers aware by decorating a bag like Rachel of In an English Accent, pictured above, did to grab people's attention.
6) Carry pamphlets with you so you can inform others even if you have to dash.
7) Buy vintage clothing from Tavi's incredibly giving and thoughtful store, which donates all money raised to STAND. You get clothes, and social conscience! People overseas get food and not death! WIN-WIN!
8) Visit the STAND website, both Canadian and American. I love this group with all my heart and hope you'll consider helping out.
9) Start a STAND chapter at your school. Easier than it looks, you can hold informational sessions and keep everyone educated about the genocide.
10) Sell cupcakes for Darfur. Bonus points for little green (the official colour) frosting ribbons on top!
11) Sell books for Darfur.
12) Sell old toys, collect refundables, bag groceries, wash cars... You have a talent (once again, hi Tavi!) and you can use it to raise money to donate to a great number of charitable organizations that will make a difference.
13) Ask your local library if they would accept donations of books about Darfur. Sometimes libraries reject donations from interest groups because unfortunately neoNazis exist and hate literature can be easily passed off as a novel, but if you prearrange it maybe you & your local chapter could fundraise for the library.
14) Put in a request for specific books and DVDs about Darfur to be bought for the library. Many times your wishes will be granted!
15) Try to organize a display in the library that features pictures and recommended reads that draws attention to the rape, the fires, the death... the genocide.
16) Buy the DVD Darfur : Now. Watch it.
17) Have a movie night with your friends and watch said DVD over popcorn. Discuss it afterwards.
18) Hold a rally!
19) Hold a letter writing campaign and target politicians at both local, national, and international levels.
20) North Americans, call 1-800-genocid(e)! It is SO SIMPLE and you can leave as many messages as you want!
21) When political figures hold public meetings, ask them their stance on the genocide.
22) Ask your teachers if they would consider laying aside one class to talk about the genocide in Darfur, especially in social studies and arts related courses. Assemble a small curriculum for the class so they don't feel alone in it.
23) Make a powerpoint and carry it around with you on a USB stick. I have given so many impromptu presentations infront of total strangers in my history of activism... visuals really do the trick.
24) Put up posters. Don't fear monger with disgusting images of partially decomposing bodies, no matter how true they are, but feel free to show the suffering of starvation and fear, and perhaps even skeletons.
25) Bring up Darfur any time someone mentions the Holocaust or Rwanda. There is a myth that genocide is over. This is not true.
26) Buy a t-shirt!
27) Don't be afraid to get creative; get a group of students to lie dead in the gym for a lunch and have each student represent a hundred people. Trace around the bodies with chalk and see the 400,000+ death count.
28) Write letters to the editor. Ask why Brittany Spears gets on the cover by not those suffering in Sudan. (Hint: The answer is money but maybe they'll feel guilted into publishing your letter?)
29) Blog about Darfur.
30) Follow people on Twitter to get updates about what's happening. It's like a Darfur centered newspaper!
31) Read stories about individuals in Darfur. People don't respond well to numbers; they need to attach a specific story to an attrocity for it to register some times.
32) Don't waste water. It's such a slap in the face to the entire situation.
33) Buy the CD Instant Karma. A bunch of people singing John Lennon songs? I love it, and some which you might not think you'd be into are actually really good. (Fergie.. singing.. John Lennon..?!)
34) Go to lectures. A lot of them are free, check local libraries and universities!
35) Activists are people too; write to great ones and let them know you admire them!
36) Maybe don't pull a Mia Farrow, but pledge to give up something (a coffee, run at home instead of at the gym) for a week and donate the money to Darfur.
37) Do number 36 as a group.
38) Instigate Darfur related projects at a youth or church group.
39) Watch media like the newspaper and television. See when they mention Sudan but not the genocide. Peace keepers are killed over there, which is disgusting, but they don't even mention why. Get mad about this.
40) Ask people to donate to STAND instead of giving you birthday/Christmas/large events presents. May 8th I turn 19, and all the money is going to Darfur!
41) Talk casually to your grandparents about including Darfur related charities in their will. This can be a little creepy so proceed with caution, but if you're close with your grandparents it's easy for them to share your passion to help others.
42) Divest from Darfur. Don't invest in places that buy Sudanese oil and fund this genocide; demand more accountability from who you, your family, your school, and the places around you invest in.
43) Invite a speaker to your school: many refugees or activists are willing to get the word out and would love your invitation. Shoot off a polite email and welcome them in to your community.
44) Hold a vigil, especially at a local church, for the souls lost to the Genocide. Etch names of victims into candles. Personify it. Make people see the lives lost.
45) Hold a concert or dinner. This can be super tricky, but with a big enough team these can generate a LOT of money and a lot of fun too!
46) Make a small but regular donation. 10$ a month really can make all the difference. Mine is automatically withdrawn every time a paycheque is deposited, so I don't even miss the money!
47) Realize that when you speak of Darfur, people look at you as a figure. When people try to disagree (it happens!), resist the urge to laugh at them... although it can be hard not to patronize. I sometimes fail at this. Just re-explain it's not about politics, it's about people.
48) Write to Washington and tell them that the information exchange that is keeping the States silent is disgusting and morally wrong. Sudan's information keeps the US from doing anything about them, and this is wrong.
49) Volunteer at a local refugee shelter; sometimes putting together small welcome baskets with English dictionaries can make all the difference to someone recovering from the terror of a destroyed homeland.
50) Get on the emailing list for information straight to your inbox!
51) Do your class projects get displayed on walls? Do you read your poetry out loud for other students to hear? I did a speech on Darfur for a class of mine and it was an ideal audience because they all knew me already. It became a goal instead of a problem, and goals mean action.
52) As important as education is, when you have meetings, make sure you have a goal for the year. Some people will drop out if they feel the group is too passive.
53) Make banners and get people to sign it. Display it in a prominent area, like a school.
54) Have petitions, both online and on paper. Make them FOR the victims of genocide instead of AGAINST the government.
55) Have answers. Research solutions. When people ask you "Well, what do you want them to do?" be prepared. It's one thing to support a cause through empathy, but another thing to actually support a cause.
56) Support anti racism initiatives in your community. We all ask how genocide starts... well, it is much easier prevented than stopped.
57) Ask your favourite celebrities and those with a lot of followers to drop links for Darfur in their updates!
58) Give out cupcakes with the STAND website iced on them.
59) Host Green Dances for Darfur at high schools. Charge a dollar extra as a donation.
60) Coffee houses are pretty much the best things ever, because people who like acoustic guitar usually end up liking social activism as well. DON'T ASK ME HOW, but there is a definite genetic connection there.
61) Send this out to your friends. Evan is a super charming sweet heart so it's kind of a visual and morally rewarding video. YEAAA.
62) Host an art attack, where you put up hundreds of posters in one concentrated area at once.
63) Make wristbands, pins, or other small things you can wear.
64) Screen your investments using number 1 on this list to check if the companies you're supporting with your money are clean!
65) Have tee shirt days where anyone who makes and wears a T shirt for Darfur can come to the cafeteria to get a cookie.
66) Call 1-800-genocid(e) as a class. Take turns with who stands up at the front each class/week/other day (whatever you can convince your teacher of) and call a different rep each time.
67) Have a 1-800-genocid(e) day where a phone in a classroom is made availible to students to call 1-800-genocid(e).
68) Swamp the lines. Have everyone with a cellphone in your class call the number and stay on hold until many lines in Ottawa/Washington have someone talking about Darfur in them.
69) Outline chalk bodies in the sidewalk and write the Stand website in them.
70) Read the Stand Canada blog.
71) Add it to your blog list.
72) Stand for the Dead
73) Host a battle of the bands.
74) Host a bike a thon.
75) Host a walk (What? What a crazy idea!) Holy vintage Mary....
76) Provide well written sample postcards that students only have to sign and can then mail themselves.
77) Scroll down to the Be A Witness campaign on this here, and arrange something similar.
78) Hold screenings of genocide related movies like "Hotel Rwanda" at local independant theaters and raise profits for a current genocide while learning about a past one.
79) If you believe in praying, pray.
80) If you belong to a prayer group, encourage others to pray.
81) Buy a pack of post cards. Mail them to those who need to see them.
82) Sign an online post card!
83) There are a number of podcasts (how do you link to a podcast?) that will give you free, weekly shows and keep you up to date just by listening to your ipod! Search for "Save it Now: Darfur."
84) See what other people have to say about Darfur.
85) Download the Boston Legal episode where Allan, Lori and Denny try to fight the United States government. My dad showed me... I laughed and laughed but it was VERY well done.
86) See what the youngest victims of genocide have to say. Show others.
87) Make a video. Put it on Youtube.
88) Invite people to join Facebook groups to support Darfur. I have to clarify, as I think Facebook is the most apathetic form of activism and merely joining a group does crap all, but if it gets them to actually read the message and learn a bit, it can be useful.
89) In the same spirit, post news stories so they will pop up in your friends feeds.
90) Twitter is also good for this from time to time.
91) Hold a Wii or Guitar Hero tournament over lunch at school! Hillarious and raises money fast!
92) Same applies to dunk tanks.
93) Learn the definition of what a genocide is.
94) Learn how the United Nations works.
95) Make an actual connection with the stories you read. Feel for them and think of them until you cry. Channel this passion.
96) If you're in Nova Scotia towards the end of May, SHOOT ME AN EMAIL and see what exciting events you can get in on!
97) Express and demand that the people responsible for this do not get off easy; they have to pay for the countless lives that they took. Make sure other leaders are quaking in their boots so they understand that the PEOPLE HAVE THE POWER, and we will not tolerate the gruesome murders of our brothers and sisters.
98) Show other people this post. Pass it on.
99) Stop seeing human life as a privilege. Life is a right. These people deserve to live just like you and I. Get over your superiority complex as someone who doesn't live in a developing country (we all have one) and start to truly love humanity.
100) Care, and show people you care. Love will win this, understanding will end this.
Do some of them. Pass it on.
2.5 million refugees can't wait much longer.
Always,
Mary
How to Form a Protest!*
*a more public relations friendly version of this word is “gather of people with a likeminded passion for activism. With signs.” Or at least that’s what I told the police officer.
1) Find people who care. They are out there, and they will help you. They may be a bit tricky to find but once you do you will love it. You need a core base of people to get together with you somewhat frequently and advertise this thing like it is the apocalypse. I did a lot of the work on mine almost on my own because my support base wasn’t very strong, but it is so much easier when everyone has a task.
2) Find people who don’t care, and make them care. The average person might be reluctant to give up even the slightest minute for a battered people, but you must use all your charm and sway to make them see the truth. For example…
“Did you know that in
Seriously, if people say no to that… well.. Draw your own conclusions. Also, you need to appeal to people’s sense of fun, not just their sense of charity. As much as you’d like for them to care, a lot of people are busy or unmotivated. Let them know it’s going to be the biggest thing they’ve seen in ages, there will be more of their friends there, and there will be free cookies! Yaaaaaaaaay cookies!
3) Never beg. Never bug. Never argue. Some people are busy, and you have to accept that. As much as you’d like them to care, they don’t, or they do but they can’t. Begging and bugging is frustrating for everyone and just makes your cause look worse. Furthermore, don’t try to convert the negative people who think your cause is stupid. (“Oh my God we can’t do everything let black people help themselves…” Yes, sadly this is a real racist comment I heard whilst campaigning. Oh joy.) They are annoying, but constantly arguing will just lead to them trying to sabotage your lovely efforts with comments you may make while frustrating. Instead, just shake your head, give a “cluck cluck” to yourself, and say, “I’m sorry you feel this way” and strut off, feeling fabulous. BURN.
Optional: Add, “Wow, it’s amazing you can stay in that position for so long. You know the, the your head is up your ass one. You go walk 4 hours for water every night before you say that while carrying your fake Louis Vuitton. We can’t do everything, but you’ve done nothing, bitch.” like I did.
I’m sorry folks, I can’t always be classy.
4) Set a good date and time. Keep the route in prominent areas, and have it well known ahead of time. Choose a date that’s easy for people. I chose mid afternoon on a Saturday which seemed to work the best. I also found stopping points worked well for gathering people. I stopped at major places like universities and parks so everyone had a minute to breath.
5) Keep it legal. Make sure the police know your route for this peaceful protest. Make sure the starting point and the ending point are not only clear, but booked so you aren’t trespassing. You’d be amazed who owns what. I chose a junior high school as the starting point and the city hall as the end, and both had to be booked. The police were also incredibly helpful and had a car block off the streets for us as we banged our way down. If you have any type of entertainment after, make sure you have a noise permit.
6) Find out how to book a megaphone. If you have speakers or even just organising a large crowd before the walk requires it.
7) Let local politicians know. Politicians love photo ops and youth activism. If you stress how grass root this is, but remain professional, they’d love to show up. Make sure they understand it’s legal, and make sure you don’t bash any political party. Even though Stephen Harper has done little for
8) Advertise like crazy. Make lots of posters, and post them everywhere. Make sure you recycle them when done! Can you afford radio space? Will the newspapers donate some slots? How about morning announcements at school? Oh, how about FACEBOOK. If everyone invites their friends it’s easy to message the entire event and tell them new info, and to spread the word. I got the word all over my province with just one network!
9) Ask for donations. Have a good charity that is related to your event so you can raise funds as well as awareness. Half the time though, awareness is more important. Bonus points if you have something to sell, like pins of a bracelet.
10) Let the media know. Give them a cell phone number, a starting spot, a place to meet you so they can photograph your crowd and do a story on your group, thus promoting the cause. To be honest, reporters tend to care more about what kids are doing then the cause itself, but it still gets it out there. Call all major news stations and make sure they know!
11) Be happy, no matter what. You’ve worked hard on this! If it’s 5 people or 500 people, if it’s raining or sunny, you have to deal with it and be glad it’s happening. Be optimistic, and everyone will want to hear about your cause! Grouchy people on the side of the street are nooo fun.
Instead think of all the people in
Think of the grandparents who walk four hours a night to get water for their family.
Think of sharing what little food you have.
That is sacrifice. We’re just being moral.
Always,
Mary
A Love Letter
Dear Teenage Girls of North America, (and elsewhere as well, although I have not really witnesses you all that much)
I won't lie, half the time I dismiss you and your youth as foolish and immature, but I must realize that is the way you are meant to be. Please, hold on to that foolishness. It will keep you happy, and that is more important than losing weight or final exams. As the world looks at crisis elsewhere, we forget about the murder here at home, the murder of your soul.
This is my letter to you all, that maybe sometime you will read when you are crying and feeling alone. Or maybe you won't. Maybe you'll forget about this, but you are reading this now, and I hope you believe me when I say I love you.
I love everything about you, teenage girls. Oh sure, you annoy me when you mess up my piles at work and listen to terrible music, but my heart will move beyond that. I see what the media is doing to you, and baby, it ain't right. You deserve more than to be thrown into the world with blue eyeshadow and a training bra. Stop buying things that undermine your intelligence. I know you, and I know that you're smart, so girls, why are you hiding it? Why do you give your money to places that will only ever make you feel like less than Kate Moss?
I'm not denying clothes are fun, and the objectification of women is seen in a lot of prominent brands, but girls, you have to realize that. You can't stop thinking because they tell you to. Even if you continue to support them economically, keep in mind that the big lipped tiny hipped models you see on their walls are just shadows of things that will never be as beautiful and mature as the amazing teacher, or neuroscientist, or astronot, or even stay at home mom as you will be. Don't look at lies and mistake it for truth. You are so beautiful the way you are, and I'm begging you to stay that way.
I've been there, trust me, it's a hard phase for everyone. Crouched over the toilet with a sweaty brow, begging God or whoever to make you thin. Even if you try to pretend you don't care about Paris Hilton, why does she get all the attention when you and your exceptional swimming skills, or writing, or frisbee throwing, or whatever you do best is ignored? Why do guys go for the one who puts out when everyone is busy snarking at teen mothers and screaming that Jesus wants you to keep your clothes on. Why can't you think of anything but sex, but why aren't you allowed to enjoy the thought of it?
This relationship has got to end now. Please, demand something smarter from your media. Keep rocking those beat up Converse and whatever else Miley Cyrus says is in style, but don't be blind about it. I know it's hard breaking up baby, but some things have got to be done.
I'm tired of seeing you all hate on female celebrities that are 'has been' products of what the media once declared good. Yes, Britney is " a trainwreck" now, but wasn't she perfect at the time?
I'm tired of this I need to lose 5 pounds nonsense. Are you at risk for heart disease or do you have wide hip bones, bones that no matter how much you diet will always be there, until they shatter due to lack of nutrients.
I'm tired of you letting magazines use and abuse you, as they try to push you into a "healthy lifestyle" as they show rap artists that call women hos and twenty one year old with the bodies of twelve year olds in the pages that follow.
Darlings, the media will never love you, but I always will.
Stay strong, girls. I know you're the future's only hope. I may not make much sense when I rant, but I'll rant for you anyways until people listen.
Always,
Mary
UPDATE: September 3rd.
Thank you for everyone and their overwhelming support and feedback.
I will now include some other things I have done re: body images for this blog, for those bad days.
On Having a Waist
Body Image Vlogging
I won't lie, half the time I dismiss you and your youth as foolish and immature, but I must realize that is the way you are meant to be. Please, hold on to that foolishness. It will keep you happy, and that is more important than losing weight or final exams. As the world looks at crisis elsewhere, we forget about the murder here at home, the murder of your soul.
This is my letter to you all, that maybe sometime you will read when you are crying and feeling alone. Or maybe you won't. Maybe you'll forget about this, but you are reading this now, and I hope you believe me when I say I love you.
I love everything about you, teenage girls. Oh sure, you annoy me when you mess up my piles at work and listen to terrible music, but my heart will move beyond that. I see what the media is doing to you, and baby, it ain't right. You deserve more than to be thrown into the world with blue eyeshadow and a training bra. Stop buying things that undermine your intelligence. I know you, and I know that you're smart, so girls, why are you hiding it? Why do you give your money to places that will only ever make you feel like less than Kate Moss?
I'm not denying clothes are fun, and the objectification of women is seen in a lot of prominent brands, but girls, you have to realize that. You can't stop thinking because they tell you to. Even if you continue to support them economically, keep in mind that the big lipped tiny hipped models you see on their walls are just shadows of things that will never be as beautiful and mature as the amazing teacher, or neuroscientist, or astronot, or even stay at home mom as you will be. Don't look at lies and mistake it for truth. You are so beautiful the way you are, and I'm begging you to stay that way.
I've been there, trust me, it's a hard phase for everyone. Crouched over the toilet with a sweaty brow, begging God or whoever to make you thin. Even if you try to pretend you don't care about Paris Hilton, why does she get all the attention when you and your exceptional swimming skills, or writing, or frisbee throwing, or whatever you do best is ignored? Why do guys go for the one who puts out when everyone is busy snarking at teen mothers and screaming that Jesus wants you to keep your clothes on. Why can't you think of anything but sex, but why aren't you allowed to enjoy the thought of it?
This relationship has got to end now. Please, demand something smarter from your media. Keep rocking those beat up Converse and whatever else Miley Cyrus says is in style, but don't be blind about it. I know it's hard breaking up baby, but some things have got to be done.
I'm tired of seeing you all hate on female celebrities that are 'has been' products of what the media once declared good. Yes, Britney is " a trainwreck" now, but wasn't she perfect at the time?
I'm tired of this I need to lose 5 pounds nonsense. Are you at risk for heart disease or do you have wide hip bones, bones that no matter how much you diet will always be there, until they shatter due to lack of nutrients.
I'm tired of you letting magazines use and abuse you, as they try to push you into a "healthy lifestyle" as they show rap artists that call women hos and twenty one year old with the bodies of twelve year olds in the pages that follow.
Darlings, the media will never love you, but I always will.
Stay strong, girls. I know you're the future's only hope. I may not make much sense when I rant, but I'll rant for you anyways until people listen.
Always,
Mary
UPDATE: September 3rd.
Thank you for everyone and their overwhelming support and feedback.
I will now include some other things I have done re: body images for this blog, for those bad days.
On Having a Waist
Body Image Vlogging
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