Imperfect Activism
What is Your Activism Story?
Growing up, I watched my brother Mitch become actively involved in local elections. He was drawn to politics from a young age. He would canvass door to door and help out however he could. My sister Danielle and I sometimes tagged along—going door to door with him. But it took me years of living and learning before I found my way to activism.
When I was in college, I went to the pro-choice march in DC and I was actively part of an organization called Voices For Women. Later, I leaned into my feminist side by building a career devoted to helping women succeed in the workplace. But it wasn’t until 2016 when Trump was elected, and the rug was pulled out from me, that I really discovered my activism.
Like many, many, many others, I was confidently celebrating Hilary’s victory while heading out to the polls to vote. I was shocked and heartbroken when she lost. I cried watching Kate McKinnon’s performance of Hallelujah in the SNL cold open. And that sparked something in me to do what I can to make a change.
I went to the Women’s March in 2017 with my brother and sister and sister-in-law and our kids:
Since 2016 I have had the chance to lean into my more introverted side by writing hundreds (thousands?) of postcards encouraging people to vote. But I have also had to push myself to get out of my comfort zone by phone banking, canvassing, and attending protests and rallies.
Watch and Learn
I have been to many protests since my college pro-choice rally and each time I learn something new. I even learned a couple of cool things this past Saturday when I went to the No Kings protest. I learned to cover my sign in saran wrap when it rains and a nifty trick of wearing your sign around your neck so your hands are free. Every protest I attend will teach me more.
Do you want to become more involved in activism?
Lean into Your Strengths: start with what feels comfortable and you can grow from there
Find Community: There are tons of communities to join. You can join based on subject matter, demographics of members or geographic location. My sister started an online community called The 3am Uprising: Sisterhood for the Awake and Wild for people seeking political community. Check it out here.
Watch and Learn: In addition to reading and research, you can watch other people and learn from their ingenuity.
Trial and Error: You are going to make mistakes. Make them, learn from them and then keep showing up. We are not trying to be perfect. There isn’t time for that.
Reflection
What is your activism story?
What is holding you back?
What are your activism goals going forward?
Schedule a discovery call with me to see if I can help. Together we can figure out the best way for you to reveal your inner advocate and explore options to participate.
Scroll down for:
Your Badass Summer Bucket List
The 3.5 Percent Protest Rule
Searching for a Job Without Using Job Boards
Scroll Down to find out What I Am Reading Now…
Your Badass Summer Bucket List: 12 Badass Things To Do This Summer
I love lists and this is a fantastic list of things to do this summer. “This bucket list is packed with easy, feel-good ideas to help you live a little louder and celebrate your inner badass—all summer long.” Check it out!
The 3.5% Protest Rule That Could Bring Down Trump
Pod Save America Podcast
“How much of America would we need to mobilize to stop Trump's power grab? According to political scientist Erica Chenoweth, it takes 3.5 percent—the threshold after which every protest movement, across the world, has been successful. Against the backdrop of the anti-ICE and No Kings protests, the national guard deployment, and Donald Trump's birthday pageant, Chenoweth joins the show to break down the math of the 3.5 percent rule, explain why nonviolence is the key to meeting it, and to share the lessons the civil rights movement can teach us about staying unified, organized, and disciplined in the fight against authoritarianism.”
Searching for a Job without Using Job Boards
I am all about an abundance mindset in life and in job searches. The more jobs you are exposed to the better. Expanding beyond the job boards (without giving up on job boards) allows you to see opportunities you might not otherwise see, and that is a good thing! Hannah Morgan of Career Essentials always has a helpful approach to the complicated world of careers.
The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner comes The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits, a deeply moving novel set against the glitz and chaos of early 2000s pop stardom. Equal parts heartfelt family saga and behind-the-scenes look at fame, this is a story about sisters, secrets, and the power of second chances.
Cassie and Zoe Grossberg were thrust into the spotlight as The Griffin Sisters, a pop duo that defined the early 2000s. Together, they skyrocketed to the top, gracing MTV, SNL, and the cover of Rolling Stone. Cassie, a musical genius who never felt at ease in her own skin, preferred to stay in the shadows. Zoe, full of confidence and craving fame, lived for the stage. But fame has a price, and after one turbulent year, the band abruptly broke up.
Two decades later, Zoe is a suburban mom warning her teenage daughter Cherry to avoid the spotlight, while Cassie has disappeared from public life entirely. The sisters couldn’t be further apart, and Cherry is desperate to bring them back together—and unearth the truth behind their breathtaking rise and infamous breakup. As long-buried secrets surface, all three women must confront their choices, their desires, and their complicated bonds.
With richly developed characters, a nostalgic nod to the pop culture of the 2000s, and a resonant tale of ambition, forgiveness, and family, The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits will captivate readers from the first note to the final encore. Whether you’ve followed Jennifer Weiner for years or are discovering her for the first time, this book is a must-read for music lovers, fans of sisterly dramas, and anyone looking for an unforgettable story of second chances.
Thank you for your post on this topic. It really spoke to me.