Stand in Solidarity: 9 Actionable Ways to Support the #BlackLivesMatter Movement

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The Black Lives Matter community is calling for justice to be served and demanding reform in a society that is riddled with social injustice.

Protesters are standing up against the injustices portrayed against George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many more.

There are many ways that we can all help in the fight for equality and justice, and many outlets that you can choose to get involved in and support the Black Lives Matter movement.

Here Are 9 Ways That You Can Support the #BlackLivesMatter Movement, the Protestors, and the Fight for Justice:

History is watching us all now.

1. Donate to Black Lives Matter

Black Lives Matter is a global organization dedicated to eradicating white supremacy and building “local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes.”

It’s a noble cause and an organization worth empowering. If you’re financially able, consider donating to help assist their fight and fund the movement.

2. Donate to a Bail Fund

The protests across the US are leading to countless arrests. If you support the protestors and want to stand in solidarity with them, consider donating to a bail fund to help cover the financial burden of arrest.

3. Sign Petitions

Petitions bring awareness to the public eye about issues that require change in society. They pressure politicians and lawmakers to challenge the status quo and renounce it as completely unacceptable.

There are countless petitions that you can sign in this fight to demand change for #BlackLivesMatter. Here are just a few:

Justice for George Floyd
Justice for Breonna Taylor
Justice for Ahmaud Arbery
Justice for Floyd

4. Advocate for Police Accountability

The National Police Accountability Project is dedicated to holding law enforcement accountable for misconduct. Their mission is to end law enforcement and detention officer abuse of authority. You can become a member or donate to their cause.

Campaign Zero is a police reform group that uses data and human rights principles to create policy solutions to end police violence.

5. Amplify Black Voices

In a white-dominated culture, the homogenous cycle continues unquestioned without the input and voices of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color).

Elevate Black stories through books, blogs, podcasts, music, movies, TV, and more. Consider engaging with stories that don’t necessarily resemble your own. (See #7 for specific resources to explore.)

Amplify, follow, support: here are 8 Self-Care Practices From 8 Black Yogis to Support Wellbeing and Mental Health

6. Educate Yourself

Learn about the history of oppression that has existed for centuries in the US and far beyond. Understand how white supremacy and the oppression of BIPOC has impacted you specifically and society as a whole.

Be willing to question everything. Have conversations with your children and family. Seek out new resources for information and different perspectives.

There are plenty of helpful #BlackLivesMatter articles packed with informative resources. A great place to start is by reading articles on topics like white privilege, and seeking out documentaries, books, and podcasts on racial injustice.

7. Take to the Streets

Join the protestors and stand in solidarity with this cause. Because as Desmond Tutu said, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”

8. Contact Your Representatives

Clutter the phone lines and flood the inboxes of your elected representatives. Demand justice, action, and accountability. Pressure your representatives to work with their constituents or get voted out.

9. VOTE!

Use your vote to demand change.

Former President Barack Obama said it best: “Eventually, aspirations have to be translated into specific laws and institutional practices – and in a democracy, that only happens when we elect government officials who are responsive to our demands.”

VOTE, and not just in highly publicized presidential races. Get informed, and vote for state and local officials, prosecutors, judges, and more.

Stand in Solidarity With the #BlackLivesMatter Movement Against Injustice

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. famously said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Whether it directly affects you or not, recent (and systemic) injustices are deplorable.

Despite its long and muddled history, modern yoga is a practice that stands for unity, solidarity, love, and ultimately, transformation.

We must stand together in solidarity and support of our communities, our families, and our collective human experience because “there comes a time when silence is betrayal.”