VOLUNTEER STORIES

1. Why did you attend the No Kings march last year?

I attended the No Kings rally to express my frustration with our current administration. I think it's so important to let out your anger, sadness and frustration with all that is happening. It also feels rejuvenating to be around so many like-minded people. I take a lot of hope away from any such gathering. 

2. What are the things that most concern you about the next few years?

I'm concerned about so many things, it's difficult to narrow it down, but I think my biggest

concern at the moment is voter suppression and voter intimidation for the upcoming midterms in November. I feel this is our only hope of holding this fascist regime accountable. This administration will cheat without apology and with impunity. 

Also, as a woman who is married to a woman, I'm also very concerned about the desire of this administration to strip the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community - as they've already done to countless immigrants and US citizens. 

The Epstein files sicken me. But what sickens me more are the people turning a blind eye to it. I want all involved to be held accountable - which won't happen if we don't have free and fair elections (see number 1). 

I'm also concerned about the lack of a solid opposition party. Our democratic leaders are bought and paid for by the same donors that MAGA politicians are. Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries need to step down and allow true progressives to take over (who aren't compromised by donors like AIPAC, etc).  

3. What are the things that give you hope?

I get tremendous hope from participating in things like the No Kings marches. As I said before, being around like-minded folks is very healing. I also find a lot of hope in my close friend group, who I lean on daily to keep me grounded and focused. If you don't have a close friend group that is on your same page politically - get involved in organizations like Indivisible - you'll find your tribe! 

4. What do you do to take your mind off the craziness of everything?

I have 2 hobbies that are particularly calming to me - diamond painting and paint-by-numbers. The repetitive nature and focus of these hobbies really helps me to get into an almost meditative state. 

I also make a point to only spend my free time with people who are on my same page politically. That's a privilege, I realize, and I feel very fortunate to be able to do this. 

I had a friend tell me that she has been focusing on the micro in her life (her close relationships, her work, her passions) to keep all of the macro craziness at bay. Also thinking about how small we all are in the scheme of the entire universe is calming to me. 

5. How does this all turn out?

I have to believe good will win in the end. I think the November voter turnout will be 'too big to rig' and this administration will finally be held accountable. If this doesn't happen, I will continue to cling to my support group and hold them close.