She Strengthens

The Wake-Up Call: Why Your Money Matters in the Fight Against Oppression

The aftermath of the 2016 US presidential election left many of us reeling. As we struggled to come to terms with the outcome, it became clear that the left needs more than just social media outrage and celebrity endorsements. We need tangible action, and that starts with our wallets.

A Personal Reflection

I’ll admit, I didn’t sleep that night. I was consumed by fear for the marginalized communities that would be affected by the new administration’s policies. I wondered what I could have done differently, and whether my vote had made a difference. As I reflected on my actions, I realized that I had been complacent, relying on others to fight the good fight while I stood on the sidelines.

The Power of Your Dollar

But it’s not too late to make a change. If you have disposable income, consider setting aside a portion of it to support organizations that fight for the vulnerable. It’s not about grand gestures; every little bit counts. I’ve created a simple budget to allocate my funds to organizations like Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Creating an Activism Budget

It’s easier than you think. Start by tracking your income and expenses to see how much you can realistically set aside each month. You can use a Google doc, Excel spreadsheet, or even just a piece of paper to keep track. From there, subtract your necessary expenses from your income to get an idea of how much you have left over. Then, allocate a portion of that amount to your activism budget.

It’s Not About Being a Hero

I’m not asking you to be a hero or to put yourself in harm’s way. I’m asking you to take a small step towards making a difference. If you have $5 to spare, you can contribute to organizations that are fighting for what matters. It’s the least we can do if we want to be good people.

The Solution Lies in Action

We can’t rely on viral tweets, celebrity endorsements, or witty op-eds to solve our problems. We need to take action, and that starts with our wallets. Your money can help protect and promote the causes that matter most. So, take the first step today. Create an activism budget, and start making a difference.