America seemingly changed over a volatile and tumultuous weekend. Seeing the images of the neighborhoods and burning businesses I have frequented around my hometown of Minneapolis is completely heart-wrenching and tragic. #rebuildMSP
For so many people, the current status quo just does not work on a socioeconomic level and our meritocracy has been called into question. The curtain has been pulled back to expose our social injustices, and racial inequalities.
These are difficult times as we approach 40 Million unemployed, and a pandemic still not under control. In my conversations through Project Safety Net, I am hearing these pain points and people tell me they have been sold a bill of goods about the American Dream. People are hungry but fed up, frustrated, jobless, in debt, and under insured because for some reason we deem it necessary to attached healthcare to our jobs. Things are broken and we need a rewrite.
HOPE IS A GOOD START BUT IS NOT A PLAN. SO…WHAT CAN YOU DO?
GET OUT OF YOUR BUBBLE
For those of you living around the Twin Cities of Minnesota, take a drive from North Minneapolis to Edina or Minnetonka and make note of the disparity. Or, I am sure the community where you live has a similar contrast in poverty and wealth. Engage with someone that does not move in your social circle or share your political views or does not like you or your neighbors. Ask what is on their mind, what their pain is, and how you can help. Perhaps you can provide a voice and speak on behalf of those that do not have one. It is why many people who travel to and witness Third World countries have a completely different worldview and are forever changed by it.
VOTE
I have heard that 60% of people do not vote and 60% of the population does not watch or read the news and that we only hope they are the same group. If the current political environment does not meet your needs, vote for change.
PROTEST (PEACEFULLY and SAFELY)
So often we get caught up just going through the motions, existing vs. living, stuck in a rut, and following the lead of others, our neighbors, or marketing trends. Express yourself, call your representative in Congress, attend a community meeting, rise up and be heard, create change, wear a mask, and keep a distance.
GRAB A BROOM
Take time to think about our environment and how that will look for future generations. It will take some time to clean up our neighborhoods, communities, municipalities, and our Country.
CONTINUE TO SUPPORT PROJECT SAFETY NET
Check out my Facebook Page with updates on what our younger readers call “Job Hacks” and to support restaurants, and to follow my Newsletters. Or just reach out, tell me what is on your mind, or if you feel there is content that you think I can add.
