It’s easy to get overwhelmed with “where to start” or how to plug back in. Remember the important thing is to commit to doing the work—today, and every day that you’re able. Here’s a list of potential actions you can take in addition to continuing to educate yourself.
Support calls to #DefundThePolice
Portland’s recent proposed city budget included an unacceptable $256 million for police. Some funds are being diverted and invested in the community, but more needs to be done.
- Written testimony on agenda items may be sent to the Council Clerk at the City Council Meeting Agenda and Information
- Demands and sample testimony language from Imagine Black Futures
- Demands and sample testimony language from Care Not Cops
- Information from Don’t Shoot PDX
- Read “What the World Could Teach America About Policing: Examples abound of reforms that are seen as ‘radical’ in the United States” – Yasmeen Serhan, The Atlantic
Make a donation that’s meaningful
Here’s a list of possibilities! Support organizations led by other people of color, including immigrants and refugees, small businesses, and more.
We recommend to try and donate an amount that makes you a little uncomfortable (if you’re able to). Does $10 seem safe? Then try $25. Does $25 seem safe? Then try $50. Does $50 seem safe? Then try $100. Engage in resource moving, addressing systemic wealth inequity stemming from colonial history and white supremacy culture, through your personal and professional networks.
Protest
In person. If it’s possible and safe for you to be on the streets, get out there! Mask up, of course. Protests are being organized by many different groups. Please remember to not take up space where people who can speak from experience should have the mic.
- Attend the Keaton Otis Vigil
- On the 12th of every month (NE 6th and Halsey Street, occasionally on Zoom).
- Consider organizing or joining a car caravan protest, like the one organized by Pacific Northwest Family Circle.
- Get “out there” on social media. Promote the voices of Black people and other People of Color.
Seek out conversations, interventions, and accountability with other white folks
Remember that much of the most important work white people can be doing starts in our homes, our workplaces, and our communities. Commit to “inviting people in” (not shaming and blaming) and having hard conversations with other white people. Commit to being uncomfortable.
Join a SURJ PDX POD for learning, accountability, and community here!
Support
- Local mutual aid efforts.
- Police Accountability: led by a coalition that includes SURJ PDX activists.
- Actively campaign to elect people of color and candidates that support defunding the police and prison abolition.
- Support PDX Black Lives Matter events.
- Support Black- and Indigenous-led organizations and businesses
Share resources and event information
Email surjpdxinfo@gmail.com
Be sure to include well-organized, key information like date, time, cost in your email. Please note that we try to refrain from sending too many emails, so we may not be able to send yours, depending on current priorities. Thank you for your understanding.
Take care of yourself and your fellow activists
Even if long-overdue change happens relatively quickly from here (dismantling the police force in Minneapolis), it’s gonna be a long fight. We need you for the long haul.