What We Can Do Today

When I pivoted from a mental health focus to this current version of my blog, I said that I would address ways to build community solidarity as well as challenge systemic racism and White privilege. Here's an important -- and urgent -- task for today that focuses upon both upending racist systems and enhancing community solidarity: write to and/or call your Senators to urge passage of a bill to extend Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (the $600 in additional unemployment benefits) and related legislation. 

Visit Extend PUA for resources, information, sample letters and call scripts, talking points, and much more. ExtendPUA.org is an all volunteer organization that was started by two unemployed members of the  entertainment industry; it works in solidarity with Unemployment Action, a Facebook public group. You can find ExtendPUA's mission here.

We know that this pandemic has disproportionately affected our Black siblings, who are becoming infected at rates that far exceed their percent of the population. Blacks are dying from COVID-19 at more than twice the rate of Whites.  

Blacks also make up a disproportionate share of the essential workers who have had to remain on the job while so many of us stayed at home. And those Black Americans who are not essential workers are more likely to have lost their jobs during COVID-19 than White Americans. You can find more information about the effects of COVID-19 on BIPOC communities at the website for Mental Health America.

Unless Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is renewed, it will end on July 25. So the need to act is urgent. There is much that we can do, and it will take all of us pulling together to overcome systemic racism and create true community solidarity. Here is a way to make a real difference today. Please join me.

 Love,
Nancie/Mom/Mimi/Grandma

Comments

Cheryll Simmerman said…
Thanks so much for this request to send letters, Nancie! I did that yesterday, and have had reply e-mails from both Wyden and Merkley. This was such a good and thoughtful thing that you did, encouraging us to add our voices.
Take care,
Cheryll
July 17, 2020 at 5:48 AM
Nancie Potter said…
Thank you, Cheryll, for doing your part and for posting this kind comment. My next post will highlight the need for us to step up and step forward, and what can happen when we do.
July 17, 2020 at 10:12 AM
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