Taking Action

* Be sure to  follow the direction of the people who are on the ground or are most  effected by the situation. They are the ones who know the most about  what they are experiencing and what they need. 

* Make sure you do your homework about the history of the situation and the cultures of the people who are affected. 

* Find out if there are any violations of human rights or humanitarian law. 

* Investigate any US involvement in this situation, either now or in the past. 

* Consider your sources and always fact check your information before you amplify it

* Fact check with at least 2 reliable sources before you amplify

* Keep an open mind. There is always more to learn.

* Stay compassionate. Do what you need to do so this doesn't harden your heart. 

* Take care of yourself. Drink water. Eat healthy food. Get solid rest. We need you.

* stay prepared for a two week spending strike

* keep your ear to the ground for a call to action

* network & activate

* weave these topics into things you are already talking about

* empower people to take action

* network & support

* amplify the voices of people on the ground

* relate this situation to your own special interests or everyday life

* don't be afraid to make people uncomfortable

*  Find the email addresses and phone numbers of the people who hold the  power in this situation and let them know how you feel... and let them  know again and again until they make a change ;)

*  Use your recycling to create postcards and mail them to the White House  with short messages about how you feel. Get your friends involved. It's  therapeutic to send your trash to the White House in the form of a  postcard and give them a piece of your mind.

*  This one's for the folks who have more to say. There are plenty of  corporations and world leaders who could benefit from hearing your well  formulated account of things. Let them know what you think.

* It only takes a second to sign a petition, and it could make a big difference. 

* Share the online petitions that align with your cause

* Create a list of movies created by people involved in the situation you are aligned with

* Create a list of movies that highlight the details of this situation

* Share your list with friends

* Create a movie night to watch and discuss the movies together

* Rate the movies online, so they get more traction

* Talk about the movies in real life

* Create a list of novels and poetry written by authors who are involved in the situation you are aligned with

* Create a list of non-fiction books that highlight the details of this situation

* Share your lists with friends

* Forget the book club... read the book together and then take some action!

* Review these books online, so they gets more traction

* Talk about these books in real life

* create your own list like this about the situation you are aligned with and share it whenever you can. 

For example, here is an article I created, using this format, that highlights human rights in Palestine. 

* Always use common sense and do your research before donating.

* Buy products made in the communities you are supporting

* Be aware of products that support the violations of human rights

* Let these companies know you have an eye on them