Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter is a movement dedicated to fighting against racially charged police brutality. Focused on the dismantling of white supremacy in our government systems, the movement has become more prevalent in the last couple of years as POTUS Donald Trump took office. The spark from 2016 became a fire in 2020 with the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. Peaceful protests have taken place in every US state and many countries throughout the world in the past couple of months, and continues to make change. Here are ways you can keep the momentum going and keep the change alive:
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Climate Change
With our world changing and the environment in grave danger, Young Activists is a huge supporter of steps towards a greener future. Many of our members make personal efforts to lead more sustainable lives. For example, Chair Riley Macon runs a sustainability instagram account which you can check out here. Whether it's picking up trash on a walk or donating to environmentally friendly organization, this movement is one of the easiest to get involved in! Here are some ways you can help!
- Buy clothes from thrift store or sustainable brands! Fast Fashion is a huge threat to the environment. Clothing production makes up to 10% of human carbon emissions and 85% of all textiles go into the dump each year (Business Insider). A simple way to help curb the effects of fashion production is to shop second hand! Not only is it helping the environment, but it's cheap too! For a list of fast fashion brands click here.
- Also, for more information of sustainable clothing visit goodonyou.eco for information on the sustainability of all your favorite clothing brands, and find some earth and worker friendly alternatives.
- In addition, try donating your old clothes to a thrift store instead of throwing them away or selling them. Not only does it spare the earth some trash, but you can help someone find cheaper clothes.
- Bring a bag with you when you go for a walk! Picking up trash is an easy way to help the environment and it improves the look of your neighborhood! Young Activists are planning to do a socially-distant campus clean-up once school starts in September. Remember to wear gloves!
- Bring cloth bags when you shop! Plastic is horrible for the environment as we all know, and plastic bags make up so much of that impact. By bringing cloth bags you can prevent excess trash and look cute while doing it!
- In that same vein, invest in some cloth masks rather than disposable ones. Not only are you saving the environment, but masks work as a cool accessory to an outfit you got at the thrift store!
Voter Registration and Activism
Voting is our most basic form of activism. Our democracy is in danger, making voting more important than ever. To find out how to get mail-in ballots and navigate the new pandemic-age system, check out The Baltimore Sun and Voter Services
Also be sure to check out our page on Voter Registration.
Also be sure to check out our page on Voter Registration.
COVID-19 Pandemic
With the virus surging in the United States, it is more important than ever to do your part in helping to save lives. Wear a mask when you go out in public and when hanging out with people you don't live with. Stay six feet apart when possible and avoid densely crowded areas and events. In places like Japan with universal mask wearing, they have been able to keep their economy open and minimize deaths. We can do the same with more socially-distant participation.
For news on coronavirus in Maryland: NyTimes Coronavirus Tracker
For vaccination updates: NyTimes Vaccine Tracker
Everyone in Maryland now age 12+ can receive their vaccine! Check out the Maryland Vaccine website to schedule an appointment at a mass vaccination site.
For news on coronavirus in Maryland: NyTimes Coronavirus Tracker
For vaccination updates: NyTimes Vaccine Tracker
Everyone in Maryland now age 12+ can receive their vaccine! Check out the Maryland Vaccine website to schedule an appointment at a mass vaccination site.