Out of Sorts and Taking Action: A Reflection on Community and Responsibility

The last few weeks have left me feeling deeply unsettled. It's not just the general swirl of life or the usual busy pace of this season. It's something deeper—an unease rooted in worry for my daughters, my neighbors, my friends, and my community. My heart aches as I watch the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, the BIPOC community, and so many others who are targeted, marginalized, or fighting to simply exist with dignity.

I’ve been sitting with the heaviness of it all, trying to figure out how to channel my energy into something meaningful. How do I show up for these communities in ways that matter? How do I step into my role as an ally, not just in word but in consistent, tangible action?

One thing I’ve learned is that as a white woman, it’s not my job to ask marginalized communities how I can help. That places the burden on them, asking them to educate me while they are already carrying so much. Instead, it’s my job to do the work—to educate myself, to listen, to reflect, and to take action.

How Can We Take Action?

If you’re feeling the same way I am, I encourage you to join me in taking small but impactful steps. Together, we can support these communities, not just with our hearts but with our hands, our wallets, and our platforms. Here are some ideas to get started:

1. Shop with Intention This Holiday Season

• Buy local: Support businesses in your community, particularly those owned by women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs.
• Seek out marginalized creators: Many small businesses run by marginalized individuals depend on holiday sales. Buying from them not only supports their livelihood but also sends a message of solidarity.

2. Share and Amplify

• Follow creators and businesses: Seek out voices from these communities and amplify their content on social media. A share or like may seem small, but it helps expand their reach.
• Highlight their work: Whether it’s a podcast, book, or product you love, take a moment to leave a review, post about it, or recommend it to others.

3. Educate Yourself

• Read books, listen to podcasts, and engage with content that deepens your understanding of the challenges these communities face.
• Use your newfound knowledge to call out bias, stand against discrimination, and educate those in your circle.

4. Support Advocacy Organizations

• Donate to nonprofits and advocacy groups that support LGBTQIA+ rights, racial equity, and other justice-oriented causes.
• Volunteer your time with local organizations working to make a difference in your community.

5. Be a Conscientious Neighbor

• Check in with those around you. While you shouldn’t ask them how you can help, letting them know you care and are here as a resource can be meaningful.
• Be present and aware of your language and actions, ensuring you create inclusive spaces wherever you go.

6. Speak Up

• Use your voice to advocate for policies and leaders that prioritize equity and justice.
• Don’t shy away from tough conversations in your personal or professional life. Change begins in the spaces where we have influence.

A Call to Action

Feeling out of sorts is a sign that something within us knows the world isn’t as it should be. And while we can’t fix everything, we can do something. The ripple effect of intentional actions—shopping, sharing, learning, speaking up—can grow into waves of change.

This holiday season and beyond, I’m committing to these steps, knowing that it’s an ongoing process of growth, reflection, and action. If you’re reading this, I invite you to join me. Together, let’s not only support our communities but also strive to build a world where they feel safe, valued, and celebrated every day of the year.

Let’s do the work. Let’s take action. Let’s be the allies we say we are.