My Activism

In my mind, I’m someone who takes to the streets in protest. I march. I carry signs. I chant. But the reality is that I have participated in few protests. My activism has mostly been in written form. I have created and signed petitions, written letters to the editor and to government officials. I even sent telegrams to President Biden urging him to tell the archivist to sign off on the Equal Rights Amendment. 

Here’s an open letter I wrote to the assistant superintendent of the school district where I taught at the time. It was the year 1999, and the school district had banned students from wearing Gothic clothing in the wake of the Columbine mass shooting. My letter appeared in the Federal Way Mirror. (Scroll down to see the beginning of the letter.) 

I recently had training with the Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Justice Northwest. It was perfect for me, because although they send out action alerts for protests, the training focused on supporting state bills and contacting one’s state senator and representatives. They taught us how to support a bill without having to testify. They also emphasized the importance of contacting the committee chair person for any bills we’re supporting, especially if we’re a constituent. 

I have supported two bills so far. One states  that law enforcement persons and ICE can’t wear masks. That one is now law. The other, “the Immigrant Workers Protection Act, would require employers to notify employees when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to conduct inspections or audits in the workplace, so workers are not caught off guard and can better protect their rights.”

Next week, Barry and I will attend a Zoom training on rapid community response to ICE activities here in Seattle. I can’t jump in the car and be be an observer, but I’m sure there’s plenty I can do to support my neighbors at risk.

I would love nothing more than to participate in ICE protests. I don’t think I have ever felt more opposed to anything in my life. I take some comfort in knowing that there are things I can do to make a difference.