![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mysticism-spirituality-circle.com\/SRI-Kinship-Ray\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Riseup1.jpg?resize=468%2C316&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nI keep hearing folx despairing over the 2022 election cycle. It seems that the predominant story is that since it is common for the party that won the Presidential election to lose ground in the mid-terms, we should all just expect the worst. We should expect that any progress we\u2019ve managed to make (though it never feels like enough) will be frustrated and stifled after the election by the newly dominant opposition party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this blog post, I will argue that we have a choice. We can give in to despair and give up or we can rise up<\/u><\/em><\/strong> and do everything we can to ensure that this outcome is not going to happen! I will offer several opportunities for all of you to get involved, and I would love to hear from you in the comments, or directly via email to drmatthewsusa@gmail.com<\/a> about the work you are doing or plan to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, I encourage everyone to avoid the temptation to \u201cdoom-scroll\u201d looking for (and easily finding) articles and stories (Instagram, FB, TikTok, etc.) that spell out why the Democrats are in trouble. Even with relatively sane news sources, this kind of clickbait is all too common. It gets attention, but it often ignores the bigger picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As one of my favorite political bloggers (Robert Hubbel<\/a>l) suggests, \u201cContextualize bad news to test whether it is truly bad\u2014or merely part of the tidal pull of media-driven politics. If you do that, I guarantee you that you will feel much better about Democratic chances in 2022.\u201d His excellent newsletter is a great way to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you make the decision to rise up instead of succumbing to these narratives, here are a few ways my household have been and will be making a difference: Movement Voter Project (<\/strong>https:\/\/movement.vote\/<\/strong><\/a>) Third Act (<\/strong>https:\/\/thirdact.org\/<\/strong><\/a> ) \u00a0Local Action Networks As that wonderful protest song says, \u201clike a tree standing by the water, we shall not be moved.\u201d I hope and pray that our spiritual community and our many dear friends, will rise up and do the work that needs to be done, knowing that it can only succeed if we rise up together in love, compassion, righteous passion, and power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Toward the One \u2013 together!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" by Wakil David Matthews I keep hearing folx despairing over the 2022 election cycle. It seems that the predominant story is that since it is common for the party that won the Presidential election to lose ground in the mid-terms, we should all just expect the worst. We should expect that any progress we\u2019ve managed … <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mysticism-spirituality-circle.com\/SRI-Kinship-Ray\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Riseup2.jpg?resize=449%2C300&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Vote Forward (<\/strong>https:\/\/votefwd.org\/<\/strong><\/a>)<\/strong>
In the last several elections we have written hundreds of letters to progressive-leaning voters in important swing states. This organization makes it relatively easy by creating lists that you can download of letters and names\/addresses. You add your personal message to the letters, provide the envelopes and stamps, and then on a pre-arranged\/strategic day, all of the letters are mailed. I truly believe this and other efforts helped turn the tide last time around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>This project is a way to donate funds to progressive local grassroots organizations that know their communities better than we ever can and that have proven track records for getting out the vote in the most important states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>For those of you over 60 years old (and anyone who wants to support them!), this is a new organization that is working very strategically to \u201csave the planet and save democracy.\u201d I highly recommend checking out their excellent website and their many resources. And specifically participating in their \u201cFighting Voter Suppression<\/a>\u201d efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>In my area, there are several local groups that I work with. Faith Action Network Washington<\/a> and 350.org WA<\/a> to name a couple that I\u2019ve written about before. These track and help me advocate for the most important local legislation issues. I encourage you to look for and work with similar groups in your part of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mysticism-spirituality-circle.com\/SRI-Kinship-Ray\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Riseup3.jpg?resize=285%2C390&ssl=1\")