“It all started with a conversation.” That’s how Justice in June co-founder Bryanna Wallace describes the genesis of the massively successful Justice in June resource. The conversation was a heart-to-heart with her best friend from college Autumn Gupta after the murder of George Floyd earlier this year. After this conversation, Autumn leapt into action to create a resource to help people become better allies to the black community. What started off as a google doc has grown into a website, an educational tool and another modality to ensure people continue active anti-racist education and action.
In our conversation, we hear about the origin of Justice in June, how people can plug into the resource and their strategies for getting through this week and beyond, no matter the outcome of the election!
Find Your Lane
Bryanna and Autumn advise allies to test out ways to engage with this work and make sure that their method is exciting for them. If protesting isn’t your thing, try writing letter to lawmakers. This diagram below showcases the many ways people can plug into social movements. Bryanna and Autumn have clearly found their niche with education and outreach!
Self-Care During November and Beyond
Spend some time thinking through your self-care toolbox so you can stay strong during election week/month/year. Here are some of the things we discussed as being on our Menu of Self Care:
- Setting boundaries for how you show up around election time.
- Staying connected to your faith.
- Checking in with friends.
- Activating your “inner-circle” for emotional support.
- Make plans for social justice work this next weekend or later in the moment so you have something to look forward to.
- Dance.
- Stay vulnerable. Feel the feelings.
- If necessary, host a “pity party” for yourself with a defined length of time.
