(header photo credit by Matt Pearce)
We believe in the power in the digital tools to respond, shape conversations and take action in times of urgency.
And we’re both saddened & disgusted by the situation in Ferguson. The weight of the situation lingers in the air leaving many of our friends & colleagues asking “What’s next? What can I do? Why should I care? Does this even affect me?”
Yes.
Our network has a rich trove of information and sentiment. We connect with community organizers and nonprofits every day in the media space. And so we are writing this post as an inspiration for everyone reading this.
Dig deeper. Express yourself. Learn. Shape the dialog. And unite in solidarity with #Ferguson.
Every action matters. Your voice counts. Do what you can. Don’t let apathy be the rule of the day. Stand together because #blacklivesmatter!
Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen an amazing amount of Collaborative Community Organizing. And over the last few days, people in 37 states have been protesting in the street, stopping traffic, and expressing their desire for justice. Below are a few exemplary sites and projects we’ve found over the last 24 hours. And of course – if you have your own to share, please let us know in the comments!
Links!
No Indictment.org is a google doc (as of now) put together by local community organizers in Ferguson. It’s been a great low-tech way to get critical mass, and massive collaboration in place.
Ferguson Response is a collection of national events taking place. If you’d like to add your own event, or local action, go to the site. Or join an event already posted.
This mailchimp newsletter from the National Bar shows their response and concern for due process.
QZ posted a nice article on “things white people can do.” A great read on creating more empathy, and taking direct action.
There has also been a focus on Social Media’s role in bringing people together.
No surprise here. Tools like twitter and Nationbuilder have helped communities organize, fundraise, and spread the word. It’s been a welcome change to the mainstream media, and is a direct example of “democratizing publishing” as well giving people the chance to express themselves.
#BlackLivesMatter is powerful not just as a microaffirmation, but as a hashtag, it becomes a group utterance, it ties us to each other.
— an xiao mina (@anxiaostudio) November 26, 2014
And if you are looking for a direct way to help – donate to Nicole Lee’s fund. She is voluntarily working as a legal observer in Ferguson, and documenting what is happening – on the ground.
On a day to day basis, we provide countless organizations and businesses WordPress support. And WordPress’ mission is to “democratize publishing.” We believe that part of this mission extends to free speech, and the ability to express yourself freely – physically, technically, emotionally. So we support the efforts to organize locally. And to do what you can to make your life matter.
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to comment below and add your resources.
Updated
Have an idea for a solution? Submit it to #FergusonNext, a solution-based collaboration between Guardian US Opinion, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch Editorial Page, Ebony.com, Colorlines, The St. Louis American and The St. Louis Riverfront Times.