What needs to be done in order for a shutdown to be successful?
Preparing for a shutdown or a general strike is incredibly important work. In order for economic non-participation of that magnitude to be successful for the people, we need proper planning in place. It's always best to start at the beginning, and the beginning starts with you.
For too long, the oligarchy has been relying on our social isolation and division. We may be more connected today than ever before via the internet and social media, but rather than unifying us, we have been facing growing isolation and division like never before. We have been disconnected from our local communities, our friends, our families, our neighbors, our environment, our ecosystem. Community is 100% necessary for our continued survival, and it is high time we reconnect with our communities.
Step 1: de-Isolation
Start small. Attend something local such as a free concert, a group at your local library, town hall meetings, unitarian/universalist church events, craft circles, hiking groups, sports clubs, farmers markets, classes oranything else you can think of. Get yourself out there. Many people think of themselves as being "a blue dot in a sea of red" or vice versa. You are not alone. They want you to feel alone. They want you to feel isolated. Do not give in to the propaganda. To learn more about how to de-isolate, click the button below. If you are already beating social isolation, go to step 2.
Step 2: Get involved in your community
Social de-isolation needs continuity and repetition in order to become permanent. Getting involved in your community can help you stay engaged socially while also giving you the opportunity to help other people. With the passing of the new budget bill, many of us will lose access to Medicaid and snap, along with other access to social supports. Volunteering your time to local food banks and other organizations will help bring that support to your community, and also provide you with a sense that you're helping, and that you're doing something to combat tyranny. To learn how to get involved in your community, click the button below. If you are already involved with your community, go to step 3.
Step 3: Mutual Aid
You've broken social isolation and gotten involved in your community. You've come a long way! But our work has only just begun. Volunteering to help organizations that exist within your community is a wonderful start, but many communities lack valuable supports, and if we are talking about a general strike, or permanently changing our spending habits to deprioritize convenience and prioritize sustainability, we have a LOT more work to do. This is where the heavy lifting happens. A lot of the following is already a significant need in most communities, but it will be even more necessary in these rapidly changing times. We desperately need places that help supply folks with food, clean water, day to day supplies, clothing, transportation, community gardens, seed and plant distribution, agricultural support, medical aid and so much more. Learn how to start or join a mutual aid group in your area, or help build one of our mutual aid networks on Telegram! Currently, we are still working on expanding our network, so your help will be greatly appreciated. You can also join your local GeneralstrikeUS chapter, most of which focus on mutual aid and other direct action initiatives. *note: when joining our telegram, the link will take you to our chapter directory where you will be asked to read the rules and answer a few questions. Once approved you you will be directed to the appropriate chapters.* If you are already doing mutual aid or other direct action initiatives, skip step 4 and go to step 5.
What side of history will you be on?
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