Giving Tuesday

 

Three months ago, we sat together on the last night of the ACT SHAPE Retreat, youth from our Orosi and Woodlake programs and staff packed into our rented minivans, driving down Hollywood Boulevard with our windows down so we could feel the cold air against our faces and hear the bustle of the city. For many of the youth it was the first time that they had ever been outside of their own county. Folx talked about how they had seen Hollywood
Boulevard in movies and on their TV screens but had never had the opportunity to visit with their families. On our way to Hollywood Boulevard, we could feel the excitement building up. Folx had just eaten a whole meal in community and engaged in community building activities through discussions and trying new food. I can’t quite remember what was on the radio, just that it was adding to our hype. I don’t remember who started singing, but in a matter of seconds, everyone in the van was singing along to the music on the radio. Folx were recording on their phones and documenting this moment of our trip where I really believe that they felt like they were in community. I never thought that traffic would be fun, but it definitely added
to the amount of songs that we were all able to sing.

I think back on this day often now, during shelter in place, and reflect on how seemingly simple moments in community, sharing meals, and sharing space with one another is something we can never take for granted and now more than ever it is important to be intentional and creative in making that space possible. We may not be able to be physically together but we are still in community.

At ACT, we understand that all successful organizing is rooted in meaningful relationships developed through acts of solidarity and radical love. On this #GivingTuesdayNow, we ask you to join us in supporting our community.

#GivingTuesdayNow is a global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020 as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. Tulare County has been hit hard by COVID-19, and for communities of color, LGBTQ+ communities, undocumented families, and young families who face existing barriers to basic needs such as healthcare, housing, and financial security the impact can be exponentially greater. Because systems are not meeting the needs of the most impacted members of our community during the pandemic, ACT is working to bring together funding to give back to folks who have given so much to us and who we value and love.

Through foundations and individual donor contributions, ACT is providing financial stipends to our participants, alumni, undocumented families, young parents, LGBTQ+ youth, and folks who have lost income during the time of the pandemic. Can you give a $50 donation today to support young people and families in our community? Thanks to a generous donor, all gifts, up to $5000 will be matched on #GivingTuesdayNow. That means the impact of your dollar can be doubled today! Donate here now or at bit.ly/actmutualaid , if you can, and share this ask with your friends and family. Together we can make it through this.

In Community,

ACT for Women and Girls

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