Life is busy, especially when layering on political action to our routines. So squeaking out a full weekend for the annual Temple retreat this weekend was a little more stressful than usual, knowing weekend chores awaited our return home. But true to the purpose of a retreat, and the express purpose of this one, I emerged refreshed and with a renewed commitment to community. We discussed unity, compassion fatigue, implicit bias (read Blind Spot), and Jewish spiritual teaching. I even had the cathartic experience of belting out “I Will Survive” in a karaoke improv moment. (See my suggested lyrics further below)
So with a renewed energy, let me share a few action items on the horizon. Check your energy level and then check your calendar. Let me know if you want to join me for any of it. Life is contagious, let’s catch it together:
- April 5 (Wednesday) – Advocate for women in Springfield, Illinois. Register (free) to join the first Illinois Women Moving Forward (IWMF) advocacy event.
- April 15 (Saturday) – Tax March in DC and other cities Learn more. (And I also suggest we carry signs that ask for independent investigation of Russian interference)
- April 22 – Science March on Earth Day in Chicago, Washington, D.C. or check elsewhere. Please make this one huge! I think of this as more of a Facts Matter March and frankly I think the week-later Climate March (April 29) should be combined with this one.
Seriously, try this at home
“I Will Survive” sung by Gloria Gaynor, written by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris. Lyrics parodied by citizenstacy.
Once I was afraid, I was petrified
When I woke up to a president who cheated and who lied
I spent oh so many nights just thinking how he’d done us wrong
And I grew strong, we must all learn to get along
And how he acts, from outer space
Trying to divide and make us fight because of race
I should have checked that voting box,
I should have locked it with a key
If I had known for just one second he’d be four years bugging me
All right now go, walk out the door, don’t stay around now, you’re not welcome any more
Weren’t you the one who tried to break me with your lies, you’d think I’d crumble, submit to all those Russian spies? Oh no not I. I will survive. For as long as I know how to love I know I’ll be alive. I’ve got all my life to live and I’ve got all my love to give and I’ll survive. We will survive.
I took all the strength I had not to fall apart, just trying hard to mend the pieces of my broken heart. And I spent oh so many nights reading news to make you cry, but now I hold my head up high.
I March with Women! (pause) I go to meetings! (pause) I talk to strangers, (pause) Bring happy greetings. (add your own awesome actions) (Repeat chorus). (March in place)
citizenstacy.com 