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I've been doing a lot of thinking about how I can help in this moment, and figured a brain dump might be helpful to others as well, so here goes. I'm an introvert. I'm a person who avoids conflict. You normally wont see me at a protest or rally. However sometimes the world doesn't care... 🧵1/15

... who we are or how we process, and in my community (the Minneapolis/St. Paul area) now is one of those times. I've given a lot of thought as to what the coming weeks will look like- ways that more passive/quiet folks like myself can show up. Going from the easiest to the hardest: 🧵2/15

1. Call your friends and neighbors, both people in the crosshairs of this mess, and those who aren't (yet). Ask how they are (many are probably not OK). Lend an ear, a shoulder to cry on, some kindness. I am not one who is targeted, but a call from a friend (from another state)... 🧵3/15

... to check in on me snapped me out of a feeling of helplessness, and drove me to start meeting this moment. I've called friends of mine who are targets, and they all were appreciative of a place to vent, cry, and even laugh. Ask if there is anything you can do. 🧵4/15

... Are they scared to leave the house? See if you can get them groceries. Are they out all day observing and protesting? Cook them a meal. In these times, we all need support, and that is something I know I am good at. Its amazing how far a little compassion and kindness can go. 🧵5/15

2. If you have children, talk to them. Ask if they have any questions, or what they've heard. Share as much of what is going on right now with them as you think is appropriate. We've had chats with both of our boys (12 and 16). They're confused, and don't necessarily understand... 🧵6/15

... what all this is. We've also urged them to focus on being a friend to kids in their school that are targets of all this. My 16-year-old would normally shrug this kind of talk off, but he was quite engaged in this conversation. We don't want them to be scared... 🧵7/15

... but we also want them to feel empowered to help in their own community of school. Along those lines, we mentioned that some of their friends might be scared and act out, or shut down, and this is OK. Just Be. A. Friend. 🧵8/15

3. Seek out places of community where you can help. Even if you're not religious, many immigrants are and their places of worship are a vital community for them. Go to the churches and the mosques, and ask what they need or if you can help. There are many churches and mosques... 🧵9/15

... in the area that are boxing up and delivering groceries to folks that are not comfortable leaving their homes. I can tell you from experience- providing food to those in distress is incredibly important and helpful. Money is also something sorely needed, and in many cases... 🧵10/15

4. As hard as it can be- keep your finger on the pulse of what is happening near you. Find signal groups, and other ways that information is flowing. Its OK to take some time to unplug when (and you will) you get overwhelmed. If you see something happening on your street, communicate it... 🧵12/15

... you don't have to directly engage to make a difference. 5. Try to get out of your comfort zone a bit, and be more out in front of things. You don't have to be in the thick of it to make a difference. You can observe from the edge of a crowd. You can bring rags and water... 🧵13/15

... and a small first aid kit to help folks that have been gassed or have minor injuries. The videos being posted online are scary, but know you can be there helping, and keep yourself at relatively low risk. For me, this one is a stretch that I am striving to get to. 🧵14/15