9 Ways to Support the #BlackLivesMatter Movement

TLDR; as an organization that supports families of all backgrounds, we wanted to share nine ways you and your family can contribute to the #BlackLivesMatter movement as sourced by our community. We hope these ideas will help you ignite change in your households and beyond.

As the Black Lives Matter movement has reemerged in the global conversation over the past few weeks, many of us are still navigating how we can lend our support. While some of us have the privilege to contribute financially, others of us may prefer to lend our time or our voices. Irrespective of where you sit on that spectrum, we wanted to share ideas from our community on how you can be a part of the change.

Below are 10 ways you and your family can contribute to the #BLM movement:

1. Audit your household. Go through the products and services you already use and see if you can re-allocate your dollars to support black-owned businesses. Consider buying your bread from the local bakery or start getting your news from POCs who often write about current events from the lens of a minority. Voting with your dollars is a powerful way to contribute to #BLM.
   
2. Talk to your family about anti-racism. Many of us have biases that might be unknown to us. Create the space to have a conversation about anti-racism (what it is and how to contribute) and try to collectively make committments you can hold each other accountable for. Doing things as a team is often more fun (and fruitful).
   
3. Support more black leaders. Follow them on social media, sign up for their newsletters, educate yourself about their perspective. And if possible, amplify their voices by sharing their stories with your circle of influence. In today's world, it's important for black voices to have access to reach and distribution so they're not drowned out. Some of our community's favorite voices include Brittany Packnett, Sam Sinyangwe, Rachel Cargle and Opal Tometi.
   
4. Learn about black history. Take the time to learn more about black history, which is often underrepresented in our education system. You can explore resources at places like the Whitney Plantation or go on an Airbnb online experience focused on black history and culture. Do this with friends of family to exponentially increase your impact.
   
5. Invite more people of color into your home. Having exposure and sharing human connection with people of color is a great way to build empathy and understand their perspectives. Invite a friend or acquaintance of color for dinner or coffee and ask them to share more about their experiences. Hearing about their points of view may help you realize gaps in your own.
   
6. Support a friend. Don't just send a note saying "how can I help", instead make a tangible offer whether it's a purchase, an investment, a contribution or even an introduction. You have the power to make impact today!
   
7. Donate on a recurring basis. While there are many relevant orgs across the spectrum of change, a few of our favorites include the NAACP-LDF, Color of Change and George Floyd Memorial Fund. Consider making a recurring donation rather than just a lump sum so the receiving org can rely on these funds over time. It's also a great way to consistently remind yourself of the issues you're supporting.
   
8. Ask your employer to match your donations. If you're contributing to an organization, try to double your contributions by asking your employer to support your efforts. Every dollar matters and your employer can help you maximize your contribution.
   
9. Volunteer in your local community of color. Equality is not an over-night sensation, it requires hard-work and long-term commitment. You can be a part of that solution by taking on small roles to support your local communities of color. Sign up for a mentorship program, or offer to do a small project for a local organization. If you have the time, encourage your local community to vote so we can impact public policy and drive lasting change.