- As a mom, a neighbor, a friend, and the director of an organization that supports thousands of families in Chicago, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what kind of world we’re raising our kids in. Like many of you, I’m deeply concerned and searching for ways to make an impact. Here are a few ideas that our members have shared and I'd love to hear more about what you're considering at this time.
What does resistance look like?
A member posted this question to the NPN discussion forum in January and it sparked something in me. That night, while I sat in the car during my son’s soccer practice, I banged out this essay, below. Although we’re publishing it several months later, I think it’s still relevant.
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As a person, neighbor, friend, mother, and the director of an inclusive organization that works to make parenting in Chicago easier, I am concerned about the treatment of immigrants, the elimination of DEI programs, threats to public education, and threats to federally-funded programs that Chicago families rely on, and that families managing developmental disabilities desperately need.
NPN members have a range of opinions on current events. Most NPN members share my concerns, and many are finding ways to support populations that are especially vulnerable right now. I’ve included their ideas here for you. Would you or are you doing any of these things?
- Visit the Holocaust Museum
- Support programming and activities surrounding Juneteenth, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month, Holocaust Days of Remembrance and Pride Month
- Donate to ACLU and Planned Parenthood
- Support public broadcasting - NPR, PBS, WBEZ, WTTW
- Quit Facebook, Instagram (Meta), and X
- Stop using Amazon Prime and use Costco instead
- Read AP News, BBC News for objectivity
- Purchase Plan B
- Vote
- Subscribe to a local paper and Block Club Chicago
- Sign up to receive "daily actions" from Indivisible
- Follow Rebecca Solnit on Bluesky
- Make contributions to local orgs that support the trans community (e.g., Brave Space Alliance, Center on Halsted, Howard Brown Health, TransLife Care)
- Be the kindest and most helpful citizens we can be
- Gather with friends and like minded people
- Learn how to respond to those who try to persuade you of MAGA virtues
- Amplify facts on social media as you are willing
- Submit FOIA requests for whatever you’re concerned about
- Listening to or reading Ezra Klein's podcast/NYTimes article- Don't Believe Him https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/02/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-trump-column-read.html
I will add that I’m paying attention to the work of advocacy organizations Start Early, The Arc of Illinois and others to stay informed and see how I can help.
What would you add? We’d love to hear your suggestions. However you are feeling these days, be kind to each other and take good care.
Image credit: Pexels