Destruction in Marsh Harbour after Hurricane Dorian (Image via Getty / Scott Olson)
Many of you know that for the past few summers I spend a spectacular week with friends and family in the Abacos. We rented a house on Elbow Cay and my uncle Dennis (aka Captain Boggi) took us on his boat daily to explore the nearby out islands of The Bahamas. Just two weeks later, everything we saw and experienced that week was decimated by Hurricane Dorian and it’s left me feeling humbled and shocked. The house we rented is still standing, but parts of the roof were torn off during the storm and they still do not know how much of what remains will be salvageable. Rather than feel helpless, I decided I’d share how I’m planning to aid the relief and speak a little more broadly to incorporate being an activist in our everyday lives for the causes that we find meaningful.
When it comes to The Bahamas, delivering aid has been very complicated due to the lack of infrastructure left behind. Airports, harbors and communication grids were all damaged making accepting deliveries and even messaging difficult. That being said, their government has put out a wish list for supplies and monetary support. Money via targeted donations is the most flexible way to give, and information can be found here for The Bahamas Disaster Relief Fund.
The house “Fin and Tonic” my crew rented this summer.
While this disaster has touched my heart personally, you may feel more strongly about the fires burning in the Amazon, gun violence prevention, or the fact that September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Whatever you feel passionate about, there are simple ways to become an activist that don’t require you quitting your full time job.
Activism comes in many forms: attending events and rallies, calling and writing to your representatives, monetary donations, volunteering time, speaking out on digital platforms and many others. When it comes to giving charitably, I like to use Charity Navigator as a way to analyze and evaluate the financial health, transparency and accountability of an organization.
Why not put social media to use to bring awareness to a cause you care about? Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action do a great job encouraging not only systematic change with regard to gun regulations, but also suggest ways to share your engagement on facebook, instagram and twitter. Sharing with your friends and followers when you attend a rally, give a donation, or leave a voicemail for your senator can inspire your them to do the same.
Regardless of what drives your desire for change, it’s important to take action whether big or small. Personally, I’m invested in helping relief efforts in the Abacos and am showing support financially via The Bahamas Disaster Relief Fund and through the American Red Cross via targeted donation. Let me know what you’re passionate about and how you incorporate activism into your daily life too.