Sowing hope 29
“I’m up and down,” I told my Irish friend when she asked how I was doing. She reached cross the pond just to check in, so I shared: “The death toll here is beyond comprehension, and it colors everything I […]
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A bright yellow surprise 40
This is Beatrice. I noticed her picking at the abandoned strings tied to a tomato cage we’d left upside down and forgotten. Last spring, she and her mate built a gossamer, sparking nest from found treasures still hanging from the […]
Please help us share the AoCC with more people 4
Numbers equal strength. Last month, my social media team and I created an ambitious, 15-point plan to double the number of AoCC subscribers. Our plan includes: a new website and website copy professional marketing branding and logo design social media […]
Heartening: A community stands with neighbor detained by ICE 7
Pablo Villavicencio is married to an American citizen and has two young daughters. He has a pending green card application, no criminal history, and is a tax-paying member of his community in New York. He was delivering pizzas to an […]
Insights from the immigration AoC checklist special edition 13
Short version: In the wake of the special edition of last week’s AoC Checklist on immigration, we’re recommitting to centering and amplifying marginalized groups in our actions. Long version (1,100 words, 4-minute read): Given that the AoC Checklist has been […]
Climbing the hill: What helps you persevere? 22
This week, one of the actions on the Americans of Conscience Checklist is to ask someone you respect how they persevere through difficult times. If you want to share their answers—or your own—I invite you to write a comment below. Here’s […]
Gratitude and perseverance in activism 5
We’re thanking 13 people this week in the Americans of Conscience Checklist. Why? It’s more than politeness. Science tells us that the act of expressing gratitude benefits our nervous system, endocrine system, and immune system. Conveying sincere thanks lowers our […]
Encouragement for weary hearts 39
For all appearances, it would look like we can’t win this. We’re up against practically unlimited corporate and lobby money. We’re up against a team of well-connected people with motives for profit and power. We’re up against misogyny, racism, intolerance, […]
Insights from a 5-day silent retreat 36
Last week, I spent five days with some friends doing a silent meditation retreat. Held at a serene monastery, it provided my heart with ample space to open, my body room to hike into the hills, and my soul a […]
Creating Resilience: 20/20 Potlucks for a Cause 10
I’m so excited to share this guest post from Janet Hardy of Norwich, Vermont. I’m obsessed with creative ideas and strategies to help us stay enthusiastically engaged. Janet’s creative solution inspired me to plan my own 20/20 next month! Finding inspiration […]
January reflection questions and inspiration 16
The lights were bright up on the stage, making it hard to see the sixty-or-so people gathered at a local coffeehouse. Sitting on my right, a Republican. On my left, a very liberal Democrat, a staunch conservative, and an Independent. […]
New Year Activism Challenge for Americans of Conscience 171
Resolve for the cause I know, I know. Everyone does resolutions they promptly forget in a matter of weeks (or days?). Still, I propose this challenge for the cause of perseverance, not just habit. 2020 elections are three years away. […]
December reflection questions for activists 44
A time for thoughtful questions When I worked with college students, we always paused at the end of a volunteer service project to explore its meaning. Whether we walked adoptable dogs, painted houses, or planted trees, we’d openly share our […]
Happy anniversary, Americans of Conscience! 52
One year ago today, I showed up late for a meeting in a basement. “Please come,” a friend had said in invitation. “It’ll help you feel better.” My coffee order took forever. I wasn’t sure where the meeting was. I […]
Hopeful post-election thoughts from one year ago 20
Immediately after Trump had won the electoral college, I posted the following message on Facebook in a fit of bravery and clarity. Soon after, I descended into a deep depression before starting the Americans of Conscience checklist. Looking back, I’m amazed […]
