20250408 STAND Newsletter – Reviewing HANDS OFF!
Dear Friends,
Last week I wrote to you about a vigil held at the CDC mourning the firing of more than 2,000 defenders of public health keeping us safe locally, nationally, and across the globe. The air was heavy with loss, and a palpable fear of retribution for speaking out filled the space. That fear is well-justified; there are many among us being targeted for our efforts to push back against unjust policy that demeans and degrades the dignity of our neighbors. There are those among us who stand to lose everything if they are caught speaking out, and as I write those words, I wish they were hyperbolic.
That kind of fear is also infectious. A fear of that magnitude is as transmissible as the diseases that these workers work tirelessly to protect us from day after day. It’s a fear that can paralyze and leave us feeling helpless. I’ve felt that fear – have you? I’ll admit that I was fearful as I gathered with 40 of our members as we prepared to launch the STAND Protest arm of our movement at the HANDS-OFF event on Saturday. But what I’ve learned from you all over the past 2 months is that fear and helplessness have no hold over this movement. In the face of fear, we have instead mobilized, helping lift up those who have been isolated and marginalized, demanding truth from those in power, and now moving to the streets to loudly remind people of their inherent worth, and their right to compassionate governance for the people and by the people.
What I saw on Saturday was the best of humanity. People of all ages, races, creeds, sexualities, and gender identities coming together to use their voices in defense of the many. We left behind our fear on the trains as we walked in solidarity, unity, and sometimes even joy. There was undeniable power in 30,000 people standing, singing, and shouting on behalf of the targeted and marginalized. It was a day of hope. Even if you couldn’t be there in person, by engaging in this community and supporting your neighbors, you were a part of that hope.
But just as I said at our first meeting, this march was not the end, it was just the beginning. Sharing in that hope and joy is critical to keep our spirits up and goals alive, but we have hard work to do ahead of us. STANDing with you on Saturday, I now know we don’t need to fear that work. I can’t wait to tell you about all we are doing at our next meeting on the 12th:
Next STAND event – April 12th
Our next event is coming up on Saturday! Flyers are attached, and the meeting will be held from 3:30pm-5:30pm with cookies and light refreshments available beginning at 3pm. Childcare will be available, please just let us know so we can prepare at stand@ndumc.org. We will dive right into our general meeting this time around so we should have more time for small group discussions and support. We will advertise as we have been, but I would remind you all that our movement depends on your buy-in and support. That means bring a friend! Invite someone, even if it seems uncomfortable. You’d be amazed at how many of your friends are sitting in that fear looking for a way to shake free. We will be discussing the tangible things that our community is making our world better, so it’s a great time to bring someone along that might be on the fence. Also – if you feel ready to get involved and pitch in in helping us run these community events, even if it’s just greeting a few people at the door, please reach out to us and let us know.
Fireside chats
In addition to this newsletter, we are also launching a fireside chat that will go live each Tuesday. You can find them on our website here, or subscribe to the YouTube channel here. Just another way to keep you informed about everything that we’ve got going on across the movement.
See y’all on Saturday!
STANDing with you,
Matt
