One thing my fellow cancer patients were talking about in the weekly group I lead is how they are interested in harnessing a certain kind of paradoxical power that comes from being sick with cancer as a way to make things visible, particularly the fears around social security, Medicaid, pausing cancer research. This really motivated me to think about how to do this individually and also collectively, borrowing techniques from ACT UP, AIDS protests, etc. So I’m committing myself this week to begin to sketch out a plan around this for my community here in Charlottesville and also my own writing. I’ve been inspired for months now by my direct experience of how cancer has brought people of different backgrounds together in this writing group, and I wonder what we/I can do with that.
I love this, Phil! Jake and I were just talking about the ‘what to do’ question. Hmmmm gonna ponder it for a minute but will try and come up w/ something too
This week, I will listen to NPR's Up First Podcast daily, and for each of the three stories, ask, "Who do I know who is connected to this? How can I reach out to them, give an encouraging word, make a donation, or share about it?" Then do it.
This week, I am only going to check FB twice a day, and each time I do, I will really pause to comment or think meaningfully of who I read there.
This week, I will make donations to some community orgs.
This week, I will post about Black disability activists and advocates on LinkedIn in honor of Black History Month.
Loved the "subtitle" of this, Phil! The piece itself, not so much, but such is life: many people dear to us, many people we admire, see the world we share from angles that are in some respects quite different from our own.
One thing my fellow cancer patients were talking about in the weekly group I lead is how they are interested in harnessing a certain kind of paradoxical power that comes from being sick with cancer as a way to make things visible, particularly the fears around social security, Medicaid, pausing cancer research. This really motivated me to think about how to do this individually and also collectively, borrowing techniques from ACT UP, AIDS protests, etc. So I’m committing myself this week to begin to sketch out a plan around this for my community here in Charlottesville and also my own writing. I’ve been inspired for months now by my direct experience of how cancer has brought people of different backgrounds together in this writing group, and I wonder what we/I can do with that.
Thanks for this post and the extra motivation
I love this, Phil! Jake and I were just talking about the ‘what to do’ question. Hmmmm gonna ponder it for a minute but will try and come up w/ something too
Laura! I didn't know you were on here. heart emojis all around
Yes! : ) And a huge fan of your work, Phil, both on here and Plough! You’re just always so wonderfully and brilliantly yourself!
I really like this, Phil.
This week, I will listen to NPR's Up First Podcast daily, and for each of the three stories, ask, "Who do I know who is connected to this? How can I reach out to them, give an encouraging word, make a donation, or share about it?" Then do it.
This week, I am only going to check FB twice a day, and each time I do, I will really pause to comment or think meaningfully of who I read there.
This week, I will make donations to some community orgs.
This week, I will post about Black disability activists and advocates on LinkedIn in honor of Black History Month.
Loved the "subtitle" of this, Phil! The piece itself, not so much, but such is life: many people dear to us, many people we admire, see the world we share from angles that are in some respects quite different from our own.
I knew you would catch that subtitle, John!