Raising Fists, Busting Myths

Friends,

I’m usually full of words, but today I feel empty. I recently learned that on the White House website, the pages for the Affordable Care Act, climate change, and LGBT rights were just removed. Change is underfoot, that’s for sure.

I’ve taken solace in my work — in particular, editing stories for The Development Set about people’s decisions to become civically engaged. Last week, we heard from someone in England who has decided to stand for office. This week, we bring you an essay from a mom who actively hides her recent activism from her anxious son; another from a North Carolina resident, where political fights over renewable energy shaped the author’s decision to spend her life fighting for those living in energy poverty; and a third, featured below.

In other news: I’ve gotten some great pitches so far about refugees. If you have a story idea about refugees (anywhere in the world), please email me at sarika@honeyguidemedia.org.

Here are our top five development/social impact reads of the week.

Sarika

The Future (of Activism) Is Female

By Jackie Ashton in The Development Set

“Around the country, seasoned activists are linking up with those who’ve never protested before. Armed with smartphones, knitting needles, checkbooks, entrepreneurial know-how, or an emboldened passion for the rights of the marginalized, they hope to steer the course of American society towards health, prosperity, and protection for all.”

Busted: America’s Poverty Myths

By Brooke Gladstone and Bob Garfield; Produced by Meara Sharma and Eve Claxton, with special thanks to Nina Chaudry in On the Media

Every reader of The Development Set should find great value in this 5-part series about the beliefs and myths we hold about the poor. Even if you are familiar with the topic, the On the Media team breathe new life into it. Warning: you may tear up.

Extreme inequality: Only 8 men hold same wealth as half the world

By Joanne Lu in Humanosphere

I’m sorry, what?

Out Here, No One Can Hear You Scream

By Kathryn Joyce in Huffington Post Highline

This isn’t from this week, but it was just nominated for an ASME award and was written by a longtime TDS (and Bright) writer. Fascinating and horrifying story about the dangers women face in the national parks system — with great visuals, to boot.

Thinking About Going To A Rally? Read This Activist’s Advice First

By Malaka Gharib in NPR

For all of you attending a rally today or over the weekend, this advice feels pertinent.

“You have to be an activist and a “reflectivist” at the same time. That’s someone who reflects on the systems evolving, how these institutions are structured. You have to understand the system to know who might be your ally. And there has to be a little part of you that acknowledges doubt, ambiguity and uncertainty. You have to have room to change direction.”