Fellow white people, this post is for you. This post is especially for you if you find the news cycle overwhelming and anxious-making and you just want to “take a break” and filter it out. I feel you. And your mental health is important. But you really should not entirely close your eyes and cover your ears – after all, so many Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) do not have the luxury of tuning out these difficult times. As white people, the least we can do is use our privilege for some good.

But how, right? It can feel overwhelming. And, listen, I’m no expert. I’m the person standing next to you at the lake sticking my toe in the water and telling you it’s not that bad, not the swimming instructor. Let’s start with small steps together to help advocate for justice. Here are the small steps I’m taking now:

1. Learning

A lot of very smart people have aggregated lists of articles, books, and other media to consume to learn more about anti-racism. Here’s one I’m using, but there are lots more that are easy to find with a quick search. I started a book club with a few other people in the same position as me (i.e. white people newly committing to being better allies) so that I have people to talk through these things with. We’re starting with a book/workbook called Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad. Pick one article to read today, or one podcast to add to your listening.

2. Donating

I’m lucky to be in a good enough place financially that I can spare some funds for organizations doing great work in the field of anti-racism. If you are, too, consider putting some money where your mouth is, so to speak. I used ActBlue to split a donation among bail funds in the U.S. If you want to do something more locally, find your local Black Lives Matter chapter and see if they have suggestions of organizations that could use donations.

3. Buying from BIPOC-owned Businesses

No need to throw out your entire shopping routine at once. For me, I’m starting with something I buy on a fairly regular basis: yarn for knitting (and omg is this yarn not BEAUTIFUL). A quick search will bring up lists for whatever you’d like – bookstores, clothing, etc. Bonus: you can support local small businesses instead of continuing to line Jeff Bezos’ pockets.

Again, these are just small starter steps. I want to be a better ally, and so I’m starting here with a plan to sustain these activities and add more.

So, come on! Stick your toe in with me, the water’s great, and we’ll be swimming in no time.