I’ve been exceedingly quiet here lately for a variety of reasons including busy-ness (in work-life and “real” life) and exhaustion of both the physical kind and the emotional/mental kind. Day-Job work really kicked up a lot a few months back, and at the same time, I’ve been working on finding a medication solution that works for my mental health issues. (I do plan to talk about that more later, but perhaps not until I’ve gotten a bit closer to finding a solution.)
So yeah. Call them reasons or excuses, that’s what’s been up. (And I swear I’m gonna finish off the last few paid posts I have on my to-do list.)
The world is a scary, sad, infuriating, exhausting place these days. It doesn’t seem to be getting better. I’ve been doing what little things I can to push back against the darkness. So I’m here to point out a few things you could do if you have a few dollars/pounds/etc. to spare for some good causes. Some are large, some are small, some are things I’ve given money to, some are causes I wish I had more to spare for.
This is NOT an exhaustive list. This is the drippiest drop in an ocean-sized bucket. Feel free to share more options in the comments.
Call Your Senators!
First of all, I’ve been emailing and/or faxing my Wisconsin senators and representative pretty much every day. I occasionally call when I think I’ll get through to voicemail quickly (international long distance rates are no joke). It’s so easy to speak your mind, and there’s a lot to speak about right now. (Healthcare, anyone?) You can easily be connected with your senator by calling the US Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.
Save the Dogs of Chernobyl!
Did you know the wild pups near Chernobyl may have radioactive particles in their fur? They can’t even get head-pats! Help those pups here.
Help the Victims of Hurricane María and Irma in Puerto Rico!
The non-profit ConPRmetidos is running this fundraiser. This is one I threw some money at because wow. The catastrophic destruction is simply heartbreaking. There are lots more places you can donate to help with this, just make sure they’re legit before you give them your money or info.
Support Andrew: He’s Running!
My pal Andrew Smith is currently super-close to his fundraising goal. He’s doing a 10k run to support The Lily Foundation, which funds research & raises awareness to support the families affected by mitochondrial disease.
Support Beatrix: She’s Jogging!
In other perambulation news, Trixie (daughter of my Incomparable pals Lisa and Phil) is doing her second jog-a-thon! You can support her and help fund her school’s enrichment programs by making an online donation here. This fam is one of my podcast clan that I’ve met in real life. So I can confirm they exist and are excellent people. And Trixie is the kind of kid who gives me hope for the future. Helping her learn is an investment in the world.
Buy a Book!
Did you know Fireside Fiction has a Hurricane Relief Bookstore? 100% of profits go to hurricane relief and recovery. And you get some amazing fiction to read! What could be better? I will biasedly recommend the issues of Uncanny Magazine, but there’s lots of other great stuff there too. Take a look!
Support Great Fiction!
Book Smugglers is in the midst of a Kickstarter! Want to support great articles, reviews, and fiction for all ages? Sure you do!
More Great Fiction!
Strange Horizons is also having a fundraiser! Supporting art and beauty is always important. Even more so at times like this.
Even More Great Fiction!
We’re closing in on another essay per issue for Uncanny Magazine! We recently featured a series of essays on resistance, which is timely as hell. And then, of course, there’s the fiction and poetry — and a first-rate podcast if-I-do-say-so-myself. #shamelessselfplug
I know there were more I meant to mention, but this has taken pretty much all I’ve got in me today. (I’m home sick, so I’m not even at my usual baseline.) Like I said, this is the tippiest tip of the massive iceberg. Do share more in the comments!
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