Sis, this election has been a lotttt! From an attempted assassination to our President putting in his two weeks notice and supporting his preferred backfill…there has been a lot going on this summer.
Many of us are feeling the pressure and uncertainty of this pivotal election. It feels especially intense for the Black community, as we are disproportionately impacted by social and economic issues that demand proactive policies and actions.
Since the stakes are high, it can weigh heavily on our mental health — not to mention the emotional and mental labor it takes to advocate for ourselves and our families during an election year.
It’s natural to feel anxious, but it’s essential to prioritize your mental well-being. Take a deep breath and step back when you need to. Surround yourself with supportive people like our 1M4 sisterhood, engage in activities that bring you peace, and trust that because we’re doing this together, you won’t be facing anything alone.
No matter the outcome of our vote, we hope and pray that our leaders will step up. We need better policies and safeguards to combat police violence, improve safety, and protect our community.
But until our government begins to do it, we’ll keep pushing for community-led, non-police alternatives like The Right Response directory for emergency support.
If you’ve used The Right Response, tell us about your experience. Are there ways we can improve the site for others?
“It’s challenging to talk about how you’re doing mentally since it’s an invisible injury — people can’t see it, so it’s harder to understand, but I think that’s why it’s so important we feel empowered to open up about it.”
— Simone Biles
Shout-Out to Our 1M4 Sistas
Case Update On Xzavier Hill
Xzavier’s mom, LaToya Benton, continues to make progress by partnering with Justis Connection to connect the community with Black lawyers in Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, and Georgia.
Learn more about this partnership on the Life After The Impact Podcast on YouTube or your preferred podcast platform.
Voter Check-In
As we head to the polls in November, it’s a good time to check your voter registration status to confirm you’re still registered in case you’re part of a voter purge. Voter purges happen when states use flawed processes, like confusing two voters with the same name, leading to mass cancellations of eligible voters’ registrations with little notice.
Most people only find out when they show up to vote and are turned away or forced to cast a provisional ballot. So, it’s important to check your registration now to avoid any surprises. You should also check your polling location and decide how you’ll vote—whether in person, by mail, or through early voting. Every vote counts, and taking these steps will ensure your voice is heard.
Article of the Week
This article highlights the need to better understand the broader impact of police violence beyond the immediate loss of life.
When Police Shootings Don’t Kill: The Data That Gets Left Behind
A Mental Health Tip For You!
If you’re feeling the election blues or the stress that comes with preparing to vote, here are some things you can do to ease your mind:
Limit news consumption
Set boundaries on how much news or social media you consume, especially if it triggers your anxiety. To stay informed, consider checking updates only at specific times of the day.
Stay connected with supportive people
Talk to friends and family, or join one of our sista check-ins for emotional support when you need a safe space to vent or process your feelings.
Focus on what you can control
Try not to get caught up on the election results but instead take positive action like learning about candidates’ stances on policies and issues. Knowing you’re doing something proactive can help reduce feelings of helplessness.
Practice self-care and mindfulness
Engage in mindfulness exercises, deep breathing, or meditation to help center yourself and reduce stress. Or whatever brings you joy like jamming out to your favorite playlist, going for a walk, or having a movie night.
Spread Some Blessings!
The consequences of police violence extend far beyond the loss of life. For families affected, it’s the loss of income, the sacrifice of basic necessities, and the start of a high-cost legal fight. If you have the capacity, consider donating to 1M4. Proceeds help support impacted families and sustain the work of 1M4 toward ending police violence for good.
|
We got this, sis! This is a crucial moment, and your participation in the upcoming election is vital. By showing up and voting, you’re not only making your voice heard but also helping to lay the foundation for future progress. But remember, it’s not all on you. Together, we’re building momentum and creating a path forward. Let’s keep pushing to ensure we are represented, respected, and empowered at every level. And as always, if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or in crisis, our directory can connect you with licensed mental health professionals who can help. |
|
|
You Got Your 1M4 Merch Yet?
Visit the 1M4 merch store to make sure you’re stepping out with style and advocacy. All sales help support and fund the work of 1M4.
Be sure to tag us when you rep the gear! @1M4
Listen to 1M4 being discussed on She The People podcast
Last week She The People podcast highlighted the work of 1M4 and the importance of The Right Response directory.
Tap in on your morning drive or as you relax at the end of the day. Search “She the People” on your favorite podcast platform.
Share with your friends!
The Mental Health Literacy Collaborative (MHLC) has officially launched its MHL Aware Certification Training.
Mental Health Literacy (MHL) Aware is a 60-minute training (with an optional certification) that benefits professional, personal, and community needs for knowledge, language, and confidence around the topic of mental health. This training is the first step in guiding people to successfully integrate MHL into the fabric of their community. The Aware training focuses on educating individuals about 1) What MHL is, 2) Why it is beneficial, and 3) How they can bring this information to their community. In addition to these core focus areas, the training provides basic, real-world application strategies. The cost is $30 per person for live trainings and $25 for the asynchronous course. Group rates are also available by contacting info@themhlc.org.
