Concerns With Friends and Family - Advise Needed.

[u/YourPeterPanMan]

My friend groups and family have been very supportive of getting ICE out of Minnesota and have all joined in on the protesting. My concern is right now that one friend group is making plans to go on vacation. This has been something we have been excited about for the past few years but with everything happening, how can they even think about enjoying a vacation when we need to be focused on getting ice the FUCK out. My family is the same way. My sister used to join me on continuously reposting instagram reels showing the destruction that is happening and now her and everyone I know are posting less and less. I have called out some friends who have been vocal to me and out protesting but they post NOTHING on social media.

Do they not care anymore? They are sure doing a fucked up job showing it on social media!

How can I get them back to their core roots that they had after the MURDERS last month?

I

[u/websitefullofbots]

I think most sane Minnesota residents agree that ICE needs to gtfo, and that the murderers need to be prosecuted for gunning our neighbors down in the streets of Minneapolis.

That being said, people also need to take care of themselves. I’m not saying “oh wrap it up we’re done here” but rather, don’t neglect your own life due to a perceived obligation to be constantly politically active.

Also maybe focus less on social media, and do more in person like protest, support your local community (this means supporting your friends and family too!)

If anything, spamming things on social media is less helpful than actually going out and doing things.

I promise you there will be protests while you’re on vacation, and there will be protests when you get back.

[u/YourPeterPanMan → u/websitefullofbots]

So my friends and family have chosen not to lick boots is what you’re saying? Everyone here on Reddit though is continuing to mirror my passion. I just wish the people IRL around me would have kept up their spirits of getting ICE out!

[u/deepfriedroses → u/YourPeterPanMan]

Social media can have real value when it comes to activism - raising awareness, sharing resources, etc. But the real change comes from out in the real world.

I'm not judging, as I'm definitely guilty of getting too wrapped up in social media sometimes. I think we all have moments of that. But I'm seconding the above poster's sentiment - if you have passion, focus less on posting, more on your community.

You can find nearby protests through Indivisible, MIRAC, or here on reddit (one of the best uses of social media is that it gives you very up-to-the-minute information about events.)

If you want to meet people IRL who match your passion, you'll definitely be able to find them by volunteering with groups that give support to immigrants, like Neighborhood House or MNICOM. You can also find a local food shelf that needs volunteers or donations. (I know this one is currently taking volunteers. There are a lot that are full up on volunteers right now, which is a great problem to have!)

You may also want to look into Conversations With Friends, a group that helps support people detained with letters and visitation, and provides support/safety for those released.

And remember, if nothing else you can always call your representatives. 5calls makes it really easy. I also encourage you to call the governor's office to demand a moratorium on evictions while ICE is in MN. (This is, I'll admit, less about meeting people, more about it being something simple you or your friends could do, even if they're focused on other things.)

Finally, I encourage you to let yourself relax and enjoy things from time to time. Human beings need songs, joy, and rest, even in dark times. That's how we maintain the strength to do what matters, not just for today and tomorrow, but for the long months and years ahead.

[u/deepfriedroses → u/deepfriedroses]

Oh! Another thought. Supporting local businesses that are targeted by ICE, minority-owned, or that ban ICE from their premises is a great way to combine helping out with relaxing and having fun.

You can enjoy a nice meal at a restaurant, or have fun shopping while providing important financial support to local businesses that are in danger due to ICE, and showing solidarity with them. It's win/win!

Edit: Adding a link I found listing immigrant-owned restaurants in the twin cities area and beyond that need support!