Tonight’s going to be a long night. Literally.
It’s the Winter Solstice, which, as my friend Omi eloquently reminded me, “is when, because of the earth’s tilt, our hemisphere is leaning farthest away from the sun. It is the time of year when the day is the shortest and the sun has its lowest arc in the sky. The Winter’s Solstice also promises the gradual return of the sun after a prolonged period of darkness. Many cultures believe it is the time for introspection, reverence, and reflection — letting go of the past and celebrating this quiet dark time in hopes for the slow and steady return of the sun (abundance of the future). The Winter’s Solstice demonstrates that every ending is a new beginning and the promise of life is renewed.”
Nice, huh? Please take some time during this intense time of year to slow down and reflect on how you show up in the world, and to envision some kind of new beginning — whether personal, political or both.
And on that note… Alice Walker said “Activism is my rent for living on this planet.”
Traction is here to help us all make rent. Here are a few suggestions to consider as part of your new beginning:
1) Get more involved with Traction. There are many ways to put your skills and interests to good use – stay tuned for specific volunteer opportunities, or write us now if you’re ready to get started!
2) Go green by buying renewable energy from your utility company. Learn more by reading Tyler’s post about Green Power.
3) Commit to write a letter to the editor in the next six months. Ask us for tips.
4) Join a non-profit board or civic committee. We posted about some Durham opportunities here.
5) Contribute to a local progressive non-profit. There’s no shortage of good organizations. We recommend… Traction! Your contributions are now tax-deductible! Go here to learn how. Gracias!
Whatever kind of new beginning you envision, let us know about it by posting a comment below.
Happy Holidays, and we’ll be in touch.
– Lanya and the Traction Crew
P.S. Thanks, Omi, for the holiday inspiration and for doing more than your part to cover the rent all year round!
thanks traction for the reminder to make good on my promise to myself to volunteer with a housing-involved org. and i bought another block of green energy!