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Hello friends,

This week, fires rage in the Los Angeles basin while other parts of the US are freezing. War continues elsewhere across the globe.

It’s easy to give up, wondering what in the world we can do. When the world feels overwhelming, any of our efforts can seem like a drop in a bottomless bucket. But as organizer and writer Mariame Kaba has said, “Let this radicalize you rather than lead you to despair.”

A bucket, no matter how large, is still filled one drop at a time. And then a bucket brigade can be organized.

Help begins with that single drop of water.

Another way of thinking about it is that we can’t save everyone, but we can help at least a few. Pick one to three things you can offer that might feel helpful to the world right now. Then do those things.

Sure, we’re going up against greedy oil companies and billionaires and corrupt politicians and all the rest.

But that does not mean we are without power. Collectively, we are a force to be reckoned with. All we have to do—today—is choose to claim the power we have.

If you are a person in need of help right now, I hope you are getting some assistance. As for the rest of us? Let’s keep finding ways to choose, and ways to help. When things seem bleak and it is hard to go on, the offer of a single cup of water just might change the course of someone’s life.

I’m offering a few resource and donation options for Southern California below.

Best wishes - Thorn

​Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network made a spreadsheet of Resources, Volunteering Opportunities, etc

​World Central Kitchen is feeding people in Los Angeles (and around the globe).

​Direct Relief Los Angeles is providing medical equipment, respirators etc

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