5 Things / Rest
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Lately I’ve noticed some fatigue. Attendance numbers at our client’s workshops are down on average from last year. The number of questions from attendees is also down. My theory is that, as a society, we’re collectively tired. We need a rest. Not from allyship, but perhaps just from thinking.
It’s been almost seven months into the year and I’ve only missed writing one 5 Things. For a moment, I was proud of that streak, having not taken a week or at least a Friday off in many months. Then I realized that I needed a vacation!
My sense is that we all need some deep rest. “Rest is Resistance” according to the book by Tricia Hersey, Founder of The Nap Ministry. The book’s “a call to action and manifesto for those who are sleep deprived, searching for justice, and longing to be liberated from the oppressive grip of Grind Culture.” Sounds amazing. Permission granted. Let’s get some rest.
But, at least for me, it will have to wait until July. There will be no 5 Things next week.
Here Are This Week's Good Vibes:
UMB Honors Service Dogs with ‘Dogtorate’ Degrees
The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) held a separate ceremony to honor therapy and service dogs, conferring "dogtorate" degrees on the companions of three recent graduates. The event recognized these dogs' important role in providing comfort and assistance to students and patients – and even in the distribution of “Hero’s Healing Kits” during the pandemic. This is such a feel-good story and I love that it recognizes the positive impact these pups have on the well-being of individuals in educational and healthcare settings. h/t to Glenn Canares for sharing
Illinois Becomes the First State in the U.S. To Ban Book Bans
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed a law making Illinois the first state to withhold funding from public libraries that ban books. This one makes me proud to be an Illinoisian. The law requires libraries to adhere to the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, promoting freedom of information and preventing censorship. The ultimate goal is to prevent book bans (which seem to be sweeping the nation), and ensuring that all individuals have access to diverse and inclusive literature in libraries.
Characters With Disabilities At the Center Of New TV Show
The creator of "Arthur" is developing a new animated series called "Hop" for preschoolers, featuring characters with disabilities. Hop is an enthusiastic, empathetic frog with one leg shorter than the other. The show aims to teach children about embracing their uniqueness through comedic adventures. The disability nonprofit RespectAbility is consulting on the series and Hop is voiced by an amputee. What I love about this is that the representation seems authentic, with the disabilities that won’t be the defining characteristics of these characters.
NYC’s Food Delivery Workers Will Be the First in the Country to Get a Minimum Wage
New York City will establish a minimum pay rate for food delivery workers, starting at $17.96 per hour in July 2023 and increasing to $19.96 in April 2025. This move will significantly increase the average pay for delivery workers, who currently earn an average of $7.09 per hour. The decision is important as it addresses the low wages and lack of labor protections faced by delivery workers, ensuring that they can earn a living wage and have greater economic stability. It also highlights the need to protect the rights and well-being of gig economy workers in the food delivery industry.
The U.S. Army Renames a Base in Honor of Sgt. William Henry Johnson, a Black WWI Hero
Fort Polk, an Army installation in Louisiana, has been officially renamed Fort Johnson in honor of Sgt. William Henry Johnson, a Black World War I hero. Johnson's courageous actions on the front lines earned him the nickname Black Death and a posthumous Medal of Honor in 2015 awarded by President Obama. The renaming is significant as it recognizes the contributions and sacrifices of Black soldiers who have historically been overlooked or marginalized. While there’s A LOT more work to do, it’s one more small step toward acknowledging the diverse history of the military.
Call to Action:
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