Won’t You Help Your Neighbor?
January 6, 2021
Dear Leading Ladies,
As we write this, it looks very promising that the two Senate races in Georgia will go to the Democratic candidates. This will give the new administration of Biden and Harris a much easier time in addressing many of the causes that Leading Ladies support: homelessness, food insecurity, universal health care, equitable education, prison reform, and humane immigration laws. We rejoice in that good news. At the same time, we are devastated by the disruption and violence caused by Trump supporters at the Capitol. The storming of both houses of Congress has been compared to scenes in Benghazi rather than anything ever seen in the United States. The situation leaves us feeling powerless and frustrated. While we can do nothing to change the current crisis in Washington, we can continue to support the leaders and causes we believe in and take action in our local communities to make a change in the many areas that need it.
One small act came to us this week as we entered a locally owned small business that offers delicious sandwiches, baked goods, prepared meals, and, yes, catering for parties in better times. The little shop was empty and the proprietor told us we were her first customers of the day. After we ordered some sandwiches, grabbed a giant cookie, drinks, and some containers of homemade soup to take home, the owner asked if we’d like a baguette since it would be stale by the time she reopened after the weekend.
It was then we were reminded about how much this valued neighborhood business is struggling because of COVID-19. It made us want to help out in some meaningful way. We committed to shop there at least twice a week and to encourage everyone we know who lives nearby to do the same. Instead of buying a sandwich or lunch or some prepared dish at a chain store, we pledge to help this independent small business owner, even if it costs more. Her shop enhances our community in so many ways. We want to show her that we value her contributions.
We are sure most of you also have small businesses in your neighborhoods or communities that are struggling because of the pandemic and could use more of your business during these tough times. Perhaps, if you have not done so already, you, too, would like to pick one or more independent shops to visit each week. Then pass the word on to others who live near you, casually or online.
On another topic, we are getting ready for our first kNOw MORE Zoom discussion group on Monday, January 25 at 7 p.m. We will be talking about Pipeline, a moving play about a teenage boy of color and his parents as they navigate an educational system not built for them. It can be viewed in advance of our meeting at BroadwayHD for $8.99. We hope you will join us for a conversation about an important and complicated topic.
Stay safe, be well, there is hope!
Therese
Judy
Mary
Kim
Leading Ladies Executive Team
LeadingLadiesVote.org