As a woman of color dedicated to the principles of intersectional feminism, I’ve often been approached with the question, “What can I do to help?” It’s heartening to see so many friends eager to promote racial equity, but it can be overwhelming to guide them in the right direction constantly. While I don’t have a list of causes memorized, I encourage individuals to conduct their own research first and then seek clarification or further details based on my experiences. If I can’t provide answers, I’m happy to connect you with someone who can, ensuring you get accurate information without putting me on the spot.
For those genuinely interested in making a difference but unsure where to begin, I highly recommend checking out the Advocacy Box. This monthly subscription service was founded by two women, Ava Mitchell and Tara Lewis, in response to the Safety Pin Movement that gained traction after the election of a controversial figure. Many people of color viewed the Safety Pin Movement as insincere; it often served as a way for white allies to ease their guilt rather than enact meaningful change.
Mitchell and Lewis, both rooted in activism, created Advocacy Box to enable white individuals to contribute to Black liberation through financial support and actionable steps while gaining insights into dismantling white supremacy. According to their website, this initiative encourages white allies to actively engage in the movement for Black lives, receiving guidance and resources from women of color.
Proceeds from Advocacy Box support Black Women Rising, which provides cash donations to individual Black women working towards the liberation of their communities but lacking necessary financial resources. Each month, a woman is chosen at random to receive these funds, making your subscription a significant contribution to a worthy cause. This is certainly more impactful than travel-sized beauty products.
Subscription options range from $25 to $100 and include monthly tasks that help allies delve deeper into specific topics and historical figures, exclusive “calls to action,” and access to a private Facebook group for subscribers to foster discussions and share research. Each box has a unique theme; for example, last December’s theme was ‘Radical Compassion,’ which encouraged subscribers to explore the life outcomes of Black elderly individuals versus their white counterparts.
Since I’m not the primary audience for this initiative, I reached out to a friend who subscribes to understand her motivations. “I want to take action. This was an excellent way to get involved, and I feel good knowing where my money is going. While donating to organizations like Planned Parenthood and the ACLU is important, I prefer to support Black women directly,” she shared.
She emphasizes that she owes much of her understanding of activism to Black women and has even connected with other subscribers to participate in local actions. She’s truly putting her money where her mouth is.
When asked about the target audience for Advocacy Box, Mitchell stated that they aim to reach individuals who recognize that race is a significant issue and feel compelled to take action but are unsure how to start. During times like these, it is crucial for those feeling the urge to help to seek out opportunities to get involved. If this resonates with you, I encourage you to subscribe and move beyond inaction. Instead of relying solely on people of color to lead the way, use this opportunity to propel yourself forward while supporting an important cause.
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In summary, if you’re eager to contribute to racial equity and support Black women, the Advocacy Box subscription offers a practical and impactful way to do so. This initiative not only helps fund important causes but also encourages personal growth and education for allies.