Day 1 - Widening the Circle
Our Social Connections
Our world is one based on social connections, even more so today with all the social media activity. I often think about how this situation would have been different if the story hadn't gone 'viral' in a matter of days. The individuals who connected over a shared concern and grief, in my opinion, have brought the case thus far. Those individuals are not centrally located in the Frederick area where it happened. They don't all belong to the same advocacy group. They, in most cases, didn't even know each other before January 12th. For the most part, they have been someone who knows and loves someone who has Ds. Prejudice is only conquered through personal connections. If you know someone who is 'different' you are more likely to change your mind about people you see as 'like them'. |
This week, I'd like to propose that we widen the circle of people connected to Ethan's story. The best way I can think to do that is to tell someone about our own story. We can call it the "My Great Ethan Story" Campaign. We all have a story. Not all of us are inclined to write about it, or tell strangers our personal details. I certainly wasn't until something prompted me to start a blog about Josh just days before Ethan was killed.
I'm asking that we start this journey together by doing just that. (Might as well be bold right outta the box.)
It will serve 2 goals:
I'm not good at judging how long each person will spend doing any activity - so I'll just give you the steps and you can let the spirit move you.
Step 1 - Record your story
Write, video, take a picture, however you want to do it. Tell something about how you are connected to Ethan.
Sample ideas:
Step 2 - Share your story with someone new
If you're like me, you have people in your life who are sympathetic to stories about Ds. These 'go to' people get it. They understand being different or working to overcome injustice. We NEED those people. This time, we're going to tell the story to someone we normally wouldn't. It can be an acquaintance, a stranger, a group of people who we interact with on a different level (co-workers, social group, etc..). You can email, call, or visit. Just try to make a personal connection.
If you want, you can send your story to me and I'll post it here. Click the "Share" link at the top of the page, or send me an email: [email protected]
Step 3 - Talk about the experience
How did it go? Did the person get it? Will they sign the petitions? Did they answer your email? Did you get a new Facebook or blog follower?
Share the experience on Facebook, Tweet about it, talk to your 'go to' people. Bring the new connection into the circle.
I'm asking that we start this journey together by doing just that. (Might as well be bold right outta the box.)
It will serve 2 goals:
- We'll get to know each other a little better, and
- we'll find a new ally in the the fight for #JusticeForEthan.
I'm not good at judging how long each person will spend doing any activity - so I'll just give you the steps and you can let the spirit move you.
Step 1 - Record your story
Write, video, take a picture, however you want to do it. Tell something about how you are connected to Ethan.
Sample ideas:
- How did you find out about what happened?
- Has any particular story or comment touched you or made you mad as a hatter?
- Has there been an event in your life with Ds that makes you empathize with his family?
Step 2 - Share your story with someone new
If you're like me, you have people in your life who are sympathetic to stories about Ds. These 'go to' people get it. They understand being different or working to overcome injustice. We NEED those people. This time, we're going to tell the story to someone we normally wouldn't. It can be an acquaintance, a stranger, a group of people who we interact with on a different level (co-workers, social group, etc..). You can email, call, or visit. Just try to make a personal connection.
If you want, you can send your story to me and I'll post it here. Click the "Share" link at the top of the page, or send me an email: [email protected]
Step 3 - Talk about the experience
How did it go? Did the person get it? Will they sign the petitions? Did they answer your email? Did you get a new Facebook or blog follower?
Share the experience on Facebook, Tweet about it, talk to your 'go to' people. Bring the new connection into the circle.