Empower Change: Find the helpers and lend a hand!

As we begin to raise our awareness of the ongoing genocides and humanitarian crises around the world, it can be a challenge to know which sources to trust and where to start. We put together a reference list of organizations and leaders that we feel are important to uplift. While this list is by no means exhaustive, it’s a good place to start. Please take some time to dig into these resources, and find ways to get involved!

1. 2024 Emergency Watchlist
   Rescue.org is an organization that has eyes on various genocides and humanitarian crises happening all around the globe. This is their comprehensive list of who is most vulnerable right now, and it's an excellent source to begin raising your awareness of what is happening in the world. 
   

2. The Palestine Academy
   If you have been looking for a comprehensive resource to learn what is going on in Palestine? Look no further. Class is in session, and you've got a seat if you'd like to join. 
   

3. The Black and Palestinian Solidarity Organizing Toolkit
   This toolkit developed by Dream Defenders in partnership with Black for Palestine, M4BL, among others, aims to provide a framework for understanding that the genocide in Gaza is not separate from the struggles here in the U.S. In fact, many of our civil rights leaders have emphasized the interconnectedness of oppression here in the U.S. and in occupied Palestine. This toolkit is both informative and actionable! We highly recommend it. 
   

4. Operation Olive Branch
   This comprehensive spreadsheet has been developed by folks on the ground who are working to get aid directly into the hands of Gazans trying to flee the current genocide. As you go through this resource, you'll find plenty of ways that you can provide urgent and necessary mutual aid. 
   

5. eSims for Gaza / Crips for eSim for Gaza
   One of the only ways that the Gazans under siege in Palestine are currently able to get the word out, despite telecommunications blackouts, is through eSims. Egyptian writer and Activist Mirna Elhelbawi started this initiative to help break through the blackouts and allow Gazans to get the word out to friends and family about what is happening, as well as communicate their safety. Alice Wong and other disability activists have also started a Crips for eSims for Gaza crowdfunding initiative as a way to support the disabled community pool together resources to support.
   

6. Omna Tigray
   Omna Tigray was formed to educate on, advocate for, and raise global awareness of the silent genocide that continues in Tigray. Currently, there are 2.2 million Tigrayans displaced, an estimated 600k civilians killed, and civilians that have little to no access to life-sustaining resources. Please explore their website to find ways to educate yourself on the war and subsequent genocide occurring in Tigray and find ways that you can support them. 
   

7. Friends of the Congo
   Congolese leaders have put out a call for global solidarity as the Congolese people continue to fight for a free and liberated Africa. As some of you may have seen, horrific stories are coming out of Congo, illuminating the exploitation and deadly conditions that the Congolese coltan miners (including children) are subjected to and the violent and ongoing conflict in the region. Please explore how you can learn more, build solidarity, and contribute resources. 
   

8. Keep Eyes on Sudan
   Sudan is now facing the largest internal and child displacement crisis in the world. They are now in week 44 of the ongoing war that has displaced 10.7 million people. It has been reported that a child dies every two hours in the Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur. And they, too, are being subjected to an intentional telecommunications blackout, which is why we aren't hearing their stories from the ground. This website is run by the Sudanese diaspora to continue raising awareness and provide ways to share resources. If you're on IG, you can also follow Sudan Updates to stay informed.
   

9. East Oakland Collective / SF Food Not Bombs
   With the ever-increasing cost of living in the Bay area, compounded by stagnant wages, hiring freezes, and gentrification, too many of our very own community members are forced into homelessness. This rapidly growing crisis leaves many in our community exposed to the elements, and without critical life-sustaining resources, we must find ways to support them. We encourage you to explore the resources we've provided and start looking within your own communities to see which grassroots organizations are already doing the work to fill the gaps and get aid directly to the community. 
   
   Still looking for your helpers?  Get in touch with us if you want some guidance along the way or are REDI to start doing the deeper work. We support organizations and teams to build more generative and sustainable cultures every single day.