Finding The Helpers

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

―Fred Rogers

Transparency — this is a political post, if it’s not for you, walk on by.

Wow.

I rarely put political content on my website, but the events of the last few weeks have been rough. The extreme policies and fast changes from the current administration are chaotic and cruel.

Our lives will not go untouched by these policies.

Mainstream media is either not reporting some of it well, or it is highly compromised. Like, I did at the start of the pandemic, I went looking for resources that could be helpful for right now. Some of them I found during the pandemic, many of them are younger, independent sources and on platforms that may not be as familiar to some of my senior clients.

This blog is a work in progress, I will be building this blog out more soon.

Many of these folks I follow and may share on personal Bluesky, Insta or Facebook (yeah, I am still there for now).

Firstly, our agencies that keep communities informed about public health, and safety have been banned from sending out public service announcements. Fortunately, doctors, epidemiologists and others are sharing info. I haven’t vetted the perfect source yet, but Dr David Pate appears on Idaho Matters and keeping the local community updated.

Health & Public Safety

The AMA has a Youtube page to keep us informed on topics such as measles, Avian flu and food recalls.

Idaho

Owyheeproduce — Have become very vocal and active.

KatieMreads — Keeps me abreast of the library and book ban situations in Idaho. Yay, we are being sued by big publishers.

Thesocialindsay — a local RN keeps us up to speed on the Idaho legislature, women’s health and more.

National Concerns

Alt National Park Service — A coalition of National Park workers that have joined the resistance with Smoky Bear as their mascot.

Heather Cox-Richardson — Scholar of History

Jessicacraven101 — Boils it down and gives scripts and calls to action.

Meet Mrs Frazzled — She’s on top of the attack on public education.

Underthedesknews — V Sephar gives wonderful simple, honest and clear concise, drama free updates on current political happenings. I watch their morning and evening updates.

More Beautiful Helpers

World Central Kitchen — The most amazing organization. It’s founder Chef Jose Andreas is the epitome of Earth element virtue. Earth element is the home and hearth. They feed and nourish themselves and others. For students and Evergreen members — He’s Earth and Fire in virtue.

David Attenborough — Just pick a show. We’ve been watching David since Clara was a wee bean. His voice, dedication to and care of the planet is such an inspiration and comfort. Clara and I have Pavloved ourselves with his works — he’s helped us fall into calm naps for years. I may put on a show such as Wild Isles to play in the background while I fold laundry, respond to emails, schedule posts or simply need a break from chaos.

That’s just a few to start.

Find humor where you can, take it in small bites and rest when you need to.

April