Hello writers, artists, friends, and fellow members!
As I turn 19 in thirteen days, I wanted to make this post an important one. I typically do not post about politics so blatantly on this site. However, I feel this is the right time to speak up. It is my obligation as a lesbian woman to speak up now more than ever. I posted something similar to this on Tiny Writes, but I would like to offer more support in any way I can.
To start, I want to thank anyone who was able to vote for Kamala Harris in favor of keeping a brighter and safer future. Your vote mattered more than you think. The parallels of the 2016 election are what haunt me as a first-time voter this year, as I vividly remember the same fear I had as an 11-year-old back when Trump won. I know this is a site that is made for those younger than me, so if you weren’t able to vote, I understand your frustration. I understand your feelings of dread for the future.
As the youth, you are not and will not be alone. We live in such a polarized world, and it is easy to lose sight of hope, especially when it feels like you cannot do anything because of your age. Anyone who is of the LGBTQ+ community, a BIPOC, and a woman should not have to suffer in silence over the next 4 years. Anyone who isn’t within these communities, please offer solace to them, especially yourself. Be gentle with each other. This is not to fear-monger but rather to allow those who feel like their rights will be compromised to have a place of freedom and comfort.
YWP will always be here to support you through this, especially the fellow mentors and organizers. I implore everyone to continue writing, making art, pursuing photography, and other mediums of art and literature. Creating is not only a way to release such feelings but also to share your voice and ideas. Keep utilizing these wonderful skills, your voice in art is powerful. Tell your friends about YWP, and let them know that this is a safe platform for them.
Below, I have added some resources for organizations and places of support. Some are specific to Vermont. There are widespread ones as well. I will add more over time, too. Message me or comment here on any site or resource that you believe should be on here.
Please remember to stay safe and to ASK FOR HELP. Utilize your resources. I encourage you all to search for additional ones.
Know you are and will always be loved.
KEEP WRITING. KEEP MAKING ART. KEEP EXPRESSING YOURSELF.
It has been my pleasure to post my writing on YWP for almost 4 years.
After it has done so much for me, it is time for me to help you.
With a warm heart and open arms,
Sawyer Fellows (Sawyer Fell).
A Long List of Resources (Vermont specific towards the end)
988 Lifeline offers immediate and confidential support for those of suicide risk and prevention.
https://988lifeline.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=onebox
The Big Resource List is a list of resources, primarily for youth and teens, who need help with mental health, and access to healthcare, amongst other things, to ensure the safety of marginalized and at-risk communities.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UKRiKS6Rxs8q42ppm8vD2YquX1zFlmS6GYA9RhCfGVU/edit?usp=sharing
Human Rights Campaign offers resources for a wide variety of communities. Check out their resources.
Lambda Legal is a legal-specific site that works on cases for members of the LGBTQ+ community as well as BIPOC. This is a sheet that has a list of resources per state. (Website link is at the bottom of the flyer)
The Trevor Project is a non-profit built to help those in LGBTQ+ communities as well as aid in suicide risk/prevention.
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/
GLSEN is an education-based foundation specifically made for students AND educators to encourage activism within schools.
https://www.glsen.org/resources
Planned Parenthood helps those in need of fundamental health care.
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/get-care
The Mental Health Coalition offers support for anyone experiencing concerns in their mental health. I have attached a flyer specific to BIPOC communities; however, I highly encourage scanning their site even if you are not of the community.
The Jed Foundation offers numerous articles and resources for support for at-risk youth and teens.
https://jedfoundation.org/mental-health-resource-center/
Pride Center Vermont offers programs for people of the LGBTQ+ in various aspects of Vermont.
https://www.pridecentervt.org/
Outright Vermont offers family support, youth leadership, and school communities in Vermont.
The Root Social Justice Center is a racial justice system for BIPOC in Vermont.
Spectrum Youth and Family Services is a non-profit in Burlington Vermont that helps with health care, survival skills, and housing.
https://www.spectrumvt.org/about-us/
Vermont State Youth Council is a group of diverse Vermont young adults from each county that advocate and are responsible for advising their government leaders on policies that impact Vermont youth.
Posted in response to the challenge Post-Election.
Comments
Thank you Sawyer!
Thank you for curating a safe platform where this can be shared! <3
Another VT resource is the State Youth Council:
https://www.vtstateyouthcouncil.org/
We'll listen if you reach out with concerns.
Thank you so much for sharing! I'm adding it right now :)
You're welcome!
Thank you!!! <3
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