It’s Women’s Small Business Month and Hispanic Heritage Month so there’s a lot to celebrate. But when I tried to come up with some things that are inspiring me this month but it feels like spooky season is even spookier when it’s election season in these here United States. Add to that to reading about the devastation of hurricane season and the constant stream of horror that my phone feels fit to notify me of, I’m not leaning into Fall and the start of cozy season the way I like.

My mom likes to say action is the enemy of thought so in that vein, here are a few things I’m doing help alleviate the spookiness.

1. Donate

Here is a good list from within North Carolina for places to donate and some resources for Hurricane Milton. As someone who finds comfort in music, I donated to  Cardinals at the Window which is a compilation of over 10 hours of music which includes artists from North Carolina, live shows that happened in North Carolina, and supportive artists with storm themed songs, among others.

100% of proceeds split evenly between Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, Rural Organizing and Resilience (ROAR), and BeLoved Asheville. Listening to it as I write this feels like a tangible way to help and be connected to the artists and communities that will be recovering for many years to come.  The minimum donation is just $10 but you can give more as you are able.

2. Act

On the election side of things, I’ve wrote postcards to get out the vote from Reclaim Our Vote which aims to increase BIPOC voter turnout. Since it’s getting late for postcards, I also make calls for Promote the Vote PA to get sporadic voters the information they need to vote.

I know calling people could be torture for some people but it has helped me in the past few elections turn anxious thoughts to action. I don’t think I’ve ever talked to anyone hostile. When I phone banked last week I spoke to a bunch of young people for whom it would be their first time voting in a presidential election.  Many (most?) of them not only picked up a phone call from a stranger but were happy for the information.

3. Create

Last month I talked about recommendations from trusted experts. One thing Dauda, a social media expert, told me was how video is so, so important in getting people to engage.  Feeling my resistance, or perhaps hearing from many people my, ahem, age he was quick to tell me that videos don’t have to go viral to make an impact.

This summer I started one of several collaborations by co-creating a video series, 12.5 Minutes, that provides an innovative platform that bridges the gap between underrepresented businesses and large corporations or buying organizations. We have some interesting opportunities so working on something new is a good way to focus some nervous energy.

(Or watch a video)

In honor of wrapping up Hispanic Heritage month I want to share a couple of interviews we did.

One with Yareli Esteban from Strategar about her work and impact doing outreach for Hispanic Communities especially in the education and healthcare fields.

Another one is from Julye Williams from Project 2043. I wrote about her organization last year and how demographic shifts in the U.S. forecast a white minority in 2045 while Hispanic people will make up about a quarter of the population.

I encourage you to check them both out – and comment on YouTube or LinkedIn.  The video interviews have been a fascinating project of community and connection and there are so many applications as we move forward.

4. Support your Friends, Take Care of Yourself

Checking in with friends in the affected Hurricane areas offered a tremendous amount of relief and connection. I also took a day last week to connect with old and new friends  at the Maryland Women’s Business Month celebration with my good friend Diedre Windsor.  I am the Chapter Chair for the WPO DC chapter which Diedre is a member of and she is also now a Platinum Member.

Diedre gave a keynote filled with golden nuggets but my favorite was “Bet on Yourself.”  She said you will be surrounded by supporters and doubters. You have to be on the side of your own supporters.

She also received a surprise citation from the Governor along with several other powerhouse women’s businesses in MD.  And of course, Diedre supported me right back by connecting me with the other people in the room that had come to support her.

Liz stands on a balcony in front of a booth for Black Viking a Black Owned Beer company

If that fails – drink! I went from the MD event to MGM’s supplier expo at National Harbor.  They had three Black-owned beverage brands to try – T Capri Tequila, Uncle Nearest, and Black Viking Beer.  They were all delicious and talking to those business owners about their success with MGM reminded me why I do this work in the first place.

5. Vote

Between now and my next newsletter my U.S. friends will have had the chance to vote and I hope you do. The organization I volunteer with also helps people get to the polls if they need help or assistance so if you or someone you know needs help, let me know – maybe I can point you in the right direction.

Don’t forget to breathe and see you next month.