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10 WAYS TO HELP IN THE NEW YEAR

BY AMANDA HAGGARD

Every year around this time, folks are looking for ways to improve or ways to forget the hell that was the year before. While resolutions are fraught with self-help mantras and a lot of toxic messaging, we think setting intentions that involve community and healing are lovely. In 2023, we hope to see rejuvenation, neighbors loving and helping neighbors and a renewed sense that taking a rest every once in a while should not be revolutionary. Here are a few ideas for how to work toward these goals in the New Year.

1. TELL YOUR FRIENDS TO BUY AND READ THE NEWSPAPER FROM A CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR.

You’re already there if you’re reading this, but chances are you have at least a couple of folks in your circle who’ve never had the pleasure of interacting with one of our vendors or reading the paper they sell. Vendors grow their microbusinesses by purchasing more copies for 50 cents, which they sell on the street for $2. This is the vendors' money to keep. Free papers, gear and map badges (reserved locations) incentivize vendors to grow their microbusinesses. The part where you come in is helping them increase their customer base. It’s easy to do marketing for something you already love and support.

2. SUPPORT COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVES.

The Black Mental Health Alliance of Nashville BMHA Nashville is a nonprofit working to increase health status for Black Nashvillians. There are many ways to get involved with their work: They host community trainings and work to reduce health disparities through awareness, advocacy, lobbying and education. “Our group aims to remove the barriers that Black people experience getting access to or staying connected with emotional health care and healing. Through our support groups, community discussion, and forums, we hope to highlight the mental health needs of Black Nashvillians and address their concerns through community organizing and by connecting members with local Black mental health providers,” the group says.

3. ENCOURAGE LIVING WAGE EFFORTS.

In Nashville, workers must make more than $17.40 per hour or $15.40 with health benefits to survive the current economic world, according to a United Way report that assesses data and measures financial hardship across the state. Many workers in Nashville are making much less — minimum wage is just $7.25 per hour — and they are unable to both work and live in the same city. The United Way report shows that in order to be stable, not just surviving, workers need more than $32 per hour in Nashville. Nashville Living Wage launched in 2021 and they’re working a campaign to ask employers to assess their current wages and ensure their workers have enough to survive. The organization will then certify the employer if they are paying at or above the threshold. If you own a business, do this assessment and if you work somewhere, this could be a great starting point for a conversation about wages.

4. DONATE MONEY TO ASSIST WITH LAUNDRY.

At Sacred Sparks Ministry, Lisa Sparks has a helluva thing going with her Laundry Ministry. So many take for granted keeping their clothes clean and having the ability to have fresh items at their disposal. Sparks picks up clothes from folks, helps get them laundered and gets them back to folks clean and ready to wear. A few bucks goes a long way so if you only have a small amount in your budget to give, just think that $5 could do a couple loads of laundry for a family in Nashville.

5. MAKE WINTER OR SUMMER KITS TO HAND OUT AT STOP LIGHTS.

This one is evergreen and a practice to begin and keep doing. Put together small bags of essentials to hand out at stoplights. They don’t take up a lot of space, and they aren’t expensive to put together. Consider the following items put in a gallon plastic bag: protein bars, gift cards to fast food restaurants, hand warmers in the winter, bottles of water, trail mix or other high protein snacks, hand sanitizer, a face mask and a slip of paper with local resources listed on it.

6. HELP FOLKS WHO HELP CATS.

The newly created Cat Colony Food Pantry is filling a gap for folks who are already taking care of community cats, but might need some additional resources feeding and caring for them. Many kind and giving folks spend their time and money loving on cats and ensuring they’re as safe and comfortable as possible when and if they end up outdoors. Head over to Instagram (@catcolonyfoodpantry), where Erica Ciccarone, who runs the endeavor, documents her efforts. There’ll be chances to learn about what kitties need, and there’s a link in there to donate cash or items to the pantry.

7. CHECK ON YOUR NEIGHBORS.

Do you know your neighbors? No shame if you don’t, but I recommend at least waving, and maybe some conversation, particularly if your neighbor seems like they could use to be checked on. As neighbors, our family tries not to be too nosey, but we also try to notice if a neighbor is gone for a long period of time, or if it doesn’t seem like they’re bringing packages in. Instead of worrying from afar, it’s nice to ask from across the street if there’s anything your neighbor needs that they cannot do for themselves. Leave them a note in the mailbox with your information if you’re afraid to knock on the door.

8. HELP KEEP YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN.

Especially if you’re already taking walks through your neighborhood, begin the practice of cleaning up as you go. You can wear gloves or get a grabber (we use a dog pooper scooper, you’re welcome) and carry a bag with you as you go. We don’t do it every time we walk, but it’s a great habit to incorporate into long weekend walks or hikes. Of course, we’d prefer if folks didn’t toss trash outside, but until they stop doing it, it makes sense to help clean up where you can.

9. VOTE IN LOCAL ELECTIONS.

It’s no secret that we’ve been partnering with Please Vote Nashville to publish an exhaustive election issue for each and every local election. Voting has implications nationally, but locally it means a lot more — and far fewer people vote in elections where the folks running are representing their exact neighborhood. With Metro Council and mayoral elections around the corner, now is the time to make sure you’re registered, know where to find your ballot to review beforehand and keep checking back with us for candidate profiles.

10. REST WHEN YOU NEED IT.

This one is tough for most folks, but it’s incredibly important. I am probably the worst at filling my rest reserves, but it’s a resolution worth making. Forget all the normal hoopla about changing yourself in 2023 or becoming some superhuman version of yourself. Love your body and mind enough to give it what it really wants: rest.