While attending a recent conference on social injustice, I found myself surrounded by educators who wanted to talk to me about Flint, Michigan, the city in which I live. Some people expressed surprise, hearing for the first time about Flint’s water crisis. Some had questions. Others showed sorrow as they asked about the effects of the crisis on my students and other children in and around the city.
I also heard a question that the residents of my home city are not often asked: “What can I do to continue to keep the focus on the water crisis?”
There are likely other educators across the country who want to know how to build awareness and create change. While the city now has an approved contract for a clean water source, many who live here are still wary. Here are five key actions you can take if you want to support Flint residents.
Listen
As simple as this might seem, listening is the most important thing you can do. It may take years before we know the full extent of the lead poisoning in Flint, and residents of the city have had different stories and experiences. Those of us who are affected do not need others just to hear our stories; we need you to really listen.
After turning on the faucet in my home and seeing cloudy water one day, I did as many people in the city of Flint had done: I called the water department to make a report. I was told there were no problems in my area. Days later, there was a flushing of the fire hydrant at the corner of my neighborhood’s entrance. I watched as brown water rushed from the pipes. This happened before the water crisis was national news. Since then, my students have told me about mouth sores, hair loss and even death within their families. Each person has a story to tell.
Consider reaching out to someone who is in this tragedy and asking them to speak about their experience. Organizations such as Flint Rising can connect you with residents willing to share their stories and answer your questions. As an educator, you can also think about reaching out to school districts most affected by this crisis: Flint Community Schools and my district, Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools. Ask if an administrator or teacher is willing to speak with you.
When you find someone to listen to, allow them to share their experience without your input or interruption. Many people caught in crises begin to shut down when telling their stories if the listener interrupts with statements about what they would have done or what the person affected needs to do.
Process
After listening, take the time to think independently about the information and to process your reactions and emotions in response to the story you’ve heard. Give yourself time to feel one of the most important aspects of our shared humanity: empathy. Then consider the action-based steps you might take.
Research
Those affected by the Flint water crisis need for you to do credible research. Have reliable sources ready to use as evidence when you prepare to speak on the issue. The best source to use from our community is FlintCares.com. This website gives information on lead testing, children’s resources, nutrition, health, town hall dialogues and government-related updates. Pay attention to the dates of the materials you are reading on the issue and stay current.
Talk
The people of Flint had spoken on the water crisis before it became national news. To help people affected by the crisis, conversations need to happen around the country and around the world. Speak to family and friends, and post about it on social media. When posting, use your research and stories from people with firsthand experience to explain the situation and the need for change. Be prepared for conversations with people with diverse reactions and perspectives.
Act
Find a way to act, whether it’s donating water, writing letters to government officials or posting pictures of protest signs on social media. Organizations such as Save the Children, Convoy of Hope and Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties have supplied water or nutritious foods for children. The National Education Association has taken a stand on the right for all children to have clean water. Teachers from Webberville and Lansing—both in Michigan—created school-wide water drive programs and brought the supplies to schools affected by the poisonous water.
Everyone has a gift they can use to push our society toward change for the better. Take your talents and speak out for answers and a better life for those affected by this crisis.
Mathews is an educator, award-winning writer, Red Cedar Writing Project and National Writing Project Fellow, and an environmental justice and institutional racism activist.
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