Neighborfully: The Matriarchy
Hello, You -
This is Neighborfully, a dispatch from Neighborful Station, and it's such a joy to be here with you.
Neighborful Idea: The Matriarchy
“The women in Minnesota are the backbone of this community. We’re the ones who make stuff happen.”
That's independent journalist Georgia Fort, quoted in a captivating article from Glamour magazine last week about the women who are holding Minneapolis together. I am tempted to quote the vast majority of the article back to you here, but I'll just share two more things for now:
"'Women play an instrumental role in every movement,' says Christine Harb, DO, a physician who’s part of a network of health care providers meeting patient needs while they shelter in place. 'The vast majority of the people I work with are women and queer people. Folks are raising rent-relief funds for families, delivering groceries, giving folks rides to their appointments ... the list goes on and on.'"
And then, from Aru Shiney-Ajay, executive director of the Sunrise Movement: “I was at a training a few weeks ago with teachers and parents, preparing to basically patrol and defend schools from ICE agents entering schools, and I want to say the room was 80% or 90% women.”
Within a day or so of when I first read this article, I happened to notice in my podcast hosting platform that 85% of the listeners for Neighborful are women. I then checked and saw that the same ratio is true on every other platform where Neighborful has an presence.
I've written before about Grandma-Nomics as the basis for this town. I've named a queer married mom as the mayor. But it wasn't until I started reading about the matriarchy of resistance in Minnesota that I fully understood the true magic of Neighborful Station: In this town, we get to feel what it's like to live in a matriarchal society.
Take a moment, right now, and think about a time when the women in your life have taken care of you - when they have been generous, empathetic, and thoughtful toward you. Maybe your doctor took the time to soothe your anxiety about coming to see her, stemming from your childhood full of medical trauma. Maybe your godmother helped you very generously through a difficult financial time in your life. Choose one of these moments, bring yourself back to how it felt to be seen, held, and safe in this person's care, and take a deep breath.
It is my conviction that on the other side of this wave of unrest in America, we will have the opportunity to enact The Third Reconstruction, a time of reinvestment and rebuilding of our society. I have also believed for several years now that the Millennial generation - specifically, Millennial women - will play a central role in making this happen.
What we see in Minnesota is a road map for all of us. We have a guide and an example for how to engage in resistance, but we are also seeing the seeds of an American society for tomorrow that is courageous, generous, and kind. We have it within us right now to make this happen for ourselves. I intend for Neighborful Station to be a place of rest and inspiration on our shared journey.
To the women, the queer people, and the allies who have inspired me to create Neighborful and who have provided bedrock support along the way: Thank you so much. I am grateful to ShaVon, Emily, Beth, Karen, Andy, Frank, John, and every one of you who has said "Yes" to this town. We have a lot of work to do. But when we all carry it together, we can make the lift with ease. ❤️😊
The Neighborful Goodnight
This week, I'm taking a rest break from The Neighborful Goodnight, so I can retool the experience based on the 3 weeks of live broadcasts we've done so far. I expect to be back to you with updates on Monday. In the meantime, you can watch recordings of the broadcasts that have happened so far, meaning you get to start them at a time that is convenient for you.
⏰: On demand (for the moment)
In each broadcast, we've been doing a gathering meditation together, reflecting on the love that surrounds us. Then, I share a bedtime story from Neighborful Station.
Folks are reporting better sleep when they join Goodnight. Please feel free to share the link with anyone who may need it. See you tonight.
This Week in Neighborful Station
Our latest episode is Snow Day (Apple)(Spotify)(YouTube). The weather outside gets frightful, and you fall asleep to the sounds of sleet against your house, and the plow coming through. The next morning, you and your neighbors help dig each other out. ❄️🌨️🥶
Coming up on Saturday: Sock Hop. You agree to serve as a chaperone for a middle school dance at the Care Center, and quickly realize that the elder residents are much more of a handful than the kids. 🕺💃🪩
Wish of the Week
May you remember that you are capable of being courageous, generous, and kind in every moment of your life.
The revolution will be sung, Michael