4th Day of Christmas

This is the fourth day of Christmas and the third day of Kwanzaa. I will continue my 12 Days of Christmas mini-retreat, focusing on my priorities and what I'm called to do (or not do) next in my life. 

Agenda today:
1. Kwanzaa principles

2. Journal queries

3. Service and activism goals for 2021

4. Practice service with end-of-year donations

1. Kwanzaa principles:

The third day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to the principle of ujima (oo-JEE-mah), which is collective work and responsibility. Ujima is teamwork, working together for others and helping your neighbors. 

2. Journal queries:

Today I am honoring my service, activism, and integrity: 

What are my responsibilities to my earth and my world? How can I be of service? How can I better speak truth to power? What changes could I make in my buying habits? 

What things can I do in the New Year to actively help my family, my community, and my society to solve our problems? What group or cause do I really want to work for, be around, impact, and inspire?

What can I do to teach or support freedom, equality, and dignity for all people? How can I educate and work for earth care and climate justice? What do I need to learn?

How can I show my thankfulness for the blessings in my life in tangible ways? How can I “pay it forward” with my time, talent, and money? How can I put my money and energy to the best possible use in the service of the community? What resources do I have that I could share?

How might I create situations for synergy and creative teamwork?  

Do I keep my word, follow through with my responsibilities, speak truth, and show loyalty? What can I improve?

3. Service and activism goals for 2021:

I'm finishing up the work of setting goals and resolutions for the New Year, focusing on my priorities, which are Love, Home, Health, Service, Learning, Creativity, and Life Purpose. 

My theme for today is service, activism, and integrity, all the ways I show responsibility and give back to the world for the gift of my life. Integrity is the quality of being whole and undivided, and acting promptly on what I am called to do. When I am honest, virtuous, and loyal my integrity lights the dark places of life. 

Service and activism goals might have to do with raising my level of integrity in some way, raising my energy and tenacity level for responsible action, using my talents to support a cause, growing as a leader and activist, or educating myself and others.

My ideas for activism and service goals for next year so far are:

• Find better ways to be an activist from home. Make an effort in some way every day.
• Study antiracism and join in discussions, to become a better ally.
• Continue to be the best clerk I can be, and discern what to do next, after clerking ends.
• Use craftivism with more determination.
• Seek a venue for working with children again, when it's safe.
• Attend and comment at city council and other community meetings.
• Work with Climate Revolutions by Bike - choose an action to commit to every month.
• Write articles as a neophyte activist.
• Eat vegetarian more often.

4. Practice service with end-of-year donations:

Today I look at my yearly budget and decide who to make donations to, generally my Friends Meeting, kids and schools, human rights groups, environmental groups, and those who help the homeless. 

This year I'm donating to 350 Eugene, Community Supported Shelters, Friends of Trees, and the local NAACP.