Hi everyone. Like I mentioned in Monday’s update, today I want to talk about activism—why it matters, why I show up, and why I believe signing petitions, voting, and raising our voices through political engagement is still one of the most powerful tools we have, even when it makes people uncomfortable. I’ve considered myself an activist since around 2010, maybe 2012. I can’t tell you exactly what sparked it—but I’ve always felt a deep pull toward speaking up for what matters. Whether it’s animal rights, wildlife protection, or conservation, I believe animals deserve better. They deserve dignity and safety—whether they have fur, feathers, fins, or scales. I also care deeply about climate change and environmental justice. Every ecosystem plays a role in keeping our planet alive, and I’ll never be silent when I see our natural world being destroyed for profit or convenience. Then there’s the fight for social justice. And no—it’s not just about one group or identity. I stand for racial equity, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, fair wages, and the basic idea that every human deserves dignity. Yes, life isn’t fair. It never has been. But that’s not a reason to shrug and accept it. That’s the result of a society that’s become complicit—taught to believe that we can’t make things fair. That this is just how it is, and we have to deal with it. But look back at our roots. When this country was founded, there was an attempt—however flawed—to create fairness. The Constitution might’ve been imperfect, but it was a declaration that people should have a voice. Unfortunately, over time, our leaders have passed laws and policies that fuel inequality rather than fix it. And that trend continues today. But we don’t give up. There are millions of people like me out there—people who care, people who believe in change, people who just need encouragement to start speaking up. That’s what activism is about. Not being perfect. Not being loudest. But being present. Being willing. I’ll admit—during the toughest moments of my life, I lost touch with this side of myself. My mental and emotional health took a toll, and I pulled away from the causes I once cared so deeply about. But now that I’m more stable, I’ve rediscovered my voice—and I plan to use it. Recently, someone in a Facebook group asked me where I was during Biden’s presidency—or Obama’s or Bush’s. They didn’t understand why I was suddenly talking about politics. I get it. It may seem like I just showed up one day to rant about injustice. But when I tried to engage, the group was more focused on arguing than understanding. They didn’t want facts—they wanted a fight. And that’s not where my energy is best spent. That’s why I have this blog—and my Facebook page. And while I try to keep political posts here to a minimum, some things deserve space. Some things need to be said. This post isn’t just about why activism matters—it’s about the real, tangible wins we’ve seen because people spoke up. Because people like you and me took time to sign petitions, vote, and share the truth. These are just a few examples of what we’ve accomplished together: ✊ Recent Political Wins Fueled by Public Action Utah Book Ban Walkback: After public outcry and thousands speaking up, the Utah State Board of Education reversed its guidance that prohibited students from carrying certain books—even personal copies. Now, students are allowed to read what their parents approve, not just what the school deems acceptable. Mexico Bans Dolphin Captivity: Thanks to global activism, Mexico passed the Mincho Law, officially banning dolphin captivity—a massive win for animal rights and marine conservation. Maersk Cuts Ties with Israeli Settlements: Under public pressure, the global shipping giant cut its contracts connected to illegal settlements, reflecting growing support for human rights and accountability. UK Suspends Arms Sales to Israel: After pressure from advocates and human rights organizations, the UK paused its arms transfers—marking a moment of accountability on the global stage. GDPR Ruling Against Meta: Privacy advocates helped push forward a GDPR enforcement that targeted Meta’s abuse of user data—showing we can still hold Big Tech accountable. OpenAI Defends Its Nonprofit Roots: After public concern, OpenAI reaffirmed its commitment to its nonprofit mission and ethical development, thanks in part to advocacy from users and supporters. Workers Protest Microsoft Over Military Contracts: Microsoft employees demanded more transparency about the company’s role in militarized AI—showing tech workers can push back. Santander Faces Pressure for Funding Amazon Deforestation: Environmental activists targeted the bank’s investments tied to illegal logging, leading to a growing movement for ethical financing. These aren’t just headlines—they’re proof. Proof that when enough of us speak up, we can hold even the most powerful systems accountable. Whether it’s protecting our right to read, stopping animal abuse, or confronting corporate greed—these wins remind us that change happens when we demand it. So if you’ve ever wondered whether signing a petition matters—it does. If you're curious about the causes I stand behind, check out the petitions I share on Facebook. I don’t promote anything I haven’t signed myself. I only amplify the things I truly believe need to change. You’ll also find memes, commentary, and moments of reflection—because sometimes, even activism needs a laugh or a pause. Whether you’re here for the petitions, the memes, or the personal stories, I’m glad you’re here. I hope you’ll follow me on Facebook and subscribe to this blog. There’s so much more to do—and so much more to say.