What do we do now?

After the UK referendum on EU membership last week returned a 'leave' vote I, along with so many of my friends were lost for what to do now. Have thought about options over the weekend and heard suggestions, here is a list of possible actions I've collated for you to consider:

1. Don't be a bystander. There has always been racist violence in this country, it's not suddenly new since the vote, so this is advice forever and always - don't stand by when people use words or actions are used to hurt others. People of colour and those of other nationalities are being increasingly targeted after the rhetoric of the some referendum campaign factions, and for those who are targeted its a daily occurrence, they have to challenge these assaults all the time. If you see or hear words or actions being used, whether on the internet, in the street, in school, the workplace or anywhere, do not let them go unchallenged. Black lives matter, refugee lives matter, immigrant lives matter. Challenge those using hate speak, or if intervening isn't safe, report it to an appropriate authority. This article from the Guardian suggests some ways to respond to racism. 
2. Challenge Yourself. It's easy to think that we are completely unbiased, but the things we say and do can be hurtful to others, particularly people of colour or those whose culture or beliefs are different to our own, even if we don't mean it to be. Reflect on what you say or do, and if you realise something you've said is hateful - apologize or edit or delete the post if it's online. 
3. Educate others. If you work with young people lots of organisations have made packs of activities to help those you work with to understand and challenge racism. Such as Show Racism the Red Card, this from the Red Cross, resources from UKYP linked to their 'Don't Hate, Educate' campaign and RacismNoWay. There is also this list of resources about refugees and asylum seekers on the Refugee Week website, and this one from the Guardian. (Send me a comment if you know of similar resources for youth leaders or to be used in the workplace and I'll add them to this section.) I have selected a few of these activities to make a simple 1 hour session plan that you can just print and use - all you need is pens, paper and a few sweets - download here. 
4. Get/Stay Informed. Over the past few weeks and months it's been hard to separate the facts from the exaggerations and outright lies. Many of us don't know what sources we can trust. So try to read views from multiple different places to be as informed as possible about the way forward and what's at stake. This article from the BBC gives an introduction to what happens now with an illustration of the complicated process of negotiations, and this one from the Guardian links to sources of impartial information on Europe. It's tempting to use social media to hop from one emotion stirring headline to the next, but try to find the sources and facts behind them. 
5. Write to your MP and MEP or go to their surgery. The referendum was advisory, how we go forward now is in the hands of our elected representatives. Talk to them and tell them what the future relationship you want with Europe looks like. You can find their details at: www.writetothem.com
6. Join a political party. This referendum has inspired more of us to talk about politics, keep that up by joining a party and influencing who stays/becomes their leader and their future policies. Search online for the party's website to find out how. 

Whichever way you voted last week, whichever political party you support, get involved and take action.

Last month I was proud to take part in the European Youth Event in Strasbourg and saw firsthand how we can learn so much and gain so much from working together across cultures, with diverse friends and colleagues, to make change. This is my vision for the future and I hope you will help to make it happen.