Refusing to Fund Hate: Our Dollars, Our Power

In a climate where diversity, equity, and inclusion are increasingly under attack, it’s easy to feel powerless. Hateful rhetoric and discriminatory policies seem to dominate the headlines, leaving many of us feeling like our voices are drowned out. But we are not powerless. We possess a powerful tool: our spending power.

Every dollar we spend is a vote. We can choose to support businesses that reflect our values, businesses that champion diversity and inclusion, businesses that actively work to create a more equitable society. By consciously directing our spending, we can create a tangible impact in our local communities and beyond.

Think about the local bakery owned by an immigrant family, the bookstore that proudly features diverse authors, or the community center that provides resources to marginalized youth. These are the businesses that deserve our support. They embody the values we hold dear, and they contribute to the rich tapestry of our communities.

We do not have to passively accept the hateful political agenda being pushed forward. We can actively resist by choosing where we spend our money. This is the essence of collective economics, the power of Ujamaa – the principle of cooperative economics.

Tools like the Good Money app empower us to make informed decisions about where our money goes. These platforms provide information about businesses’ values and practices, allowing us to align our spending with our beliefs. With such tools, the power of collective economics is right in the palm of our hands, making it easier than ever to support businesses that reflect our commitment to humanity.

Supporting these businesses is not just about making a statement; it's about investing in a future where everyone feels valued and respected. It’s about building a community where diversity is celebrated, not tolerated. When we choose to spend our money with businesses that prioritize inclusion, we are directly contributing to a more just and equitable world.

Let’s refuse to fund hate. Let’s amplify the voices of those who are working to build a better future. Let’s use our collective economic power to push back against the forces of division and support the businesses that support humanity. We have the power to create change, one purchase at a time.