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Petitions -

There are a long list of petitions on change.org calling for proper investigations and justice for the deaths of many young Black individuals who have been killed in recent years.

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Petitions -

Sign the official Black Lives Matter (BLM) petition to defund the police. This would involve reducing the budget given to local and state police in the United States, and increasing funding for mental health services and social service programs.

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Fight disinformation -

If you see stories or suspicious websites that seem to be spreading harmful disinformation about the movement, report it to BLM via their website.

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Buy official merchandise -

You can support BLM financially by purchasing the official merchandise from their website. This will also help to raise awareness when you wear it!

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Use your vote -

If you're a US citizen you can make sure that you're registered to vote and find out which representatives are aligned with the movement. 

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Use your vote -

Voting can be used to further the movement all over the world. 

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Use your vote -

No matter where you are in the world, you can do similar research and make sure your government truly represents you.

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Write a letter - Write letters and emails to your local representative demanding change. This can have a real impact if many constituents express concerns about the same issues–especially if your rep thinks they'll lose votes over it!

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Donations -

If you can afford to donate anything, there are many worthy causes in serious need at the moment. One example is the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. This money will go towards fighting for racial justice through litigation, advocacy, and public education.

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Donations -

The National Bail Fund Network raises money to assist those who cannot afford their bail after being arrested in the US. 

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Support via social media -

Show support and raise awareness using the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter. That is, unless BLM instructs otherwise.

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Support via social media -

Join social media blackouts when they happen, follow the official BLM page, and share any helpful (and verified) resources and petitions you find.

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Use points to donate -

Some large companies are allowing customers to convert rewards points from credit cards and travel into monetary donations. American Express and Hilton are two examples.

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Educate yourself -

If you consider yourself an ally, it's important to educate yourself about the experiences of Black people and how you may be benefiting from privileges you aren't even aware of.

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Educate yourself -

It's not recommended to burden your Black friends with this task–they may likely be exhausted trying to explain! Instead, there are plenty of online resources you can use. 

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Educate yourself -

If academic essays aren't your thing, there's also a list of TED talks that explain racism in the US.

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Educate yourself -

There are also countless films, documentaries, and podcasts that give excellent insight into the experiences of those living with racism and oppression.

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Educate others -

If your family and friends don't seem to be as up to speed as you, they may benefit from a conversation about the current issues.

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Educate others -

Happiful Magazine released a free online guide on how to speak to your children about racism and protesting.

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Watch stream-to-donate videos on YouTube -

Thanks to stream-to-donate videos, you can financially support racial justice without giving your own money. A quick Internet search will bring you to the current YouTube videos streaming for BLM. Your views will generate revenue.

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Support Black creatives -

For example, follow some Black fashion designers and models on Instagram to support their work.

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Support Black creatives -

Follow some amazing Black makeup artists. It will diversify your Instafeed, and give you a new perspective on beauty.

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Support Black creatives -

Support even more Black talent by finding authors that you like. 

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Share, share, share -

Raise the voices of Black individuals by sharing their work and posts on social media. And if you watch a great documentary or read an amazing book, let your friends know too.

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Support Black-owned businesses -

Find out which stores and services in your local area or online are run by Black business owners, and try to show them some extra support.

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Don't give up -

The path to equality is a long one. We will all need to commit to actively supporting change for as long as it takes.

See also: Celebs who want to defund the police—and what that actually looks like

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