Connect! Unite! Act! is a weekly series that seeks to create face-to-face networks in each congressional district. Groups meet regularly to socialize, get out the vote, support candidates, and engage in other local political actions that help our progressive movement grow and exert influence on the powers that be. Visit us every week to see how you can get involved!

Some items are passed down from generation to generation. They have real value. As we all noticed from Hobby Lobby, some people decide to take history from others or buy it out from under them with the money and resources they have on hand. Some families only have stories, traditions, meals, and recipes to pass down from their parents and grandparents through time. Some have music, dance, and art. Wedding dresses can be passed down as well as wedding rings. Cufflinks and pictures on the wall. Holding on to some of these items gives us a chance to talk to others about who we are, what we value, and where we want to go. The best part? We don’t need to deny others the right to their own past and history to celebrate our own. That’s a lesson a few people—see the photo—could learn all about.

Passing down an heirloom is a tradition that can have meaning and give us emotional support when we need it:

Political tradition is a significant heirloom

Heirlooms don’t have to be physical. Many heirlooms exist around much more personal matters. Being born into a faith, with stories and traditions, can reflect an heirloom of tradition. In the same way, coming from a tradition of belief in the values of others can be an heirloom you pass down—and, when you break from the tradition in your family or others, it gives you a chance to pass down a new heirloom to generations after yourself. How we think and the way we act is a beautiful heirloom that should be seen and recognized.

Old, lost heirlooms can bring back real memories

It may be something that hangs in your closet. It may be buried in a storage unit, basement, or attic. You haven’t seen it or looked at it in a very long time. Maybe now is the time to do exactly that, and take a few minutes—hey, we’re still dealing with COVID-19—to look and see. Some people find long-lost cousins and family members through photos they have forgotten. Maybe it’s just seeing a pet or an animal you loved as a child. 

Whatever the item is, it brings you back home.

Writing is also an heirloom

Poems we write, love notes to others, even action letters we have written. We care a lot about the diaries and writings of the past. This week on Daily Kos, we held a writer’s workshop to help make you a better writer, and it was an incredible success! If you want to watch it, you can see it here:

YouTube Video

Wait, how is this progressive action?

One of the most difficult questions we ask is, “Why, exactly, do we wake up every morning and continue to fight for our values at every level? Why, exactly, do we spend our time and effort?” When we are reminded directly of all of the people around us who we love, of the history and tradition that led to this moment, we understand more about the sacrifices made before us—good and bad—and the fact we have so far to go. 

YouTube Video

YouTube Video

YouTube Video

Do you have heirlooms that were passed down to you? Or ones you plan to pass down to others?

Our Connect! Unite! Act! team is here to provide support and guidance to new and existing volunteer leaders of each regional and state group, helping them with recruiting, organizing, and executing social and action events. We invite you to join in this effort to build our community. There are many ways to pitch in. If there isn’t a group to join near you, WE WILL HELP YOU START ONE.

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