Four tips for “breaking through the noise,” staying focused, and taking action in turbulent times from Spoonfuls’ Public Affairs team
For those of us committed to preventing waste, feeding people, and/or stewarding our planet, policy shifts, current events, and the news cycle can feel a little (or lot) daunting. Says Spoonfuls’ Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Joni Kusminsky, “When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s easier to shut down. Subconsciously it’s like, ‘There’s so much to do, I don’t even know where to start, so I’ll do nothing.’ But, as advocates for healthy, hunger-free communities, that’s when it’s most important for us to find our groove.’” Here, we’re sharing four tried and true tips from our Public Affairs team for breaking through the noise, staying focused, and taking action in turbulent times.
1. Know yourself.
Take stock of your own values. Determine which issues matter to you most. Assess (or reassess) the ways your time, talent, perspective, passion, money, etc. can be most useful and know your limits and boundaries. “At Spoonfuls, we have defined Advocacy Priorities,” says Liz Miller, Spoonfuls’ Senior Community Relations Manager. “We come together as a team each year, informed by conversations with community members, partners, and coalitions we’re a part of, and we and ask ourselves, ‘What are the issues and opportunities we care about? Are they in line with our purpose? Where can we be most useful and impactful educating or advocating for something?’ This helps us stay centered on first things first and to let go of opportunities that are important but may be a better fit for one of our peers.”
2. Stay curious.
Keep learning and asking questions. “Fact check what you’re reading. Find a few news sources you trust. Have conversations. Make your own observations wherever possible,” says Liz. Adds Joni, “It isn’t enough that we’re reading about how SNAP cuts and shifting immigration policy are impacting the emergency food system. Our Food Recovery team is in regular conversation with our community partners about these things. We’re seeing an impact on our business, too, because when the emergency food system takes a hit, we at Spoonfuls receive more inquiries from programs that have a need for more food. We can say conclusively then, ‘Over and above what we’ve read, ‘SNAP cuts are impacting people right here in our community. They’re impacting people we know.’”
3. Connect with others who care about the same causes.
Staying informed, staying motivated, and staying accountable to the things we care about is easier with friends. Community and coalition groups provide opportunities to come together with people who have a vested interest in the same issue – and many invite participation from individuals. “Why be alone with your problems, right?” says Joni. “You problem-solve differently, and often better, when you put your head together with others. You benefit from different perspectives and skills and a broader network than your own. And you bring your own perspective and skills to the table for others to benefit.” For inspiration, see some of the coalitions and community groups where Spoonfuls participates.
4. Remember that small steps are still steps.
Taken together by many people equals a groundswell. Our team recommends picking a time period (i.e. a day, a week) and making a goal to take one small step during that period. “It could be one week you look into how your elected officials are voting on something you care about (or better yet, Spoonfuls’ Advocacy Priorities) and the next week you call or email them to ask for their support or say thank you,” says Joni. One idea: Take Spoonfuls’ Food Waste Challenge, a guided activity aimed at driving habit change around what and how much food waste you create.
Bonus: If you haven’t already, check out our “Breaking through the Noise” blog, where we distill how federal policy is impacting our state and local food system, our work, and our neighbors — plus, ways you can contribute!
