Small Potato Activism - Laura Doty

“We create safety by numbers. The more of us there are, the safer we make everyone.” - Laura Doty

I met Laura Doty in 2017 after catastrophic fires leveled much of the county where we both live. We’d shown up to assist the survivors of the fire, people who were now living at the local fairgrounds, uncertain if their house would still be standing when the flames were finally extinguished. For far too many, the answer was no. Over the years we’ve become friends who share a  passion for engagement, for showing up to do what we can, when we could, to make a difference. Laura, or Dr. Doty as she is known by many, has spent the better part of her life as a therapist and forensic psychologist.

Laura is also one of a group of local women who call themselves the Benton  Street Improvement Association. Inspired by a yard sign project she saw in Washington DC when she attended the Climate March, Laura wanted to bring the idea back to her local community. The collection of yard signs created by the The Benton Street group is what Laura calls, “small potato activisim,” to create a community that is safe and welcoming for everyone.

This is a conversation between friends, about the importance of engaging in local activism in a time of great peril. About what it means to show up and bring our authentic selves to the conversation. About speaking the truth because mall potato activism is about planting seeds and watching them grow.

As you listen to this episode, consider:

• We create safety in numbers. What is one thing you can do to lend your voice to a cause that matters to you?
• Laura talks about the small things we can do, even in our neighborhood. Bringing soup to a sick neighbor. Stopping to talk to someone as you walk the dog. Look for ways to help build community, one person at a time. 
• Summon up your courage to join a community clean up, pot luck or local gathering. Bring your authentic self. Watch what happens next.

Learn more about the Benton Street Improvement Association here.

Benton Street Improvement Association Facebook page.

Do you know someone who has a story to tell? Someone who is giving back to their community? Working to make our world a better place? Send an email to suzanne@suzannemaggio.com. Nominate them for a future episode of From Sparks to Light.

To learn more about Robert Maggio, the composer of "Where Love is Love," our theme music, please check out his website.

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To learn more about the inspiration for this podcast, please check out Suzanne's memoir, Estrellas - Moments of Illumination Along El Camino de Santiago

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