Many brands test these products on animals
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.
Voting can be used to further the movement all over the world.
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.
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.
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.
Join social media blackouts when they happen, follow the official BLM page, and share any helpful (and verified) resources and petitions you find.
The National Bail Fund Network raises money to assist those who cannot afford their bail after being arrested in the US.
Show support and raise awareness using the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter. That is, unless BLM instructs otherwise.
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.
If you see stories or suspicious websites that seem to be spreading harmful disinformation about the movement, report it to BLM via their website.
You can support BLM financially by purchasing the official merchandise from their website. This will also help to raise awareness when you wear it!
If academic essays aren't your thing, there's also a list of TED talks that explain racism in the US.
For example, follow some Black fashion designers and models on Instagram to support their work.
Support even more Black talent by finding authors that you like.
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.
Follow some amazing Black makeup artists. It will diversify your Instafeed, and give you a new perspective on beauty.
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
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.
There are also countless films, documentaries, and podcasts that give excellent insight into the experiences of those living with racism and oppression.
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.
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.
Happiful Magazine released a free online guide on how to speak to your children about racism and protesting.
No matter where you are in the world, you can do similar research and make sure your government truly represents you.
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.
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.
The world is at a tipping point and many of us want to be part of the change that brings a more just and equal future. But how can allies from all over the world take part?
Here is a list of alternative ways you can take action effectively and be part of the new world. Click through the gallery to get started.
Here's how to support Black Lives Matter today
June is Black Lives Matter Month
LIFESTYLE Activism
The world is at a tipping point and many of us want to be part of the change that brings a more just and equal future. But how can allies from all over the world take part?
Here is a list of ways you can take action effectively and be part of the new world. Click through the gallery to get started.