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The Aware Advocate

@cristeniris.bsky.social

31 followers 64 following 18 posts

All meaningful communication—written, verbal, visual, or physical—is advocacy. We're advocating for ourselves, for others, for an idea or ideal. And the higher the stakes the more aware, competent, and cooperative we must be. https://cristeniris.com/about/

cristeniris.com

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The Aware Advocate @cristeniris.bsky.social · Feb 18

This account reflects my ongoing commitment to competent communication and participatory democracy because in times of peace and crisis our individual and collective voices can and must pierce the darkness in a celebration of life and in defiance of anyone who would silence or restrain us.

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The Aware Advocate @cristeniris.bsky.social · Mar 2

Calls to attend local protests & town hall meetings are great, but some combine the call to action with criticism of those who do not & label online advocacy as performative.
There are SO many reasons an individual may not be able to show up in person.
Don't assume your reality is their reality.

Reposted by The Aware Advocate

Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · Mar 2

Research shows that autistic people can have very different motor skills and processing than non-autistic people. One more reason to not apply neurotypical expectations to autistic people's experiences and actions.

hussmanautism.org/praxis-and-a... #neurodiversity #autism

Praxis and Autism: Bridging the gap between intention and action - Hussman Institute for Autism

People with autism may know exactly what they want to say, but may be unable to say it. They may know every answer on a quiz, but have only written down a few by the time the teacher collects the pape...

hussmanautism.org

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The Aware Advocate @cristeniris.bsky.social · Feb 27

"If I can do it, you can do it," is a phrase we must strike from use because it's a claim based on a false premise.
It assumes that everyone has an equal to or "better" combination of resources, abilities, and traits that have allowed you to do what you've done.
#NoAbleism #FindYourZoneOfCompetence

Reposted by The Aware Advocate

The Zone of Competence @zoneofcompetence.bsky.social · Feb 27

No individual can do all the things we want or feel we should do. This is especially true for individuals with disabilities or who must work more hours to financially survive.
That's okay. Do what you can, and trust others with more bandwidth & ability in those areas to do what they can. #solidarity

Reposted by The Aware Advocate

5 Calls @5calls.org · Feb 27

They're lying to you about their budget plans because they know nobody wants to slash funding for Medicaid to fund tax cuts for the wealthy.

🔥📞🔥 NEW CALL SCRIPT directed to both House & Senate w/ additional responses in case you face gaslighting push back from staffers 👉 5calls.org/issue/house-...

Graph showing that voters overwhelming want to increase or maintain funding for key programs, including medicaid. While few support increased corporate tax breaks.

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The Aware Advocate @cristeniris.bsky.social · Feb 27

Remember: The goal of #EconomicBlackoutDay is to send a message to politicians and billionaires, not further harm small businesses that are a vital part of our economy and communities. We must financially support them tomorrow as part of our protest. #solidarity #StrategyAndTactics #ShopIndie

The Aware Advocate @cristeniris.bsky.social · Feb 26

Sign up for @idaho50501.bsky.social event emails (and check out their inspirational and empowering photo gallery) here:
idaho50501.com/be-the-chang...
#Idaho50501 #50501 #Resist #IdahoActivism #WeThePeople

Be the Change: A Gallery of Action & Inspiration

This is what democracy looks like. Faces filled with determination. Voices raised in defiance. Hands gripping signs that demand justice, equality, and a future worth fighting for. We are average Am…

idaho50501.com

The Aware Advocate @cristeniris.bsky.social · Feb 26

If you're able, rally and/or march in #Boise #Idaho on March 4th to show our elected officials what their mandate really is and who they really serve.
There will be a sign-making station on site.
#50501 #Resist #EndOligarchy #EndImpunity #EndAutogenicide #Democracy
events.pol-rev.com/events/01a7e...

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The Aware Advocate @cristeniris.bsky.social · Feb 25

A powerful week-in-the-life-of perspective and message to the powers that be from one of my physician clients.
#SupportFederalWorkers
#MoralInjury
#PhysicianBurnout
#ProtectHeakthcareWorkers
www.latimes.com/opinion/stor...

Opinion: What did I do last week? I took care of your family, friends and fellow citizens

Elon Musk demands that I justify my work in writing. Here's what a San Diego critical care physician does at federal, local and rural facilities.

www.latimes.com

Reposted by The Aware Advocate

Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · Feb 25

Murphy: "The destruction of our democracy is part of this story ... this is super unpopular, what they are doing. Nobody wants their healthcare to disappear ... so how do you get away with it? You try to destroy our democracy. You try to crush dissent. You threaten members of Congress with arrest."

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Christopher Webb @cwebbonline.com · Feb 25

This is what courage looks like. While so many stay silent, these people took a stand. We need more of that—right now.

📌 21 civil service employees resigned from DOGE

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The Aware Advocate @cristeniris.bsky.social · Feb 25

Absolutely. And I look forward to the day when neurotypical children and adults are encouraged by teachers, employers, and community leaders to learn about autistic culture and expression so friendships and other relationships can be deeper and more sustainable.
#ActuallyAutistic #AutismAppreciation

Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · Feb 21

Social skills programs tend to teach autistic people "that they have to become normal in order to have friends. It’s not true. There are a lot of autistic people who have friends without becoming remotely normal. Oddness and friendship are entirely compatible."

realsocialskills.org/2017/10/04/a...

Autistic people can have friends – Real Social Skills

realsocialskills.org

Reposted by The Aware Advocate

Tokyo Sand @dhstokyo.bsky.social · Feb 25

Those of us who are active in protests (and apparently attending local town halls), need to practice how we’ll intervene when something goes sideways. #Idaho

Especially true for those of us with 🤚🏻 privilege. Lots of resources to help you prepare; here’s one: www.nsvrc.org/sites/defaul...

www.nsvrc.org

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The Aware Advocate @cristeniris.bsky.social · Feb 24

I've watched the video of the event discussed in this article twice and reserved judgment until I could determine if the meeting agenda included time for public comments.
Per Newsweek, it did not.
This is what exercising #FirstAmendment rights looks like in #Idaho.
www.newsweek.com/protesters-r...

Protesters at Republican event told "your voice is meaningless"

A protester at an Idaho town hall hosted by a Republican committee made remarks from the audience to several legislative members on stage.

www.newsweek.com

The Aware Advocate @cristeniris.bsky.social · Feb 24

Opting out of oligarch-owned tech?
I'm switching from The Big M office suite to @libreoffice.bsky.social --free, open-source, nonprofit.
It may not be an option for everyone, but it with a few other process tweaks has been a great alternative for me so far.
www.libreoffice.org
#EconomicBlackoutDay

Home | LibreOffice - Free and private office suite - Based on OpenOffice - Compatible with Microsoft

Free office suite – the evolution of OpenOffice. Compatible with Microsoft .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx. Updated regularly, community powered.

www.libreoffice.org

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Reposted by The Aware Advocate

Art 4 Democracy @art4democracy.bsky.social · Feb 20

JOIN THE FIGHT! The time to act is now.
#ECONOMICBLACKOUTDAY FRIDAY FEB. 28
Download this image today and spread the word!
#art4democracy www.fiftyfifty.one

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The Aware Advocate @cristeniris.bsky.social · Feb 23

Funny coming from an unconstitutional department created to increase efficiency. How about letting the competent professionals spend their time, energy, and cognitive bandwidth on doing the actual work.
#SupportFederalWorkers
#StopTheCoup
#CongressDoYourJob

Reposted by The Aware Advocate

SuzyQ @suzyqfit4u.bsky.social · Nov 17

Family includes everyone! ❤️

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The Aware Advocate @cristeniris.bsky.social · Feb 21

Whenever we see/hear a proposal to "improve efficiency," we should ask:
1. Improve efficiency for whom?
2. To what end?
3. How will improving efficiency in this area and by these means potentially negatively effect other areas?
4. How high are the stakes?
5. Who stands to benefit and lose the most?

The Aware Advocate @cristeniris.bsky.social · Feb 21

Want more info?
Here's a fact sheet put out by the Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy, whose work is "non-partisan, fact-based, and Idaho-specific."
And they cite sources, so you can verify context and test whether their statements are accurate and conclusion trustworthy.
idahofiscal.org/medicaid-exp...

The Aware Advocate @cristeniris.bsky.social · Feb 21

If you haven't yet signed this petition to protect Medicare Expansion in #Idaho, here you go. It took me less than 5 minutes, including the time I took to add my comments (which is optional).

reclaimidaho.bsky.social @reclaimidaho.bsky.social · Feb 20

Take action NOW: Sign the petition urging senators & the governor to Protect Medicaid Expansion:

actionnetwork.org/petitions/te...

Reposted by The Aware Advocate

Carolyn Idaho @carolynidaho.bsky.social · Feb 20

Idaho friends, please call Gov. Brad Little's office at 208-334-2100. There's a recorded survey set up, asking the caller to enter 1 if you want it to pass and 2 for him to veto the bill. Please call and select 2 to VETO H93. We don't need school vouchers. Thank you! It just takes a minute.

a cartoon drawing of a roll of paper with the word bill written on it

Alt: The Bill character from Schoolhouse Rock is stamping the word VETO on the wall.

media.tenor.com

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Reposted by The Aware Advocate

Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund @dredf.bsky.social · Feb 20

The Implications of a 504 Rollback on Disability and Economic Justice | The Century Foundation tcf.org/content/comm...

The Implications of a 504 Rollback on Disability and Economic Justice

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a cornerstone of U.S. disability rights legislation. It was one of the first laws passed that directly supported

tcf.org

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Reposted by The Aware Advocate

50501: The People’s Movement ❌👑 @50501movement.bsky.social · Feb 20

🚨IMPORTANT PLEASE READ!🚨

50501 is a PEACEFUL movement dedicated to positive change through nonviolent action. We unequivocally condemn any form of violence, threats of violence, or the suggestion of using weapons in connection with our movement.

#50501movement #FiftyFiftyOne @polrev.bsky.social

Image says: We remain committed to non-violence. 50501: The People’s Movement, Official Statement on Violence and Weapons

50501 is a peaceful movement dedicated to positive change through nonviolent action. We unequivocally condemn any form of violence, threats of violence, or the suggestion of using weapons in connection with our movement. There is absolutely no place for such rhetoric in our spaces.

To be completely clear: Weapons are not permitted at any of our events. Our mission is rooted in peaceful advocacy, and we will not allow any actions that could endanger our supporters, the public, or law enforcement.

Furthermore, we have a zero-tolerance policy regarding discussions of firearms, violence, or any form of incitement on our channels and platforms. Anyone who violates this policy will be immediately banned. There will be no warnings, no second chances.
In all of our events, we have worked in accordance with local law as it pertains to local gatherings and protesting, including pulling permits. We expect all of our supporters to conduct themselves lawfully and responsibly, and disavow anything advocating for disruption or violence.
We urge everyone to remain peaceful, lawful, and committed to the principles of nonviolent action. 50501 stands for justice, progress, and the power of the people—peacefully. Let’s keep it that way.

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The Aware Advocate @cristeniris.bsky.social · Feb 20

If you're confused by conflicting information about #autism and vaccines, here's an excellent summary that includes the origin story of the claim that vaccines cause autism.
#EvidenceBasedMedicine #AuDHD #AutismAwareness #NoStigma #Neurodiversity #ActuallyAutistic
youtu.be/BwfqNkuSfZ4?...

The real reason people believe VACCINES cause AUTISM

YouTube video by Autistic AF

youtu.be