The Boycott and Build Movement
The Boycott and Build group of Indivisible Tucson (ITAA) is a new team doing the work of identifying businesses that support Trump and those which stand up against his threats. They are encouraging people to spend their money wisely supporting companies who share our values.
The Boycott and Build group focuses on how the money we spend and invest influences the world we live in, including who gets elected. We don't just buy the product or service being sold, we also buy whatever values the company and its owners hold. Buy from a business who supports Ciscomani (who voted for the big ugly budget bill) with their profits? That purchase supports the creation of the world laid out in that big ugly bill. So, the message the Boycott and Build group focuses on is: You vote every time you spend money. Choose wisely!
HOW DO I CHOOSE WISELY?
Making purchasing choices that align with our values begins with not getting lured into a purchase without asking a few questions first. This week we are focusing on three possible questions to ponder before you hit BUY or swipe your card at the checkout stand:
CAN I LIVE WITHOUT THIS? Many purchases are made on an emotional, spur-of-the moment decision and regretted later. Take a moment to pause and ask if this is really a necessary purchase. If not how could the money be better spent? Possibly investing in a local start-up business, donating to a local organization or helping family, friends, or others you know in need. For some, an easier question to start with might be DO I WANT TO GIVE MYSELF PERMISSION TO HAVE THIS? The key is finding the question that works for you personally to be more mindful of each purchase before pressing BUY or swiping your card at the register.
CAN I REPAIR WHAT I HAVE? Can you fix what you have or know someone who can help you? Repair cafes are also a great option and we are lucky to have Tucson Repair Cafe here in town. Check out this heartwarming video that will surely inspire you to want to participate in a repair cafe.
CAN I FIND IT USED, REFURBISHED OR UPCYCLED? From finding a bargain at a thrift shop or used book store, to buying refurbished technology from a major retailer like Apple, or the B-Corp BackMarket as examples, buying used or refurbished should always be considered option before buying new.
IF YOU DECIDE TO BUY
Find the best option that can both meet your financial needs while also supporting businesses that best support democratic principles, your community and other issues you value like the environment, fair wages, worker conditions, etc. Look for companies like B-Corps that adhere to certain human rights, social justice, and environmental standards. Learn more about them here: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/.
BE CAREFUL NOT TO FALL FOR THE HYPE: Feeling the pressure to buy because you think something is a great deal and won't last. Things are not always as they appear. For example some Amazon Prime deals are actually not all they are made out to be as is discussed here: https://popular.info/p/prime-day-is-a-scam
CHECK OUT TUCSON REPAIR CAFE JULY 26th AT FLOWING WELLS LIBRARY
As mentioned above, repair cafes are not just a great way to get something fixed versus throwing it out and buying new, but they are great community builders. And community building is an important key to resisting authoritarianism. Check out all of Tucson Repair Cafe's upcoming events and important details on attending here and then watch this video about how it all works.
GO AMAZON DRY IN JULY CONTINUES
Please keep making efforts to shift your dollars away from Amazon and toward local businesses or national chains like Costco that have been willing to stand up to Trump. You can find details on the Go Amazon Dry event (sponsored by Target Majority, an NYC based Indivisible group) on Mobilize. Their toolkit includes a spreadsheet of alternatives to Amazon.
Boycotts have been successfully used in the past to resist. They have truly changed history! The great thing about boycotting is you can do it from the privacy of your own home, completely risk free. And you can start today and do it every day. You do not need to wait until November 2026 to make your voice heard. Vote with your dollars each day as an act of resistance against this administration's actions. Stop supporting the businesses and owners who support Trump, Ciscomani and others who are harming our country.
FOR THOSE WHO MAKE PURCHASES AS PART OF YOUR EMPLOYMENT OR VOLUNTEER WORK
If you are in charge of making purchasing decisions at your workplace or an organization you volunteer with, please use those dollars spent, if possible, to support local businesses when possible, or larger corporate businesses who stand up for the values we are fighting for at Indivisible. This is important for everyone to consider, but especially if you have decision-making power over large amounts of purchasing.
For more information, please contact Lisa Vaughn at lisabehappy@proton.me.