“Rebellions are built on hope.”
Rebellions are built on hope
“Rebellions are built on hope.”
Star Wars
Today is May the Fourth, and for many sci-fi fans it is a humorous reminder of our connection to the Force. May the Fourth be with you. So, let’s connect.
I want to remind all of us of another quote from Star Wars: “Rebellions are built on hope.” This idea runs throughout the films and series. My favorite use of it is in Rogue One, when the council is trying to decide what to do with the information brought to them by Jyn Erso. They wonder if staying quiet might keep them safe. They question whether the Death Star is even real. They weigh their limited resources and ask, if we fight, what are the odds we can win? Can we act with nothing but hope?
Jyn Erso responds: “What choice do we have? The time to fight is now.” Someone echoes back, “Act with nothing but hope…” And Jyn answers, “Rebellions are built on hope.” For the rest, you’ll have to watch the movie.
So today, what am I asking of you? Not to make another “May the Fourth be with you” meme, but to use your pain, your outrage that things should be better, and join your voice with the many advocates at Stavros and across the world. At Stavros, we are all advocates. Here are some ways to act:
If you fear hunger,
Donate to a food bank.
Volunteer.
Advocate for legislation that protects SNAP benefits.
If you fear housing insecurity,
Advocate for fair housing laws.
Advocate for vouchers.
Join CHAPA or another organization fighting for affordable housing.
If you fear losing access to health care,
Advocate for health equity.
Support organizations like the Health Equity Coalition or the Public Health Institute of
Western Massachusetts.
If you fear losing your voice in our democracy,
Advocate for voting rights.
Register to vote.
Make sure you have what you need to vote.
If you fear losing access to education,
Advocate for the right to free education.
If you fear people with disabilities could lose the right to live at home,
Volunteer with or attend Stavros events.
Help us build ramps.
Give, and support the work.
Advocate for legislation that ensures access.
Stavros advocates for all of these things: health care, education, access, voting rights, transportation, equipment, housing, and the right to live at home.
The bottom line is that we cannot do this alone. We need a coalition. We need to join whatever rebel force exists to protect our rights and to live in peace. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama all needed community support to move their ideas forward. So do you. Stavros needs that same support.
Today, whatever you fear, meet it with action. Use the Force. Use your voice. Use your actions to build a better world. Dare to hope for a better future.
“Tomorrow’s world is yours to build.”
Yuri Kochiyama
This is our chance to make a real difference. Are you with me?
Angelina Ramirez
Stavros CIL CEO
Links and Resources:
If you fear hunger,
Donate to or get support from local food access organizations:
• Food Bank of Western Massachusetts — https://www.foodbankwma.org
• Amherst Survival Center — https://amherstsurvival.org
• Northampton Survival Center — https://www.northamptonsurvival.org
Volunteer your time or resources.
Advocate to protect and expand SNAP (DTA benefits in Massachusetts) — https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-transitional-assistance
If you fear housing insecurity,
Get support or advocate with:
• Way Finders (housing support, vouchers, homeownership) — https://www.wayfinders.org
• Valley CDC — https://www.valleycdc.org
Advocate for fair housing laws and expanded voucher access.
Join CHAPA (Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association) — https://www.chapa.org
If you fear losing access to health care,
Connect with:
• Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts — https://www.publichealthwm.org
• Health Equity Partnership of Western MA — https://www.publichealthwm.org/health-equity
• Community Health Centers like Caring Health Center — https://www.caringhealth.org
Advocate for health equity and community-based care.
Support organizations working at the intersection of disability and access, including Stavros — https://www.stavros.org
If you fear losing your voice in our democracy,
Register or check your status — https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr
Find support through:
• MassVOTE — https://www.massvote.org
• League of Women Voters of Massachusetts — https://lwvma.org
If you fear losing access to education,
Advocate for fully funded, accessible public education.
Connect with:
• Massachusetts Teachers Association — https://massteacher.org
• Holyoke and Springfield education advocacy groups (local school committees and family coalitions)
Support literacy and access programs like:
• Springfield City Library — https://www.springfieldlibrary.org
• Jones Library (Amherst) — https://www.joneslibrary.org
If you fear losing independence or access as a disabled person,
Start with Stavros Center for Independent Living — https://www.stavros.org
Explore services, peer support, housing advocacy, and independent living resources.
You can also connect with:
• Boston Center for Independent Living (statewide advocacy partner) — https://bostoncil.org