The Zombies are Here!

Remember that zombie TV show “The Walking Dead”? Survival of humans vs the undead. I was OBSESSED. Every week I watched small groups of strangers working together to stay alive. I made up a game I’d play in my head, “Zombie or Pod” categorizing people based on their behavior.  If I could see myself fighting to keep them alive and thought they might do the same, “Pod.”

I’m not gonna lie, survival looked EXHAUSTING, all that running and fighting and find places to rest just to plan and prepare for more running and fighting, and resting, woof. Survival is worth the cardio but I also wondered what skills I had making me pod worthy. What did I bring to the pod party? How could I help in the fight to avoid becoming zombie charcuterie? I mean, I’m a mediocre cook but I watch a lot of “Chopped”. I have a good working knowledge of medicine based on my mom having been an MD and binging Grey’s Anatomy and House (it’s never lupus-if you know, you know). I could maybe diagnose you but as far as surgery? See previous statement re my mediocre cooking-my knife skills are lacking. I think I’m funny but no one needs a knock knock joke with zombies’ clawing through the front door. I’m opinionated, not always a great quality and not enough to tip the scale in my direction.  I settled on my schmoozing. My ability to build relationships, my passion to encourage the sharing of skills and resources no matter the circumstances; to create mutual aid. Cooperation is what we’d need to fight the disgusting, brainless, violent enemy hellbent on stealing our souls and making us carpaccio.

My fascination with the show wasn’t the gore, it was their fierceness rooted in their group effort; each person nailing their part of the plan. Their deepening relationships sharing food, training, talents and general bad-assery made them stronger-their plans more devious and effective. They got more organized, more dialed in with every episode. And, hell, less running!

Here’s the thing about zombies, they were tenacious and determined but myopic only looking to overtake their dinner. The soulless were easily distractible, someone yelled and they took their eyes off the prize. Yelling worked as a great diversion and first line of defense.  That tactic was only the first phase in the fight…then came the real battle.

Never once did I think the show was non-fiction but, dammit, here they are. Our huge pod is uniting and has started phase one: Yelling. Our rallies send a clear message: “Look at us! We’re here and we’re not going anywhere!”  Now, while we do that, it’s time to schmooze! To find our local pods; to share our baddassery. To plan. To prepare. Preparation means being ready to support those who go in first. Things like strikes will take local planning if people are to walk off jobs for any period of time. They’ll need support with things like legal funds, food and whatever else can help them.  This isn’t a small task but hopefully it won’t include running. How then? Maybe that means looking to your existing social groups and activities buddies- having deeper conversations. Maybe it means being willing to put up a sign on local bulletin boards that you’re hosting a potluck to save democracy.  Maybe it’s a book club on how to fight fascism. Maybe it’s finding your local Indivisible chapter. Maybe it’s choosing a cause you’re passionate about, contacting an org and offering help.  Maybe it’s volunteering with us at Activate Maine, or helping us by submitting events you come across/initiate that go beyond “diversion.” Maybe you just offer support to anyone who needs it.

The zombies are terrifying.  The zombies are determined, BUT the zombies can’t fight what our pods plan. We are a network with skills to share. Don’t worry like I did about what skills you have to offer.

Your skill is your passion. Learn, teach, share, support and act however you can. Find a local pod or start your own.  Yell AND plan.