If you've been feeling helpless, overwhelmed, or just exhausted by the state of the world, you’ll be happy to know that Nancy Mays and Martha Lawrence have figured out something really important: action is the antidote to despair.

Nancy and Martha are the co-founders of Boots on the Ground Midwest, a Kansas City-based grassroots organization that connects people with meaningful ways to get involved, from neighborhood community hubs to voter registration drives to one-on-one meetings with city council members. They launched the organization after the 2024 election when they realized they weren't alone in feeling desperate for something to do.

In today’s episode, Lili talks with Nancy and Martha about how taking action (ANY action) is more effective than scrolling for your mental health, why community involvement is one of the most powerful tools for combating hopelessness, how to find your place in advocacy even if protests aren't for you, and why rest and joy aren't things to feel guilty about, but essential acts of resistance. They also introduce the concept of "broccoli time," a guilt-free permission slip to take a break, which might be the most practical mental health tool in the episode.

Resources Mentioned

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Contact Boots on the Ground Midwest:

Website: https://bootsonthegroundmidwest.org/

Instagram: @bootsonthegroundmidwest

Contact Lili:

Email - inbetweensessionspod@gmail.com Instagram: @inbetweensessionspodcast TikTok: @lilitorrecounseling www.lilitorrecounseling.com - reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consult for therapy!

The conversations on this podcast are meant to support, inspire, and inform, but they’re not a substitute for therapy or medical care. Listening to this show doesn’t create a therapeutic relationship. If something you hear resonates and you’d like more support, consider connecting with a licensed mental health professional in your area.

You can search for a therapist at psychologytoday.com.