Big news: Poeaxtry is now streaming live! Tune into our Twitch channel for poetry readings, creative collabs, and behind-the-scenes looks at our indie publishing and witchy projects. Maybe some rock slicing jam sessions? Who knows I Just set it up last night… FINALLY! So come check it out: twitch!
Expect live Q&As, community spotlights, and surprises along the way.
Poeaxtry Revolt – Your Creative Community Hub
REVOLT:
If you haven’t heard Poeaxtry’s Poetry Prism discord got a twin server. Where you ask? We joined the Revolt app, now felt like the perfect time. Our creative community is growing with discussion spaces for poets, artists, and writers of all kinds. Join here.
Whether you’re here for poetry, art, or just to meet like-minded creators, there’s a spot for you.
Connect and EngageFollow, join, or just watch! Let’s bringing all corners of Poeaxtry together online. Stay tuned for streams, events, and community-driven projects highlighting voices that need to be heard.
Creating meaningful change can feel overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start, but it doesn’t have to be. Change is built through consistent, joyful actions. These are small steps that add up to a bigger impact over time. In this guide, you’ll learn ways to make a difference weekly, monthly, and bimonthly. Each action is explained with practical examples, so no matter your experience or resources, you can start contributing immediately. At the end, you can download 3 full checklists and a bonus checklist for easy reference.
One of the easiest ways to begin creating an impact is by taking small, weekly actions that are actionable and meaningful. We also added joy to the mix to give a reward to ourselves for becoming the change. For instance, sending a supportive message or email to a minority-led organization might seem simple, but it can make a real difference. Even a brief note like “Hi, I just wanted to thank you for your work; it inspires me…” can boost morale and let these organizations know that their efforts are seen and appreciated.
Using or purchasing from minority-owned businesses is another small but powerful action. By intentionally supporting products or services from these businesses, you’re directly contributing to economic empowerment. You can find minority-owned businesses through directories like Buy Black, Official Black Wall Street, or even local listings. Even one small purchase counts.
Learning one new fact about minority histories or cultures each week expands your understanding and counters misinformation. Things like reading an article, watching a short video, or listening to a podcast, then sharing what you learned with a friend. Over time, these small learnings compound into a deeper awareness that influences your daily choices and conversations.
Calling out or politely correcting biased language or assumptions is another way to take weekly action. It doesn’t need to be confrontational; calmly explaining why a comment is harmful helps educate those around you and encourages accountability. Similarly, sharing a verified minority achievement or resource with someone… like a news story, a blog post, or a social media feature can help amplify important voices and keep these accomplishments visible.
Self-care also counts as an action. Taking time for yourself by going for a hike, cooking a favorite meal, doing a face mask, getting your nails done, reading a book, or listening to uplifting music can keep you grounded and energized for advocacy. You simply signing an online petition or joining a letter campaign are other ways to use your voice and influence policy. Finally, expressing gratitude publicly or privately to minority changemakers reinforces positive recognition and strengthens community bonds.
Monthly actions give you a chance to take slightly bigger steps that still fit within a manageable schedule. Participating in a virtual or local minority-supporting event, like a webinar, a virtual or local open mic, a lecture, or a cultural celebration. These expose you to new perspectives and help you connect with the work being done. Things like trying one new minority cultural experience: cooking a traditional dish, exploring music, or viewing art, can be a joyful way to learn and share culture, either with friends or online communities.
Self-paced online workshops on allyship or cultural understanding are perfect for deeper learning. You can take them on your own schedule, allowing you to reflect and use what you learn at your own pace. Volunteering remotely for advocacy or awareness tasks, such as moderating online discussions, sharing resources, or helping campaigns These let you contribute meaningfully without needing to attend in person.
By documenting and celebrating a minority achievements by writing a short post, vlogging, or highlighting someone on social media. You spread positivity and recognition. Sending letters or emails to officials advocating for inclusive policies is another actionable step, giving your voice weight in shaping decisions. When you highlight a minority-owned business or creator in your network it increases visibility and supports economic empowerment. Lastly, reflecting on and sharing a story or resource related to minority rights, even in casual conversation or online posts, expands understanding and encourages others to engage.
Bi-monthly actions involve taking on larger, more flexible commitments that can still be done by anyone. Supporting or amplifying existing minority-led projects or campaigns is one way to have a broader impact. This could mean sharing updates online, signing up for notifications, or contributing in small ways. Promoting scholarship, grant, or resource programs created by minority leaders, expands opportunities for others and can be done digitally.
When you advocate for systemic change through remote actions, like policy emails or participating in online, you allow anyone a voice in shaping outcomes. Volunteering flexibly for advocacy by things like resource sharing, digital organization, or communications allows you to make an impact when you can. Celebrating minority achievements in your community, either publicly or online, reinforces visibility and encouragement.
If you can create optional joyful projects to amplify minority voices you have another avenue. You can contribute creatively, write, draw, record, or otherwise produce something meaningful. Implementing a new supportive habit, like sharing resources, mentoring via email, or spotlighting stories, builds consistent impact. Finally, joining or supporting digital coalitions or advocacy groups allows participation in campaigns, discussions, and advocacy initiatives. This connects you to larger networks.
Occasionally, you might want to take on high-impact actions. This could be going to a protest or rally, signing major petitions, or participating in legislative campaigns. These give your voice significant weight. You may want to call or write officials about urgent minority issues which directly engages policy influence. You may help a family member or friend understand and support minority causes or spread awareness in your immediate community. You may decide to go no-contact with harmful individuals or companies, donate to high-impact minority-led organizations, organize awareness events, or volunteer in person. These all can be transformative actions, and are optional but powerful ways to amplify your impact.
Change is built through consistent, joyful actions that anyone can take. By following this guide, incorporating weekly, monthly, and bi-monthly steps, and exploring the Bonus Round opportunities, you can make a meaningful difference in supporting minority communities. Start small, celebrate progress, and remember that your actions whether big or small all add up.
Below are the checklist images to view you can download them for free from my gumroad and Payhip as well.
Friday, on my way to work, I received a thoughtful email from the editor of Magique Publishing. This is a platform that has published me. They have also interviewed me in the recent past. Our relationship has been meaningful in a rather short amount of time. I value the insight, as we have built on a working relationship with shared values and mutual support. The editor read my recent blog post about the changes I wanted my blog to inspire. He reached out to tell me that my words had gotten him thinking. He pointed out something important: many people say they want to be the change. However, few ever talk about how they actually plan to be the change. The how is what baffles most. He also asked me a direct and challenging question: how am I going to be the change?
The editor noticed something important. People are often aware of the big problems in the world. Yet, many don’t have clear guidance. Or they lack understanding on how to make a difference. We find it challenging to create impact on a small scale. He speaks about a university professor who, after leaving teaching, realized that practical “how-to” solutions for everyday activism were scarce. And wouldn’t you know he has a solution to help bridge that gap. He created a checklist of challenges. These are grouped by size and scope. People are welcomed to try them weekly or monthly. These challenges also include large spectrum goals. Examples are writing a letter to a government official or volunteering hours. They also consist of medium and small goals, like donating to a local charity or composting food scraps. He even suggested the possibility of joy-centered challenges to help people feel more connected and grounded in their communities. I love this idea of supporting each other through shared challenges and building momentum together.
That email also motivated my own self reflection on ways I’ve actually been the change and where I can do more. It is rare you meet someone able to challenge you so respectfully and with the best intentions. But the questions he proposed pushed me beyond words into concrete action. I’m sure I’ll be forever grateful for that.
In response, I’m dedicating time to developing two sets of goals organized into three clear categories: small weekly actions, medium monthly projects, and large bimonthly initiatives. One set will focus on personal goals for myself, while the other will center on community engagement, offering practical ways for contributors to get involved and create real change.
I am also keenly aware that many people speak about being the change but rarely take real, measurable steps. This gap between words and action is what I am determined to close. One key way I live this is by intentionally publishing only minority creators in all my collaborations and projects. While I do allow ally-supportive works when they add meaningfully, they must not speak over marginalized voices. No minority submitting a piece on theme will ever be turned away. I may not publish every piece in a collaboration, but I will always include at least one from a minority creator. I’m not aiming to silence more of us. I’m committed to amplifying marginalized voices and ensuring they are never overshadowed.
Though I am working steadily toward these goals, I know the work is ongoing and there is always more to do. That’s why I invite you, my readers and fellow changemakers, to consider your own goals for creating change. What small, medium, or large steps will you commit to? How will you move beyond talk and into meaningful action? I encourage you to share your goals in the comments. You can also reach out directly. Together, we can hold each other accountable. We can build a community dedicated to lasting impact.
I am deeply thankful to Magique Publishing’s editor for inspiring this reflection. Sometimes, one thoughtful question from the right person is all it takes to turn intention into powerful action. If you want help crafting your own goals, I’m here to support you. I’m also here if you want to engage your community in this conversation. Let’s make change happen, now.
It’s been one hell of a few weeks. I picked up extra days at work to prepare for vacation. All while I am still trying to deal with some kind of collarbone or shoulder injury. I hope to eventually figure out which one. I just got back from a great vacation filled with hiking, climbing, and chasing waterfalls. We also swam a lot. Those steps at Frying Pan Tower are still burning my thighs. Of course, I am already missing my sister and all the good times we had. It definitely ended way too soon.
My drive home wasn’t boring, either. I stopped at New River Gorge and Hawk’s Nest. I checked out Lover’s leap and Cathedral Falls. I was drenched by rain, but it was worth every damn drop. The photos and videos say it all. Damn, I love those views!
Creativity
On the creative side, I have a bunch of new poems. They include: “This Part of Me Is Sick,” “Not the Sun,” and “A Reminder.” I’m thinking about dropping some of those soon, so keep your damn eyes peeled. I honestly have loads more that haven’t made it here yet. If you know what’s up, you’ll stay tuned for more Poeaxtry’s Poetry Prism madness.
Oh, yea! I’m hiding interactive extras in my E-zines to differentiate them from an E-book! Some things will even be collectible from zine to zine! You’ll have to check them out to see!
Around where I hike and roam, I’ll be hiding bookmarks that link to free digital downloads. One batch sends you to PayHip, the other to Gumroad. They will each have a one time use code! It’s just my way of keeping the community connected, offering freebies, and getting my work out there! Check hiking trails and free libraries near you!
Speaking of zines, Tethered Fury is out now on Gumroad and PayHip for $9.99. I haven’t put it on Etsy. I am mostly trying to continue moving away from Etsy completely after the Alligator Alcatraz fiasco. Right now, I’m focusing on PayHip, Gumroad, and maybe Ko-fi for digital sales and freebies. What do you think? Are the cool kids still on Etsy? Has anything really changed? Let me know where you think I should be selling my physical products next.
Free Zines?
If you want to connect, or if you need a free copy of Tethered Fury, check out my Connections page. This is especially for those with BPD or another mental illness. You can also email me at poeaxtry@gmail.com. Just ask for the BPD Free Zine code. I’m also always happy to hook you up with freebies in exchange for honest reviews or other indie creations. DM me for details.
Thanks for sticking with me through the mess. I’m back on the grind and keeping things moving on time, or at least closer to on time!
Don’t forget my two community collaborations projects. They will feature art, essays, poems, and prose from minority voices. Check my projects page or email me at poeaxtry@gmail.com if you want in or want more info.
Much love,
Axton N.O. Mitchell
@Poeaxtry_
Form to get Tethered Fury for FREE! Free Digital Collections for honest reviews. Links
I am a fan of the melancholy, the morbid, and the macabre.
A glutton for the gore and the grotesque. A shameless slut for a slasher or two.. I’m hoping this is also you.
See I find it easier to write about what I know and I like. If I hit a bump or two and I cannot seem to write a thing, I like. I just look into the dark for a spark.
If you make friends when the sunshine dies where the sidewalk ends… Where creepers find a home to crawl, You are in for a treat. Take your seat.
This is my homage to the strange, the odd one out, the girl who forgot her shout, and the boy who had her back but never his own. You are no longer under attack.
