Becoming an Ally
“A lot of us are feeling alone, and feeling like we're not being seen, or we're not being heard. Nobody really talks about us! We want a little bit of support, and it's not just material. We want a people-to-people connection. We are feeling like we are alone, but you can be part of it! You can help us, and you can support us. Not to save us, but to help us.”
— Thiri, Episode #172, “Hope From the Heartland”
In 2021, Jake Snyder, a listener from the United States, stumbled upon the Insight Myanmar Podcast during a road trip through the Midwest. He was immediately captivated by an interview with Thiri, and was particularly moved by her vulnerability and intimate storytelling. Her emotional openness resonated deeply with Jake, enabling him to better understand Myanmar's present reality. Inspired to make a difference, he began donating regularly to Better Burma, specifically earmarking his contributions for Thiri's work.
Thiri, meanwhile, suffering memory loss due to post-coup trauma, described how she came on that original podcast to express hope while seeking out support and solidarity. So for her, Jake's commitment went beyond just welcome financial contributions, it symbolized a willingness to show up for people in despair! It was about more than just much-needed material aid, it was about human connection and emotional support, which are often missing amid Myanmar's ongoing struggles. She emphasized that even a single person's outreach, like Jake's, can make a significant difference in combating feelings of isolation, and bolstering people’s resilience. For his part, Jake related his own journey of recovery from addiction as being a motivating factor for deciding to bear witness. Thiri shared Jake's committed response and his personal story with her friends and community in Myanmar, highlighting the impact one person's support can have in a distant land facing dire challenges.
Thiri's plea for support and connection is a call to action for us all. In a world where many voices go unheard and struggles remain in the shadows, we each have the power to change that narrative. Like Jake, we can choose to show up; not to save, but to help. Each of us can play a role in ensuring that individuals like Thiri continue to feel both seen and heard. By extending a hand of solidarity and compassion, we become part of a global network that refuses to let people suffer in silence. It's not just about material aid; it's about being a beacon of hope, a source of resilience, and a reminder that we are all connected, regardless of our geographic or cultural differences. In a world that can often feel isolating, our collective support can be the glue that binds us together and makes a meaningful impact.