Turning Grief Into Community Action
by Arthur Asriyants
Losing my grandfather taught me that activism does not always begin with politics. Sometimes it begins with a closet full of memories and a choice about what to do next.
When my grandfather passed away, I found myself surrounded by the presence he left behind. His clothes still hung where he last placed them. His routines still echoed through the house. Grief arrived not only as sorrow but also as clarity. It forced me to see what truly mattered once the noise of everyday life fell silent.
In Armenian tradition, we give away the belongings of the deceased so their spirit can move forward freely. I followed that tradition, but I wanted it to carry a deeper purpose. My grandfather lived a life grounded in integrity, generosity, and care for others. Dropping his belongings at a thrift store that might send them to a landfill or ship them overseas without thought did not feel like an honest reflection of who he was.
So I began researching. Very quickly, I learned that not all donations support the community the way we hope. Many thrift stores struggle with oversupply and quietly dispose of items. Others resell clothing in ways that harm local economies or fail to get quality pieces to people who truly need them. If I wanted his belongings to make a real difference, I needed to find the right place.
My search eventually led me to the West Seattle Food Bank’s Clothesline program, where clothing is treated as a matter of dignity, not waste. There, I met Al, a volunteer, and we talked about the people they served: families rebuilding their lives, teens preparing for job interviews, elders trying to stay warm through the winter. Standing in that room, surrounded by items that would be chosen with care, I realized my grandfather’s legacy did not live in the objects themselves. It lived in the act of giving them purpose.
I’m sharing this experience with members of DGG Political Action, a young volunteer group still discovering what everyday activism looks like. We are not professionals. We are regular people who believe political engagement begins long before elections. It begins in the moments where empathy meets initiative. It begins with small decisions made in kitchens, community centers, and places like the Clothesline.
I’m hoping my personal loss will become an opening for conversations about responsibility, community care, and the many ways people can take action without waiting for permission or recognition. It is not a movement, just a quiet start. Yet quiet starts often become the moments that matter most.
If my story carries any message for readers, it is this: activism does not always start with rallies or headlines. It can start with a single act of intention. It can start when you choose to make the harder, more intentional decision and research where your donations will actually help. It can start when you meet a volunteer, ask questions, and learn what your community truly needs.
So here is my call to action. The next time you prepare to donate, pause. Do the research. Look for organizations that treat people with dignity. Support programs like the West Seattle Food Bank’s Clothesline. Talk to volunteers like Al, who understand the real impact your choices can have.
A thoughtful donation may seem small, but it can be the beginning of meaningful activism. And your action, however modest, can help carry someone else forward, just as my grandfather’s legacy continues to carry me.
Art
Arthur Asriyants
Organizer, DGG Political Action
West Seattle Food Bank, Clothesline