Megan Stielstra
@meganstielstra.bsky.social
writer, editor, teacher, axe-thrower 🪓
meganstielstra.com
meganstielstra.com
This spring I'm working with @offassignment.bsky.social on an online class about writing rage. Dan, Maggie, Ashley, and Carmen are going to help me. Their work has kept me from launching myself into the sun. Come join us.
Hey next Feb/March I'm helping the incredible @meganstielstra.bsky.social with a class she's teaching called "Writing Rage." The amazing @smashfizzle.bsky.social and @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social and Carmen Maria Machado are also helping. Will be wild. www.offassignment.com/writing-rage
Writing Rage — Off Assignment
www.offassignment.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:20 PM
This spring I'm working with @offassignment.bsky.social on an online class about writing rage. Dan, Maggie, Ashley, and Carmen are going to help me. Their work has kept me from launching myself into the sun. Come join us.
Reposted by Megan Stielstra
today, a federal judge ordered the release of 615 people wrongfully abducted by ICE / CBP from june to october (yay!). as if they haven't already been through enough trauma and violence, they each still have to pay a $1500 bond (aka ransom & extortion) (boo!).
donate here twd the $900K+ in bond:
donate here twd the $900K+ in bond:
Midwest Immigration Bond Fund
www.mibfc.org
November 13, 2025 at 12:17 AM
today, a federal judge ordered the release of 615 people wrongfully abducted by ICE / CBP from june to october (yay!). as if they haven't already been through enough trauma and violence, they each still have to pay a $1500 bond (aka ransom & extortion) (boo!).
donate here twd the $900K+ in bond:
donate here twd the $900K+ in bond:
Reposted by Megan Stielstra
i’m ready for something different than whatever the fuck this is
November 10, 2025 at 12:51 AM
i’m ready for something different than whatever the fuck this is
Reposted by Megan Stielstra
I know quite a few comrades on the ACA exchange. I used to be on the exchange for years. A doubling or tripling of premium costs will be a death sentence for people who NEED HEALTH INSURANCE to survive. PERIOD.
We've heard Democrats say as much for WEEKS. So what the hell??????
We've heard Democrats say as much for WEEKS. So what the hell??????
November 9, 2025 at 11:05 PM
I know quite a few comrades on the ACA exchange. I used to be on the exchange for years. A doubling or tripling of premium costs will be a death sentence for people who NEED HEALTH INSURANCE to survive. PERIOD.
We've heard Democrats say as much for WEEKS. So what the hell??????
We've heard Democrats say as much for WEEKS. So what the hell??????
Reposted by Megan Stielstra
With appearances by @britticisms.bsky.social, @zoezolbrod.bsky.social, Gina Frangello, @meganstielstra.bsky.social, and the all-star band of @marydeereynolds.bsky.social, Amalea Tshilds, @beanatitagain.bsky.social, Angela James, L. Wyatt, Julie Pomerleau & Jeanine O'Toole.
CHICAGO! We are getting the band back together for ONE NIGHT ONLY to celebrate Sinéad with words, music, and cake. Dec 17 at the Hideout. Proceeds go to @icirr.bsky.social
Nothing Compares to Her: A Salute to Sinéad | Hideout Chicago
Nothing Compares to Her: A Salute to Sinéad The late Sinéad O’Connor was a singular talent whose soaring voice and fearless advocacy for children, the LGBTQ community, and anyone being crushed by th...
hideoutchicago.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:21 PM
With appearances by @britticisms.bsky.social, @zoezolbrod.bsky.social, Gina Frangello, @meganstielstra.bsky.social, and the all-star band of @marydeereynolds.bsky.social, Amalea Tshilds, @beanatitagain.bsky.social, Angela James, L. Wyatt, Julie Pomerleau & Jeanine O'Toole.
Reposted by Megan Stielstra
One analytical model shows that, as of November 5th, the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. has already caused the deaths of 600,000 people, two-thirds of them children. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/jUzNSc
The Shutdown of U.S.A.I.D. Has Already Killed Hundreds of Thousands
The short documentary “Rovina’s Choice” tells the story of what goes when aid goes.
newyorkermag.visitlink.me
November 6, 2025 at 9:00 PM
One analytical model shows that, as of November 5th, the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. has already caused the deaths of 600,000 people, two-thirds of them children. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/jUzNSc
❤️❤️❤️❤️
HUGE ANNOUCEMENT: We are beside ourselves with excitement to share with you that we've been awarded a $100,000 grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
November 6, 2025 at 9:49 PM
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Reposted by Megan Stielstra
Ellis says she sees a Chicago where neighbors "have shown up for each other .. standing watch to protect the most vulnerable among us."
November 6, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Ellis says she sees a Chicago where neighbors "have shown up for each other .. standing watch to protect the most vulnerable among us."
Reposted by Megan Stielstra
Ellis starting the day off by reading out Carl Sandburg's poem "Chicago" in its entirety.
November 6, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Ellis starting the day off by reading out Carl Sandburg's poem "Chicago" in its entirety.
Reposted by Megan Stielstra
When operation midway blitz started, the term “detained” was used to describe federal agents taking ppl. There has been a shift in the language being used among rapid responders and Chicagoans. Abduction/kidnapped feels more accurate bc there are no warrants, no badged agents, no due process.
November 4, 2025 at 6:56 PM
When operation midway blitz started, the term “detained” was used to describe federal agents taking ppl. There has been a shift in the language being used among rapid responders and Chicagoans. Abduction/kidnapped feels more accurate bc there are no warrants, no badged agents, no due process.
Reposted by Megan Stielstra
Another world is possible, if we fight for it
November 5, 2025 at 3:27 AM
Another world is possible, if we fight for it
Reposted by Megan Stielstra
The lesson here is have good principles and stand on them. Stand for something that isn't power!
Zohran at the rally for trans youth on february 8 ❣️ he was polling single digits.
November 5, 2025 at 2:59 AM
The lesson here is have good principles and stand on them. Stand for something that isn't power!
Reposted by Megan Stielstra
It's publication day for Read This When Things Fall Apart! So grateful to our contributors and to @akpress.org for making this book a reality. This is a strange time to be promoting a book, but I believe it's a text that has the potential to help us right now. Please get yourself a copy. ❤️
Read This When Things Fall Apart: Letters to Activists in Crisis
Letters to Activists in Crisis
bookshop.org
November 4, 2025 at 2:43 PM
It's publication day for Read This When Things Fall Apart! So grateful to our contributors and to @akpress.org for making this book a reality. This is a strange time to be promoting a book, but I believe it's a text that has the potential to help us right now. Please get yourself a copy. ❤️
Reposted by Megan Stielstra
Teen Vogue took young people seriously. It's impossible to overstate how important, how rare, and how profoundly needed that is.
November 3, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Teen Vogue took young people seriously. It's impossible to overstate how important, how rare, and how profoundly needed that is.
gonna do this
An autoreply that just says “I don’t have an assistant”
November 3, 2025 at 3:36 PM
gonna do this
Reposted by Megan Stielstra
"My Grandma would want me to fight them." I have loved Lynda Barry cartoons for 40 years. Gift link:
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/31/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/31/o...
November 1, 2025 at 9:04 PM
"My Grandma would want me to fight them." I have loved Lynda Barry cartoons for 40 years. Gift link:
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/31/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/31/o...
Reposted by Megan Stielstra
Nearly 2 million people in Illinois could lose SNAP benefits starting Saturday. Here's a list of food pantries in Chicago & the suburbs if you're looking to donate or you need extra food. tinyurl.com/2zxvrxx5
Where to find Chicago-area food pantries if SNAP goes away during the shutdown
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will be cut off Saturday unless Congress acts. Here’s a list of food pantries across Chicago and the suburbs.
tinyurl.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Nearly 2 million people in Illinois could lose SNAP benefits starting Saturday. Here's a list of food pantries in Chicago & the suburbs if you're looking to donate or you need extra food. tinyurl.com/2zxvrxx5
We can write about it.
The new year will be here before you know it. Give yourself a little treat to look forward to -- this incredible online class with @meganstielstra.bsky.social , "Urgency and the Personal Essay." Four sessions start January 8.
Urgency and the Personal Essay: Four Lessons on What to Say, How to Say it, Revision, and Submitting with Megan Stielstra - StoryStudio Chicago
"I’ve written a hundred course descriptions in my career, but over the past few months these paragraphs feel new and charged and vital. What does it mean to write in this time? To write of this time?…
buff.ly
October 29, 2025 at 9:07 PM
We can write about it.
Reposted by Megan Stielstra
October 28, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Reposted by Megan Stielstra
Food bank director: “for every meal that a food bank provides, the SNAP program provides nine. There’s no way we can meet that gap.”
October 27, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Food bank director: “for every meal that a food bank provides, the SNAP program provides nine. There’s no way we can meet that gap.”
Here's for Chicago & Cook County:
www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food-2/
www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food-2/
October 26, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Here's for Chicago & Cook County:
www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food-2/
www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food-2/
Reposted by Megan Stielstra
I’m starting to appreciate the extent to which all of Chicago is a frayed nerve right now
October 16, 2025 at 1:51 AM
I’m starting to appreciate the extent to which all of Chicago is a frayed nerve right now
Reposted by Megan Stielstra
15 US states and territories have formed a new Public Health Alliance, which will counter the absence of federal leadership by tracking outbreaks, issuing guidance, buying vaccines and more.
Members of the new alliance include CA, CO, CT, DE, GU, HI, IL, MD, MA, NJ, NY, NC, OR, RI, WA.
Members of the new alliance include CA, CO, CT, DE, GU, HI, IL, MD, MA, NJ, NY, NC, OR, RI, WA.
October 16, 2025 at 4:43 AM
15 US states and territories have formed a new Public Health Alliance, which will counter the absence of federal leadership by tracking outbreaks, issuing guidance, buying vaccines and more.
Members of the new alliance include CA, CO, CT, DE, GU, HI, IL, MD, MA, NJ, NY, NC, OR, RI, WA.
Members of the new alliance include CA, CO, CT, DE, GU, HI, IL, MD, MA, NJ, NY, NC, OR, RI, WA.
Reposted by Megan Stielstra
Did you know that if you buy my book on Amazon, Jeff Bezos makes 5 times as much as I do on each copy sold? Sharing some behind-the-scenes book math on why buying directly from presses is best for EVERYONE (except Bezos) in my newsletter today! aubreyhirsch.substack.com/p/book-math
October 14, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Did you know that if you buy my book on Amazon, Jeff Bezos makes 5 times as much as I do on each copy sold? Sharing some behind-the-scenes book math on why buying directly from presses is best for EVERYONE (except Bezos) in my newsletter today! aubreyhirsch.substack.com/p/book-math
Reposted by Megan Stielstra
If Congress doesn't act, costs will rise on premiums for health care plans on the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. Here's what to know about the politics and real-world impact of this issue.
5 things to know about the health care fight behind the shutdown
If Congress doesn't act, costs will rise on premiums for health care plans on the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. Here's what to know about the politics and real-world impact of this issue.
n.pr
October 13, 2025 at 11:47 PM
If Congress doesn't act, costs will rise on premiums for health care plans on the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. Here's what to know about the politics and real-world impact of this issue.