As a citizen who enjoys things like planes not running into each other in the sky, safe food, etc. I support federal workers. As a journalism professor who sometimes teaches about what makes charity effective, a couple of thoughts. #Thread

I am glad that people are stepping up to help. But #ethics!
The people in line in pictures like this are doing something humiliating. Covering this? Frame the shot so you can't identify people.
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The story mentions people donating cans of soup and boxes of ramen. Donating rocks, but try to donate things YOU would want to eat. Food banks often have a list of wanted things want on a web site. Here's Capital Food Bank
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Dignity matters. You can think creatively about this - invite a neighbor's kids over for a playdate so a parent can stand in that line or drive Uber. If your area is affected and a usually crowded restaurant is rather empty, tip well if you can.

If you ARE or you KNOW people who are affected and not being covered, reach out to media and tell your story. If you're a writer, write up an Op-Ed. Here's some advice on how to do it. drsturgill.wordpress.com/2013/10/10/wri… If you're not, give a TV reporter a call or e-mail.

There's usually contact information for reporters in all media on the organization's web site.

There's many political opinions, but the sole control to negotiate and fix this lies in the hands of elected representatives. Studies have shown that they have trouble knowing what constituents actually want, so tell them. usa.gov/elected-offici…