Stay the Course: The Battle for Equity and Justice Never Ends
It is a tumultuous time across the globe. There are monumental, pervasive, and persistent inequities and injustices. And, arguably, for the first time since the Cold War, global instability is at an all-time high. Every country across the globe is combating, to varying degrees, economic, social, civil, and environmental injustice, and war.
With all this turmoil, as a social justice advocate, I find it increasingly difficult to keep moving forward. So, how does one stay motivated? How do we continue to fight for equity and justice?
Here are six mantras that keep me centered and moving forward during these challenging times:
1. Think Globally, Act Locally. The fight for equity and justice is not restricted by borders. Most often, however, the opportunity for the greatest change and impact is within our homes, our local communities, our local school districts, our local places of worship, and with ourselves. Choose to be an ambassador for change locally. Speak out for and in support of those who are marginalized politically and economically. Speak out against hate and bigotry. Speak up for love and peace.
2. Honor Your History. Our battles may seem paramount and unique to our times, but they are not new. Remember our ancestors and learn from their struggles for civil rights, women’s rights, workers’ rights, voting rights, immigrant rights, climate justice, economic justice, and so much more. Their efforts brought us this far and we must rise to meet the challenges of our day; as they did.
3. Build for the Future. Our work should not only be in service to ourselves but for the benefit of future generations. Even as we seek to improve our conditions today, we must choose to leave a better world for future generations. It is imperative that we do the arduous work of protecting their futures as well.
4. Stay Civically Engaged. Choose to be an active participant in our democracy. VOTE in all local, state, and national elections. Stay involved after each election by joining your community board, volunteering at a local non-profit, reading materials that challenge your thinking and expand your knowledge about our democracy, and by holding our elected officials accountable.
5. Take Breaks and Give Grace. Practice self-care and compassion. These are frightening times. Regularly take time away from the constant stream of information and find your joy(s).
6. Check In. Check on your friends, family members, and neighbors. We are all in this together.
Together we can shape an inclusive, just, and equitable world. Let’s do this!
Jacqueline M. Ebanks (Jacqui) is Founder and CEO of SAE Consulting Group, a management consulting firm collaborating with its clients to create and advance sustainable solutions for an equitable, inclusive, and just world. Visit www.saeconsultingroup.com to learn more about our work or contact Jacqui at info@saeconsultingroup.com.
