Creating Just Futures: When Saying the Right Things Isn't Enough
When Saying the Right Things Isn’t Enough: The Struggle of Persevering for an Inch of Movement
In our last Creating Just Futures meeting, a community member made a profound observation: "We've gotten really good at saying the right things and creating strategies that sound great. But the systems in which they exist stay the same." The emotion evoked inside felt immediate, as it perfectly captures the frustration many of us feel as change makers, community developers, advocates or (insert the hat YOU wear). We are tasked with driving change or impact within systems that are often inaccessible, harmful, exclusive, and one-size-fits-all.
Depending on the hat you wear or how you show up, you’re likely familiar with the burnout that comes from pushing against systems that are so much bigger than you are. And then the vulnerability that accompanies when you are also a victim to said systems. There’s also frustration (cue the eye rolls) of seeing well-crafted strategies and heartfelt statements that are empty because the underlying structures, policies, programs and practices remain unchanged. I’m exhausted just writing about it.
This work is hard. It demands not just our professional skills but also emotional and mental resilience. With all that, how can we continue to remain engaged, connected or motivated? It’s a struggle. Here are some helpful nuggets that continue to shape our Anti-Racism and Decolonization conversations:
Access Safe Spaces: First and foremost, I encourage you to join environments (like AR&D LAT) or communities of practices rooted in equity work. This is where you can express your frustrations, fears, and hopes without judgment. You’ll also receive much needed genuine connection, mutual support and accountability.
Focus on Small Wins: While systemic change is a long-term goal, celebrating loud and proud, no matter the size, along the way can help keep you motivated and connected to your mission. Keep going, you’re moving the needle.
Work in Collaboration: Personally, the most rewarding thing about joining spaces such as AR&D LAT, are the connections that turn into strong partnerships with those who share similar passion and purpose. Build a network of partners so you don’t have to do the work alone, or tag someone in so you can tag out when needed.
Lead with curiosity and discovery: Maybe we need a new approach? When we do this work every day it can be easy to forget the power of a question to spark someone else's critique of the system. Discussion and reflection often leads to connection and understanding! Discover new perspectives, scope ideas, make informed decisions. Dialogue is a tool within itself, use it to challenge, explore, create or inform.
Story-telling: Remember stories are both data and evidence that can leverage funding, visibility, and impact. Find inspiration in the stories being told all around us through song, discussion, art, events, or even ways of doing or living. Be critical in your pursuit to find stories and remember to share them with dignity and permission.
I invite you to share your experiences and strategies. How do you cope with the emotional toll of this work? Where do you draw inspiration from? What small victories have you celebrated recently?
Written by Denyelle Fraser