Now is the Time for Action
On November 5, 2024, despite the efforts of countless coalitions and organizing movements, Americans voted to re-elect former President Donald Trump as the 47th man to serve in that role. Understandably, individuals from various groups began to analyze why this happened and how they could best respond to this new administration and what it will bring. Eventually a debate emerged about the desire for some to express that they voted for Kamala Harris by wearing blue bracelets while many argued that these performative actions were counterproductive to what should be happening right now.
As an organizer, equity professional, and Black woman, I would like to caution everyone against responding to this event with performative gestures. It may make us feel better, but it won’t lead to change. Instead, we should be asking this question: What collective actions should we be taking that will benefit the ENTIRE community? Unfortunately, too many times, the question becomes “How do I feel better?” even if we claim to be working for all. Though I will examine the reasons for this in future posts, I want to provide you with a few suggestions of my own:
Examining the meaning of “community.” What has community meant for you in the past? Who has been part of your community? Who has been missing from your community? Whose voices do you need to add so that you can have a full understanding of the needs of your community?
Listening to the voices of the most marginalized in your community. You cannot adequately organize if you don’t understand what needs to change and improve for those you hope to support. You also cannot create an effective plan for change if you don’t understand that unless the needs of the most vulnerable are addressed, we will continue to be willing participants in the very systems we are trying to fight against.
Using your voice to speak to those who would attempt to silence members of marginalized communities or to speak to those who support hate, racism, and discrimination such as family members and people from your own identity and experience who may not understand why so many people are scared and angry.
Understanding the anger and mistrust currently felt by historically excluded and marginalized group. This is not the time to try to tell people how they should feel. It is also not the time to tell them how they should feel about you personally (i.e. “I voted for Kamala; why are you mad at me?”) Instead, create space for them to process and create their own boundaries. Also, don’t attempt to gaslight them by invalidating their anger when it is most likely based upon their lived experience.
Learning what people mean by “doing the work.” It is easier to understand the frustrations of specific communities if you can understand what has happened in the past and how it is relevant to our current reality and future prospective.
Finding organizations that are already doing organizing work and finding out how you can further support them: volunteering, donating, fundraising, etc. Please focus on organizations local to your area rather than national organizations as they are least likely to have access to large amounts of funding (particularly Black-led organizations), but more likely to have a direct impact on your communities and states.
Creating a personal organizing plan built around actions: supporting the work of current organizations; participating in protests, boycotts, coalitions and community partnerships; advocating for economic reform, resource sharing, system reform, and so much more.
There is a lot to be done right now, and we need people who truly understand what it means to do it. Let’s get to work!
*If you’d like to learn more about your personal role in organizing, please purchase your copy of The Advocate in Me: Advocates and Activists’ Workbook and Journal through my “Published Works” page.
