Social Justice Participation

Social Justice week at Pace University

Where and how do we take a meaningful stand in the pandemic of hate, violence, fear and social unrest in our country and communities today?

Many of us think that we cannot do enough to stop these injustices, to enact change, to protect our community members and be a force of good. As if our actions could never amount to any type of change. One financial donation isn’t enough to fuel a social movement. One protest poster isn’t enough to reform policing, one social media post sharing resources can’t guarantee others to take action… and so on.

The truth is that when listening to this kind of self-limiting critic, we become derailed from acting in coherence with our values and life intentions. We become frustrated, resigned, then cynical — in that order — a cycle that brings us further away from acting in accordance to what has significant meaning to us.

If you feel ‘stuck’ in this cycle, first acknowledge yourself for recognizing the pattern and critic-chatter that you’ve been listening to, up until now. Since the ontological rule states, “you cannot be what you can observe”, you are now free to detach from these thoughts and assert your focus on what holds more meaning and interest to you.

Next, ask yourself: “If I could take action, one small, sweet step towards what I think is a better outcome, what could I do?” Maybe you’d write a letter to a state representative, volunteer, donate money or goods, organize an event, or use your social media platforms to share information and resources.

Once you figure out your next step, and better yet, take it, you’ve successfully made the shift from self-blame and cynicism caused by lack of action. You are demonstrating your values in physical reality, thus transforming the nature of your thoughts and proving the inner critic wrong.

I encourage taking small, consistent steps because in reality, none of it is small if it’s about expressing what holds meaning for you, and bringing what was inside of you out and into the world for all of us to connect with. Justice work and social reform is an ongoing process, and each contribution brings the movement forward.

What will be your next small, sweet step?

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