A community is democratic only when the humblest and weakest person can enjoy the highest civil, economic, and social rights that the biggest and most powerful possess.
A. Philip Randolph
Sometimes those that want to help–actually hurt.
I am talking about those large institutions like corporations, governmental, academic and even professional ones like social service agencies. Just for the record, this is where I take out the mirror and look at myself. Pot, please meet kettle. At various times in my 20 plus year career I have belonged to each of those large entities I just named. And if I am being honest sometimes we have probably done harm where our intent was to help.
These institutions have resources and they can be amazing supporters and advocates, they just can not be in the drivers seat. They do not get to drive, hold the map or determine the road that will be utilized. The vision has to be driven by the people. True movements do not have CEOS or benefits. They happen when thousands of people discover their power and in doing so discover their possibilities. Movements take courage. It takes courage to discover your own way and own your destiny.
The American poet Audre Lorde said it best:
If I didn’t define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people’s fantasies for me and eaten alive.
And sometime other’s vision of our self or our communities come from a historical place of lack- a place of dependency. They tell communities that they are inadequate, problematic, incompetent or broken, but of course they know what the community need. They know how to “fix” it, how to help. I believe that at their core they do want to help–and sometimes when you are bone and soul weary it feels GOOD to have someone tell you that they will help you, give you what you need. It is sometime very hard to ignore these strong, loud voices, and hear your own heartbeat. We are all called to find our own way– no one walks your path for you.
The gifts of neighbors. The voice of strength. The path of abundance.
Strong local communities are vital and they are not created in a vacuum. They come from the freedom and opportunity to create vision and the power to make that vision a reality. You noticed I said POWER and not RESOURCES. In every local community we have the power to build a strong economic community. Every neighborhood in the world has some locally started enterprise- car mechanics, beauty shop, seamstress– so many basements, dining rooms, kitchens and garages offer great prices and impeccable work. As neighbors we have the power to utilize these services, choose their power to support these businesses over large institutions. When neighbors support neighbors they are really allowing them to share their gifts and talents.
When communities walk the path of abundance they join all of their gifts. When they grow food together and feed another. When they raise each other’s children together and invest in their future leaving none behind. When they care for all of the elders and value the wisdom they share. May we all have the opportunity to use our gifts to contribute to the healing of the world.
We all have the right to live in a safe and secure place. Freedom is our divine right. We all should be free to move beyond past limitations and become all that we were created to be. This can not happen if communities give others the power to define them. The gifts of community are endless. They need to be magnified and celebrated. They should be cherished and every community should be allowed to define themselves.
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wonderful post. “Movements take courage.”
So glad you enjoyed the post– Some of the most courageous people I know are those that commit their lives to serving others.
This is a powerful post. You are calling us forward to find the truth within ourselves and to have the courage to speak it and act on it.
This is brilliant: “They happen when thousands of people discover their power and in doing so discover their possibilities.”
Julie– That is excatly what I am saying–Speak truth to power. Once you understand how powerful you are– then your world is truly limitless. Thanks for stopping buy and sharing your thoughts.
Love this post! Dependence on institutions often stands in the way more than it helps. Couldn’t agree with this more either: “We all should be free to move beyond past limitations and become all that we were created to be”
You’re awesome! Love you!
deb
So glad I have great folks like you enjoying my post– we must believe in our individual right and bility to walk our own paths and create a better world.
I’m so glad to see the connections made between institutional structures; change and movement building; and the spiritual and emotional realms of power-play between institutions and people.
I personally have gotten involved in asking foundations to be accountable for keeping diversity metrics on their grantees and not tolerating exclusionary hiring practices among their grantees. It doesn’t always make me the most popular person in the room, but it’s part of what I’m meant to be doing right now.
There are great people in media, foundations, and education (all of which my career intersects with) who are changing the machine from inside. But, as with beauty advertising that relies on telling you you’re fat or old or WHATEVER in order to sell products you don’t need, sometimes institutions create insecurity in order to perpetuate the need for their services. We make solutions one by one each day. Thanks for this.
If we are told enough through a variety of mediums that we are broken or inadequate then we begin to believe it. Institutions need to constantly assess “how and why” they are supporting communities. Education and honesty between partners is the key for long term success. Its more than being right– its about doing right .
This is one powerful post! We must look at ourselves and our institutions and ask what the motivator is. Is it altruism or validation? We must look at ourselves and institutions and ask what our impact is. Are we nurturing growth or nurturing dependence? Thank you Desiree.
Gut checks are mandatory–I like to ask teh questions from teh Rotart 4 way test. It asks the following four questions: “Of the things we think, say or do:
•Is it the TRUTH?
•Is it FAIR to all concerned?
•Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
•Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?”
Oh you’ve got my juices flowing. When I did my MA in Community Psychology this is exactly what we talked about. You are an inspiration – so glad to have found you (via Julie Daley – another inspiration!)
So glad you are enjoying the post….stayed tune for my next one.. I think you might like it and i would love to hear your thoughyts!