An invitation
we must act, and it starts with intentionally living anti-racist, anti-sexist lives
Hi. It’s been a week since I wrote last. I still hope this message finds you well. Part of the challenge I have in writing is letting the words come. I have so many thoughts on any given day that I want to exchange, and learn, and dialogue… so here’s my renewed attempt (before Jan 1st, for what it’s worth) to get back into a pattern.
If you’ve been here a minute, I hope you’ve heard me talk about sustainability. I define sustainability by the triple bottom line, the idea that we balance people, planet, and profit in equilibrium. I argue that we know how to “balance” planet (environment) and profit (economy), but we can’t figure out how to balance people (equity). So, we collectively throw our hands up.
That means an entire piece of this equation goes missing, every day. That means we’ll never get to sustainability. And, in my vision, that’s a world where people have enough, we have easy and abundant access to clean air, water, soil, shelter, respite from weather, connected to a community show shows us emotion, and access to indeed play with “what should we be doing here.” Not getting there isn't an option for me.
Balancing people requires a foundation of living active, anti-racist, anti-sexist lives. Balancing people requires a foundation of equity, justice, and inclusivity.
We have challenging times. Right now. So, we must come together as a community to actively promote values of equity, justice, and inclusivity. As we navigate a world that continues to grapple with issues of racism and sexism, it becomes increasingly important for each of us to take a stand and commit to living actively anti-racist and anti-sexist lives.
I keep repeating this because it’s crucial. We are missing a piece of the equation. And we must right that wrong. Full stop. That means inaction is no longer acceptable. That means we must be active in addressing the systemic racist and sexist contract we were born into, and we must change it.
I have always trumped creating a sustainable world based on these principles. Since you are here, I trust you want a sustainable world, too. We can no longer rest on our laurels. Now is the time to amplify our voices, these values of equity, justice, and inclusivity. By actively engaging in conversations, education, and action, I believe we can create ripples to get us closer to a more inclusive and equitable society.
Here are some examples of what action looks like:
1. **Educate Yourself:** Take the time to educate yourself on issues related to racism and sexism. Read books, articles, and watch documentaries that provide diverse perspectives and insights. Knowledge is a powerful tool in dismantling prejudice.
2. **Start Conversations:** Initiate open and honest conversations within your circles about racism and sexism. Create a safe space for people to share their experiences, thoughts, and questions. By fostering dialogue, we can break down barriers and build understanding.
3. **Challenge Bias:** Actively challenge and confront any biases or stereotypes you encounter. Be vigilant in promoting fairness and equality in the workplace, social settings, or even yourself.
4. **Support Inclusive Causes:** Identify and support organizations and initiatives that actively work towards dismantling systemic racism and sexism. Your time, resources, and voice can make a significant impact.
5. **Be an Ally:** Stand up as an ally for marginalized groups. Use your privilege to amplify the voices of those who may not have the same platform. Actively listen and learn from the experiences of others.
6. **Vote for Change:** Exercise your civic duty by voting for leaders championing policies promoting equity and justice. Your vote can shape the future of our communities and societies.
This is my invitation to you: be a change agent. Take one more step than you did yesterday. Because when we take these steps together, we can build a more just, equitable, and compassionate world.
Let's stand united in our pursuit of a brighter and more inclusive future. Your actions matter, and together, we can make a meaningful impact.
I’m glad you are here. I’m glad we can live active, anti-racist, anti-sexist lives together. Because together, we truly are the ripples to waves that will make the change our world needs.
All my best,
Michelle Lasley