August Newsletter: Social Justice Work Is Getting Harder
A WORD FROM IRIS
You’re not imagining things; social justice work is getting harder. As the Right regains political and economic power, social justice movements and DEI work have again become critical targets. On the systemic level, we’re seeing decades of sociopolitical progress wiped away in federal courts and state legislatures. On an institutional level, we’re seeing corporations ignore DEI promises, fire their DEI hires, and invest their stolen profits elsewhere. On an interpersonal level, we’re not only seeing less public outrage over racist, ableist, and queerphobic violence, but we’re also seeing the stress become conflict that pits us against those we work alongside.
How can we respond to and defend against all of this? Alongside our partners, Social Justice Synergy is learning that it starts with our mindset. We have to refocus on why we do this work and remember that liberation is possible. We have to stay committed to the movement for social justice, and we have to protect equity work regardless of whether it’s popular, convenient, or even safe. This means investing even more time, money, and resources on doing the work, internally and externally. If you’d like support with this, we invite you to check out our services.
NEWS TO CHEW ON
It’s all hands on deck as we further this work under renewed attacks from the Right. White people, push your colleagues and supervisors to double-down on their justice and equity efforts, externally and internally. People of the global majority, double-down on your allyship, and resist attempts to distance your communities and concerns from those of Black people. Black people – especially women, LGBTQ+ folks, and disabled people – focus on protecting your safety, communicating your needs, receiving support, and growing your skills. It’s OK to feel frustrated and tired. Lean on one another. Remember that if we remain focused and work together, we can achieve liberation.
FROM THE TOOLKIT
For a deep dive into rest and healing, consider the Radical Healing Collective.
More tools like this on a wide variety of topics are available in Our Tool Kit.
PAUSE FOR JOY
It’s back-to-school season! We love that there are so many resources now for helping young people through the ways they experience injustice. Here’s some information to help you support your student at school.
Nice White Parents
Lists of articles/resources
How to be an Anti-Racist parent
Social Justice Book List for young people
Talking about race as a caregiver/parent