I believe wholeheartedly that we can create more just, equal & sustainable societies.
Economies, governments, social institutions, the law, …
… they are all created by humans to organize ourselves to live together in communities. People often talk about them as if they’re some sort of preordained & inexorable systems that function autonomously (e.g., “we must prioritize the economy,” & “that’s the way it is”). They are not.
There are many different ways to distribute & redistribute resources. There are countless options for organizing labour, valuing participation & nurturing community values.
We have choices to make about the way we live.
Every one of us has a role to play in the pursuit of that better world.
Advocacy doesn’t just mean big rallies & speeches.
It happens in everyday moments. In conversations with friends, at family dinners, & in the stands at tha game. It happens when we vote, but also when we make purchases, attend community events, & plan vacations.
How we raise our children & treat our neighbours are especially impactful.
Whether a bumper sticker, a signature on a petition, or a full submission to a government committee, our input matters.
My everyday advocacy includes a career devoted to equality & justice, writing endless letters to decision-makers, & ranting with my kids.
What does your everyday advocacy look like?
Some people think that frontline community workers & not-for-profit staff should keep their heads down & deliver services, staying clear of policy, research & activism. But why? They have unique insights & expertise on how things work & what is needed. Non-partisan policy work is permissible for charities under Canadian law.
Individuals are experts in their own lives & experiences, so community input is invaluable.
As people committed to a better world for everyone, our shared values of compassion, inclusion, learning, & respect for each other and the natural world will guide us.