Are you just writing or are you doing any speech engagements (in person or via Zoom) on this topic? I'm working with a couple of UU groups on building a democracy movement and we're hosting monthly meetings for Democracy Leaders. Thanks! (Took your Magical Activism course this year and a couple of years ago.) bit.ly/uusjelection2024
This article/post was so very inspiring. While those individuals who have been in the forefront advocating for progressive values are to be celebrated and supported, if we are to move forward and build on any progress, we need a way to come together. These 13 principles give us a focus to build coalition that can begin to create cohesion and inclusion. It's important to recognize the ways we have excluded people and move toward opening minds and building in discrepancy in old ways of thinking.
I like to think about ways to accept people and situations as they are without judgment. Finding ways to understand where and why people are and validate feelings and thoughts even if we disagree can be a foot in the door. If people feel validated and understood they are less likely to be defensive and more willing to dialog and listen to what we have to say.
Change by attraction and promotion rather than pressure and shaming may be what is needed. I think one reason that is difficult is because we get frustrated with how long it takes. For those of us who fought some of these battles in the 60s (and many who go back even further), it feels like "one step forward and two, three or ten steps back." That may be true, but accepting where we are, taking a breath and considering our goals, offers other options.
Thank you Starhawk. Looking forward to future posts.
What a great roadmap! A lot to digest; I shall read it again to lock it into my brain!
Hi Diane.
Are you just writing or are you doing any speech engagements (in person or via Zoom) on this topic? I'm working with a couple of UU groups on building a democracy movement and we're hosting monthly meetings for Democracy Leaders. Thanks! (Took your Magical Activism course this year and a couple of years ago.) bit.ly/uusjelection2024
Starhawk:
This article/post was so very inspiring. While those individuals who have been in the forefront advocating for progressive values are to be celebrated and supported, if we are to move forward and build on any progress, we need a way to come together. These 13 principles give us a focus to build coalition that can begin to create cohesion and inclusion. It's important to recognize the ways we have excluded people and move toward opening minds and building in discrepancy in old ways of thinking.
I like to think about ways to accept people and situations as they are without judgment. Finding ways to understand where and why people are and validate feelings and thoughts even if we disagree can be a foot in the door. If people feel validated and understood they are less likely to be defensive and more willing to dialog and listen to what we have to say.
Change by attraction and promotion rather than pressure and shaming may be what is needed. I think one reason that is difficult is because we get frustrated with how long it takes. For those of us who fought some of these battles in the 60s (and many who go back even further), it feels like "one step forward and two, three or ten steps back." That may be true, but accepting where we are, taking a breath and considering our goals, offers other options.
Thank you Starhawk. Looking forward to future posts.
San Mueller
Thank you for sharing your writing as you go. I appreciate it.