CHANGE FOR THE GREATER GOOD

Lots of conversations these last few weeks. Most encouraging and inspiring. All worthwhile, insightful and informative.

I have known that at some point I would want to post. I have also known that nothing I will post will be groundbreaking or earth shattering. Nothing will be original. Many wiser before me have said it, and far more eloquently.

I knew, however, that silence is not an option. Not for me.

It wasn’t until I heard this sentiment (paraphrased) more than once over the last few weeks that I knew why: “My voice won’t change anything. The kind of systemic change needed comes over decades and decades of organizing and advocating.”

This is true of the kind of change needed all over the world. Yes.

However, I did not work for the privilege of being born in Canada. The privilege of education and gainful employment. The privilege of health care. This is the hard work, the sacrifices, the voices, the organizing, the energy, the sweat and devotion of my parents’ generation, and the many many generations that came before them.

Silence is not an option. And, there is strength in diversity.

We need to continue to do the work, leverage our platforms, and advocate for the betterment of all people. In our own backyards and all over the world. Especially those suffering injustices.

I have been heartened and encouraged by watching people – not famous and famous – leverage their platforms to advocate. To create greater awareness. To educate. To show compassion.

After the conversations I have had, the articles I have read, and the news I have watched (to follow events across the Globe, including both sides of the border), while I knew that I would have nothing wiser to share, I decided to re-share the following – past and present – that make the most sense to me:

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” – Nelson Mandela

“Ever since I first saw the video, I’ve been thinking about the cycle. A death like this happens, and we rage about it, and the headlines recede, and the world moves on, and then a few weeks later something else happens and we’re outraged again and then we move on, again. We have to stop that cycle.” - Masai Ujiri, President of the Toronto Raptors and co-founder of Giants of Africa, contributed to The Globe and Mail. Full article: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-masai-ujiri-to-overcome-racism-we-need-to-be-more-than-merely-good/

“In workplaces and communities, white people often stay quiet on racism because they feel it’s not their place to speak up. But just as sexism is not only a “women’s issue,” racism is not only a “black issue.” Now is not the time for silence. We all have a responsibility to raise our voices against injustice.” – Adam Grant, Published Author and Organizational Psychologist at Wharton recently posted this on LinkedIn

“The value of our lives is not determined by what we do for ourselves. The value of our lives is determined by what we do for others.” – Simon Sinek, Optimist and Author, also on LinkedIn

“Thus shall we live, because we will have created a society which recognizes that all people are born equal, with each entitled in equal measure to life, liberty, prosperity, human rights and good governance.” – Nelson Mandela

I want you to know that of all the posts I have shared on LinkedIn over the years, this is the one I have thought about the longest before posting. Given the delicacy of the issues at hand, I think it’s important we all be mindful and thoughtful. If you feel inspired to comment, I welcome that. I ask, however, that you be thoughtful as well. We collectively need to orient toward messages of hope and change for the greater good.

Let’s all be part of the change.