As systems change, we stand together

The past few weeks have been a fascinating time to watch in the American cultural and political landscape.

As a former political science major who used to speak about politics endlessly with friends and family, I can’t help but analyze and think about how the different global and domestic factors are interplaying with one another to destabilize already shaky systems and create seismic shifts in the global powers and for those of us who live in the United States, our domestic reality.

In just the past few months in the United States, I’ve noticed:

• The incredible determination and organization of Gen Z to rally at college campuses, stand up to political establishments and use their technical aptitude to raise awareness about the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the US government’s direct fueling of the violence.?
• Intergenerational solidarity against governmental systems in response to the ongoing genocide, continued rising cost of living, ongoing lack of corporate accountability, political corruption, and lack of faith in our justice and law enforcement systems. In short, everyone’s tired.
• A cannibalization of the dominant political parties in the United States, leveraging the corrupt systems that much of the public is quickly losing faith in.
• Rising discontent with the current status quo and an increased desire for significant change that focuses on the needs and voice of the people.
• The refusal to support and allow celebrities to capitalize on our attention when they don't leverage their platforms for the collective good (Blockout 2024)
• Suppression of marginalized groups and voices is running rampant across various social media platforms, with LinkedIn not being an exception.
• An effort to ban a popular content-sharing platform (TikTok) where over 170 million Americans share news, organize collectively, create, and run their businesses.?

In my living memory, this is the first time I’ve witnessed this level of widespread discontent. I recognize this is a limited dataset. ??

However, I do think there is something unique about this period of discontent. Compared to other periods of civil unrest and discontent in the United States, never has one had the ability to quickly share individual stories, information, and reality in real-time.

In previous eras, similar to now, people had to rely on newspapers, radio, and evening news to receive and consume information about ongoing current events. These sources were tightly controlled, censored, and curated, often to fit particular narratives. In today’s highly digital world, a narrative is not so easily controlled, and often a story can be told quickly and spread at lightning speed.?

This has not been a good development for those in positions of authority who depend on the majority of people being uneducated about current events and believing everything their local news sources and politicians tell them to.?

What I think many of these game makers did not anticipate was the collective intelligence of the rising generation. In Gen Z, we’re finding changemakers and destabilizers. Amplifiers and organizers. Fearless and empathetic advocates. I’m here for all of it while all the infighting is happening at the top.

I think we’re going to see some huge seismic shifts in the global world order, which will affect us on a societal and daily level.?

So what will become so important as these systems start to shift and change??

Solidarity.?

For those of us who are marginalized and for people who ally themselves with marginalized groups, solidarity will be critical in the coming days, weeks, months, and years.?

Resisting any urges to replace oppressive power structures with new oppressive power structures and lean instead towards community-centered structures.?

Recognizing that our communities have struggles and strengths and that each is worthy of space, respect, and care.

Committing to treating each other with respect, dignity, and humanity in a world that seems hellbent on dehumanization at every turn.

Refusing to stand by while another is treated with indifference or indignity, because that compromises the dignity of everyone around them as well.

Is that too idealistic??

I don’t care.

The world, especially right now, needs people who are willing to keep the belief alive that a world, or at least places like this, are possible.?

But it requires a collective effort and commitment from the collective.

I suppose the question we should all ask ourselves is: What will be your role in the future??

Do you want to be a community builder? Or a status quo upholder? ??

Meet Mahmoud

I want to introduce you to my friend Mahmoud Abu Al Amrain . Mahmoud is a talented, aspiring young surgeon who just completed his medical school training in August 2023.

Since October 2023, Mahmoud has been selflessly volunteering his time and talent between the tents that refugees are sheltering in along the Gaza Strip and in the hospitals, caring for the injured in the ongoing attacks by the IOF. His dream is to one day travel to the UK and become a surgeon.

There is evidence that the IOF is intentionally targeting healthcare workers like Mahmoud. We have managed to raise enough to almost reach his first milestone of ￡7,000, which will secure his safe travel once the Rafah Crossing reopens. I post a daily video on Instagram with campaign updates on our progress if you'd like to follow us there.

How can you help?

1. Please like, share, comment, and repost the daily videos; it helps spread awareness of Mahmoud's campaign.
2. If you can donate, please consider doing so. Mahmoud has provided a detailed breakdown of his costs in his GoFundMe.
3. Follow and support Mahmoud here on LinkedIn. Your engagement goes a long way.

He is one of the kindest people I've had the pleasure of interacting with, even amid this brutality. Thank you for reading his story. ??

Active Allies is enrolling!

Last week, the LinkedIn Live universe was not in our favor, but Paul R. Johnson and I persisted! ??

Even though we were unable to go live, we posted our slide deck which contains valuable information about the program, the skills you'll develop as a leader, and different ideas to fund your journey.

You can check out that deck below! If you have any questions about the program, or if you're ready to take the brave leap to sign up and join us, please reach out! ??