Too busy to care...about equity

First, a confession.

I’ve never been to a large, high-production concert. Ever. ?? I know, it's lame. I'm lame.

Second, I’ve been watching just about everyone I know at one of these all summer long. Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Janet Jackson.

Along with everyone else that's in Europe or Greece or Turkey or other beautiful, magical places in flowy dresses.

And a special mention to those that are practically living in the mountains. I see you, your sprinter vans, and $20 packets of Patagonia Provisions cardboard (errr...food).

The very same people in my feeds who’ve spent thousands on tickets, outfits, and hotel stays - are often the ones that are the first to tell me that they are too busy.

Too busy to learn.

Too busy for civic engagement.

Too busy to be an ally & a champion.

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Last month at the Here4TheKids anti-gun action in Denver, I experienced firsthand the apathy of people with children - who choose not to show up.

And when I personally reached out to a rather large group of friends and colleagues who have the means to take a few days off and fly to Denver, I got the same response.

I'm too busy.

Look, I know going to an incredible concert is not the same level of joy as coming to a sit-in.

And yet they are the same people who are...

Not too busy to complain.

Not too busy for hours on social media.

Not too busy to dream about moving to Portugal or Canada.

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I'm not suggesting you skip your vacation. Heck, I've been out hiking every week or turning off my phone and reading sci-fi for hours during-the-work-week.

The point is this - we make room for our priorities.

My priority is to help build a world where we are all thriving. One that is less segregated on the basis of income and race and gender. One where we are not worrying whether the heatwave will lead to forest fires or whether we'll have safe, affordable drinking water. I want to know that the people who labor away in frontline jobs make enough to afford rent, food, and healthcare.

In the board room, this priority means that I speak up. I can't sit back and hope that a leader will make the right decision.

In relationships, this priority means that I invest in our collective growth, and sit in icky feelings and conversations.

In community, this priority means that I show up for issues even when they don't directly affect me.

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We make room for our priorities.

Don't say maybe when you want to say no.

My challenge to you is this - instead of saying you’re too busy, communicate that it's not a priority. It's not something you care about.

Because sooner or later (but usually sooner), we will figure out what your priorities are - and that they are not advancing equity. They are not about building that better world (for even your own kids).?