It might seem that working to make change in the world is an outward action. In fact, real change begins with an internal pull or push. The inward work of advocacy needs to continue throughout the process. Here’s what I think happens:
- The call: You see or experience or become aware of an injustice. It doesn’t sit right with you. The more you think of it, the more you are convinced that you want to or need to DO SOMETHING.
- Preparation: You think more about the situation. Are you You talk to people about it. You learn more. You might consider the costs of acting (or maybe not).
- You act: You feel your way into action. Perhaps anger brings you the energy to get started. Maybe it’s the company of people who are affected by the injustice or people who are working to make things right. Their presence inspires and emboldens you. You act.
- You respond: Now you get to weather the reaction. What changes – inside and outside? Are you part of the problem? What attitudes or behaviors do you need to change? Now there are more thoughts and feelings to process and metabolize.
- You adjust: All along the way, you will fine-tune your action, adjusting as circumstances change. What’s happening? What’s effective? Where are you getting stuck? Who is benefiting and who is being hurt? Each step invites more processing and metabolizing.
- You connect: how are you getting along with colleagues, allies and supporters? Is there confusion that needs to be clarified, conflicts that need to be reconciled, accomplishments and attitudes that need to be recognized and celebrated?
- You re-energize: at some point you may find that enthusiasm is waning. How can you recapture it – both for you and the people around you? Remember what inspire d you (or perhaps enraged you) to act.
- You continue, take a break, or handoff: you may want to be involved in this work for the rest of your life. It could be that you are ready to take a break. Maybe it’s time for someone else to take their turn. You can ease the transition. Knowing when and how to stop working is an art form.
Advocacy involves discernment, energy, and grace. Mindfully gauging what your next action might be and how you’re thinking and feeling about it is hard but rewarding work. Calling in allies and supporters can ease your journey.
May your efforts be an enriching and joyful
in your journal:
- are you aware of an inner aspect to advocacy? What do you think it’s like?
- Where would you place yourself on the list above? What’s your next step? What inner work do you have to do?
- What’s missing from the list above?