Do Unto Others

By Miklane Janner

So very much is at stake, in our nation and our world. Humanity. Human rights. The possibility of moving toward a nation, a world that tells the whole truth. Whether we continue organizing around fear, domination, and the stories we attach to people who are different from us, or move toward a future rooted in our shared humanity. At its simplest: That we are doing unto others as we would have them do unto us.

Once identified, tackling high stakes requires inspiration. By urgency. Love. Truth. Hope. I am inspired by the hope of change. I am inspired by the hope of a world that knows and loves that we are all connected, by people who refuse to look away, who challenge dominant narratives, tell fuller histories, and commit to collective action. I find that spirit, that leadership, that community, that mission and action in The Flourish Collective. Meet-Ups, events, books, conversations remind me that systemic change dismantling racism and injustice happens through community, and that none of us does this work alone. The Flourish Collective expands my lived experience.

Systemic change requires action, and my action takes many forms: listening, learning, working in community. Pursuing truth rather than comfort. Listening to my inner voice, and connecting to something greater than myself.

Change and action also require self-care. I need to avoid burnout and exhaustion by embracing discomfort while pacing myself with compassion. Practicing self-love alongside accountability, forgiving myself, and extending kindness to myself and others.

Many forces move me to action - like protecting immigrants from ICE, getting out the vote. What makes me tick is love for humanity. Friends. Facing injustice honestly. Answering the question: What am I doing with my white privilege today? Being in community with like-minded people in The Flourish Collective reminds me that we don't have to act alone, and when we come together and take action, hope grows in our midst.