Now, Not Tomorrow
Now (adverb)
/nou/
Definition of Action
at the present time or moment.
used, especially in conversation, to draw attention to a particular statement or point in a narrative.
This blog is intended to be helpful and useful for those who are exploring ‘what to do’ in this moment of a national human crisis.
An all too familiar narrative about race relations is upon us. Again. “This time seems different” is most certainly true. Yet our historical reality points to another truth - nothing will actually change unless we do something different. From the drastic to the minute, do something different. Let’s all focus on making different decisions than we did the last time, so when the next time inevitably presents itself we won't have to repeat the same refrain “how did this happen again?” Remember this. Waiting for OCP - (Optimal Conditions, Convenient Timing, Perfect Language) is a veiled excuse for non-action that led to how we got here, not a committed approach to where we need to go.
Pause. Let this sink in. Racism and systemic oppression are both being displayed and documented in high definition and available for global consumption. People are afraid. Some people are consciously fearful that on any given day, their race, identity, culture or heritage could be perceived as a threat - followed by a rapid sequence of events culminating in extinguished dreams or even, life.
Rightfully so, we are spending a great deal of energy on ‘what happened’ and ‘why it happened’. Mostly through the reactive template of frustration and confusion. The anthem of the affected is ‘do something’ and the chilling refrain from those who can help the most is “what can I do?” I offer some advice to all those attempting to be helpful. We all have power and influence in different ways. If you are questioning whether you do or not, it means you possess the trilogy of privilege - power, influence and freedom. Use it now. We. Need. You.
Now Behaviors
Behavior change is hard. To make it easier, be thoughtful and intentional about shifting your mindset in a way that will activate a behavior. Adopt the mindset that progress is possible and that you will be a part of creating the equitable future we all seek. Here are a few things you can do right away that you don’t need budget approval or permission for. Follow this framework
ADJUST-ADOPT-ADVANCE
Adjust your focus on what you, your organization, your social circle or your family can do today, right now, that will have an impact tomorrow.
Schedule a family meeting and a business meeting to engage in a dialogue about race relations in America and making progress. Do not skip either meeting. It’s equally important to focus on your personal relationships and the professional environment as they are inextricably interwoven in our day to day thoughts and intentions. The goal: listen and talk with the sole intent of increasing your awareness and understanding, only in service of taking immediate action. If what you decide to do can’t happen until next week or next month then start over. This is about making a difference now, not later.
Adopt the mindset that progress is possible and not something beyond your control. Commit to becoming an active participant fully engaged in implementing solutions. There is nothing more important right now than doing your part.
Advance the agenda. The inequitable systems that keep us divided have an infrastructure intentionally built by humans. And only humans can dismantle it. There are countless social justice and civil rights organizations committed to eradicating systemic oppression. Get involved. You are complicit if you don’t.
Let’s fast forward. On December 31st, 2020 people will reminisce about all the moments that mattered in 2020. Some will share stories about loved ones, celebrate collective accomplishments and shed tears of gratitude and joy. But for many, 2020 will be reflected on as a year of loss. Lost wages, lost businesses, lost property and lost lives. Some will tell the story of a murder and a movement.
What will your story be? What memory will you lift up that is action oriented – I adjusted, adopted, advanced, pushed, tried, acted, engaged, sponsored, advocated, changed, evolved, created, organized, persisted, learned, taught, enacted, influenced, behaved, amplified. You realize you have options.
Pick your action verb and go do it. Right now. Doing nothing is also an action, and that’s not acceptable.
