Time for Reflection, Change, and Action

Time for Reflection, Change, and Action

This year (2020) has been a wild ride. It’s been a few months since I’ve written, but it seems like a lifetime. 

On top of the never-ending stress of the pandemic, we are being called to action to address numerous social justice issues. Over the past few weeks, I’ve spent a lot of time learning and listening to how I can be a better ally and advocate for marginalized communities, specifically the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and LGBTQ+ communities. The news and social media presence on these topics is fading, but the work is still there. 

We live in a society that is only now awakening to what’s been a decades- or centuries-long nightmare for the marginalized. We must acknowledge the ways we have consciously or subconsciously contributed to the pain and inequality of those nightmares. Acknowledgment of our role in these issues is the only way to find a better path forward. 

Beyond feeling saddened, embarrassed, and enraged by the state of things, I’ve found opportunities for beautiful growth and connection. One of the most influential points I’ve discovered recently is that it’s okay to feel uncomfortable during self-reflection and the learning process. Nobody likes being uncomfortable or finding faults—I know I certainly don’t. Putting ourselves in a state of discomfort requires vulnerability. But on the other side of that temporary discomfort, we can experience growth that will enrich our connections with our fellow humans. We have the opportunity to become better people who genuinely love and support our neighbors.

Another key thing I’ve learned is that the results of our external work are only optimized when we start with the internal work of self-reflection and self-motivated learning. If you don’t know where to start, email me. I’m absolutely not an expert, but I’ve been accumulating resources that I’m happy to share.

After challenging ourselves to deep reflection, we must take action. Kudos to those of you who have started already, and please continue. For the others who feel unsure about everything, there’s no better time to start than now. 

The oppressive systems we need to dismantle are complex and layered. And they’ve been around for hundreds of years—too long. Dismantling and rebuilding systems will be lifelong work. So in addition to getting used to discomfort, we must be patient and persistent. Lives depend on it. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, pick a defined area, like education, food inequality, literacy, health care, etc. where you feel like you can dive in. If we all focus on our circles of influence and commit to this lifelong work, I believe we’ll start to see the ripples of change.

I believe in the power of words and stories. Books should enlighten us and challenge us with different perspectives. They should also comfort us and help us to dream. But if we are only reading from the same people over and over, not everyone is experiencing the same representation and connection to powerful and influential stories. And these limitations detract from meaningful and lasting progress for marginalized communities. I’ve decided to focus on improving the representation of more diverse voices in the publishing industry. 

I’m challenging myself to read new-to-me authors who identify differently than I do. I’ll be sharing those reading selections on my platforms. And I’m working with some other editors to track the progress of publishing companies and hold them accountable for their newly released action plans focused on diversifying the publishing world. I’ve also chosen to invest in my local community by purchasing books from a local Black-owned bookstore in Kansas City, Bliss Books and Wine. They have options to buy audiobooks through Libro.fm too.

I’m not sharing any of this information to receive accolades. I understand this is only the beginning of my work, and that there are many areas in need. But the publishing industry is the defined area where I'll focus my time and energy.

If you are unsure of how to help, here are a few other ideas:

Shop from locally-owned stores. Find resources to continue your learning. Listen to podcasts. Read books. Watch documentaries. Join a discussion group. Challenge discriminatory language or policies. Write to your representatives to demand change. Encourage your employer to make a more just and equitable work culture. Donate money or time if you’re able. Vote for change in November. 

Everyone is deserving of love and belonging. Let’s get busy learning, and embodying change so we can celebrate each other.

Take care and take action, friends,

Val