Creating Meaningful Change: The Power of Gentle Activism

At the time of writing, the world was reeling from the re-election of "DT" as President of USA. In the wake of recent political and social upheavals, many expressed a sense of powerlessness and despair. However, it's crucial to remember that we possess the ability to shape our world, even in the face of adversity. Gentle activism offers a powerful approach to effecting positive change while fostering understanding and cooperation.

Since my childhood, I have been an activist. As a therapist, I became an advocate. These change seeking strategies are valuable ways of creating change around us, and they have their place. Advocacy is about persuasion, often looking like letter writing campaigns, thank and shame calls to leaders responsible for the action. Activism is about direct and noticeable action, and can be conventional (visualize a rally) as well as radical (civil disobedience).

Gentle Activism focuses on fostering positive change through dialogue, collaboration, and a commitment to building bridges rather than walls. It's about creating a ripple effect, inspiring others to contribute to a more inclusive and fulfilling environment. It can include various advocacy strategies, with the intention of creating change while reducing conflict and adversarial interactions.

Gentle Activism can look like traditional activism by the work of showing up to the meeting, and stating intention, clearly. It’s like my grandmother told me to do as a young woman, “Kill them with kindness.”

Before the pandemic, I’d often brush off requests to join committees or volunteer in my religious community. It just seemed like extra work. Then, there was an event that happened on a Teen Tuesday, that left a Jew of Color standing outside in the cold. Our community’s response was the catalyst for my community work for cultural transformation. I realized that my synagogue, a place I’d always considered safe, wasn’t immune to the harsh realities of racism.

I didn't dive into this work because I wanted to build relationships, or have fun- My motivation was raw and urgent. I needed to know that our synagogue would be safe for me, my kids, and my extended family when they visit. In the process, however, I did find fun, joy, connection, family, and #squadgoals

I learned that cultural change is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to adapt. I’ve had to navigate resistance, disappointment, and countless late nights. Yet, I’ve also experienced the incredible satisfaction of bearing witness to the joys and sorrows of life, our community and the world, growing along the way. Cultural change for me is about not accepting the status quo, but becoming the standard. I use my voice, feet,and presence to increase the capacity for liberation and security for us all.

Today, I’m honored to serve on the executive committee. But my goal wasn’t to hold a title. It was to create a community where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Gentle Activism is about transforming organizations without destroying the relationships already in place. Gentle Activism is a proactive approach that empowers you to shape the spaces you inhabit, be it your workplace, community center, place of worship, or even a local political campaign. Gentle Activism is a tool of Cultural Transformation.

Think of culture as the unseen force shaping our interactions. It's the unspoken rules, values, and behaviors that guide our conduct. True change requires cultural transformation – a shift in the very fabric of a group or organization.

So, how can you become a gentle activist for cultural change?

First off, leadership matters. Don't wait for someone else to step up. Be the leader you want to see. If you have time to contribute, offer your skills and ideas. Volunteer for committees or suggest initiatives that align with your vision of a more inclusive and equitable environment. Show up to events to reinforce the values you hold. Increase your skills in being a leader,when working with volunteers. Leaders managing volunteers should be creative in engaging and engagement strategy; provide opportunities for single event and short- term projects to benefit from the high quality, low density time that that your volunteers can offer. Ask for their time in succinct ways: An annual three-hour cleanup in a local park may be more successful than committing to weekly meetings for a year.

Secondly, embrace patience. Cultural change takes time, especially when dealing with "Diminishing Cultural Traits" (Forbes). These are entrenched values or behaviors that may unintentionally hinder progress. Building awareness and offering alternative perspectives is key. Taking inventory and assessment before and while you are engaging in change is so important in noticing the pace of your transformation. When using good assessment strategies, you can see where adjusting the strategy would increase your success.

Finally, apply gentle pressure consistently. The power of your voice increases exponentially when combined with others. Attend meetings, ask insightful questions, and advocate for your values respectfully. Remember, consistent showing-up amplifies your message, while collaborative action adds weight and legitimacy. If you cannot show up to every event, encourage your collaborators to show up and reinforce the sentiment of your shared values.

Here at Be True Counseling, we believe that everyone has the power to make a difference. By embracing gentle activism, you can navigate feelings of fear and helplessness, and become a catalyst for positive change in your community.

Want to learn more? This blog post is part of a series on "Creating Meaningful Change."

• Navigating Life's Highway: This article explores the concept of control, influence, and concern.
• Navigating the Post-Election Blues: This post offers strategies for coping with difficult political shifts.

Remember, change begins with you. Take the first step today!