Reflecting on Our Relationships with Concepts and Systems
In the realm of social change and justice, our journey requires us to question: What are, and how do we navigate our relationships with the concepts, systems, and people that shape our world? This question lies at the heart of All Together Bold (ATB), a peer learning program uniting individuals committed to fostering a more just and equitable society, often through their interaction with systems that move capital. Over the past six months, as we’ve delved into the intricacies of our work, we are surfacing nuances, curiosities, discomfort and ah ha moments in these relationships, and the ways in which they influence our paths toward equity and justice.
Within ATB, we’ve embarked on a journey of introspection and intention, seeking to understand our relationships with various concepts that underpin our work. From our money stories to our experiences of joy and grief, from the systems of oppression we confront to our identities and power dynamics, we’ve delved deep into the fabric of our existence and work.
Our exploration has revealed that our relationships with these concepts are multifaceted. They can hinder or stifle our progress, or they can serve as catalysts for transformative change. For example, in our recent article on identity and power, Jake, shared insights into the nuances of being “equity forward,” highlighting that while it’s a noble goal, it might not always be the most effective approach in every context. Keisha, on the other hand, introduced the idea of redistributing wealth within our client base, ensuring that those who can afford it support those who cannot, offering a fresh perspective on economic justice.
Fundamental shifts in the way we approach equity and justice work are required. We grapple with the challenge of effecting change within existing systems while simultaneously envisioning something entirely different. It’s a balancing act — navigating the day-to-day demands while carving out time for deep introspection and transformative work. This process requires intentionality and emotional investment.
Thus, with the end of the program near, there are questions ripe for consideration. How do we sustain the momentum of introspection and inquiry beyond the program? What practices can we implement to continue our exploration of these concepts? How do we make space for both the day-to-day demands and the deep work of transformation?
ATB provides us with a valuable space to question, to be curious, and to engage in conversation without the pressure to arrive at definitive answers. Gathering with values-aligned people outside of the daily grind, generates reflection and conversation that encourages ideation and trying on new ways of doing. The experience and what emerges is invaluable, and from it, the opportunity to impact sustainable change — if we are able to translate our imagination and values into action.
Over the next few months, ideas and, perhaps, initial answers to the aforementioned questions will arise through continued exploration of our relationship to concepts, systems and people. This journey is about the evolution of our thinking, our understanding and our practice.
