I Want to Start a Movement: Tweak or Transform, Take a Stand

This past President’s Day, I was reminded of one of my favorite movies, The American President with Michael Douglass and Annette Benning. Some might say it’s a ‘chick flick;’ poking fun at the movie would probably cause anyone to miss the core message of the film — that if you pursue a dream and lead a large group of people, there will be tough choices. It’s a stark reminder that sometimes compromise won’t lead people anywhere. Sometimes, we need to transform, tweaking won’t be enough.

In the movie, the President is trying to get re-elected. During his campaign, he starts making tweaks to gain support for one bill, and in the process, he sacrifices another. It reminds me that it’s a hard road for any president (or CEO) to take; the realization that you can’t change everything because you won’t get the votes. We all know that votes are the support you need to keep your position of power, and having power (and the power of influence) is helpful when you’re looking to inspire people towards “the dream.” Everyone wants “the dream,” right?

Transformation in the field of intellectual disabilities specifically means eliminating rigid concepts which were developed with good intentions but didn’t achieve the dream. For example, we created sheltered workshops. We said it would enable people to be paid and lead them to employment in the community. Initially, we talked the talk. We made some tweaks, but tweaks did not work. We settled in, and then we created explanations. We said people were safe there. People had friends there, but the dream was not for everyone. We stopped inspiring people, and we decided we had done enough.

I can honestly say I want the dream, but it has caused me as many sleepless nights as Michael Douglas in the movie. How many people want the dream? If you make people uncomfortable, will they listen? If something isn’t going to get us the dream and requires a transformation, will the people be inspired and take action for good?

At KenCrest, our dreams are a great start for every child and authentic inclusion for those with disabilities. The opportunity for a prosperous future and a sense of belonging are at the heart of the American dream. Along the way, we have made tweaks and we have made transformations. In our present environment, tweaks are not the path forward. We will do what we have done before: blaze new trails to get to the dream. We will start a movement to see each person as someone who is wholly and equally entitled to dreams of their own.

In January of this year, we made the transformative decision to end our sheltered workshop. There was no way to tweak it anymore. And we will take more transformative steps to grow our employment supports.

At the end of the movie, the president figures out that he needs to speak up. He sees what needs to be done, realizes that he needs to ask the people to listen, and holds a press conference. He takes a stand. After all, he says, “I am the President.”