BUSINESS IS NOT USUAL FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATIONS

Transforming Change CEO, Robin Wright-Pierce, shares why it is imperative for leaders to respond to the need of this pressing moment.

Friends. The world is on fire. Whatever you planned to do this year; whatever issues or campaigns you hoped to launch, it's time to pivot. Our communities are under attack. We must take action before it is too late.

As consultants, we get the opportunity to work with organizations all across the country. We work with small local groups, large national organizations, and everything in between. This gives us a wide range view of the social justice ecosystem. One of the things we are noticing right now is that there are a lot of social justice organizations struggling to shift their priorities to respond to the need of this moment.

Some are struggling for good reason: they want to make sure they aren't losing sight of their long term work; they want to make sure they don't get swept into the whirlwind of chaos in ways that are not helpful or strategic; and they want to make sure they aren't burning out their people. These are all noble and wise reasons to be hesitant to switch gears. For those of us who have been in this work for some time, it is easy to look at what is happening with hardened disposition and a refusal to run rampant for the latest crisis. We've been there and done that! I get it. But here's the thing; this isn't just the latest crisis. This is so much more.

“Today an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights, our freedoms, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead.”  - Joe Biden, 47th President of the United States of America. 

President Joe Biden, the 47th President of the United States | Getty Images

President Joe Biden, the 47th president of our United States of America shared these words on January 15, 2025 during his final address from the Oval Office.  Instead of using his final speech to  remind the nation about his many accomplishments, President Biden chose to use a significant portion of his farewell address to warn us about the storm of corruption and fascism brewing around us.  He shared words of someone who sees the reality of this present moment. He shared words of someone who knows that business is not usual.

Social justice organizations must make the pivot.

The reality is, no matter what you care about or what you're working on, if we don't work together to build a better democratic republic, your goals will not be achievable.

There can be no housing justice in an oligarchy.

There can be no freedom for Palestine with a Fascist America.

There can be no police accountability if personal rights are rolled back.

There can be no birth and maternal justice if Medicaid and the ACA is rolled back.

There is no path to aging with dignity without Social Security and Medicare.

There is no economic justice without labor rights and consumer protections.

We cannot fight for equity in education if teachers are laid off and schools are defunded.

There is no closing the racial wealth gap if FAFSA ceases to exist and higher education again becomes available only to the wealthiest among us.

There can be no path to justice and equity if our courts and congress are so thoroughly corrupted that they fail to reign in the tyranny of the president and instead hand him more and more power until finally America becomes a dictatorship.

There can be no justice if press is not free to scrutinize those with power and bring attention to the pain of the people. There is no justice possible in a world where protest and the freedom to assembly is being legislated away in statehouses across the country.

The marker of a strong organization is the ability to see what is happening and respond with intention and in ways that grow community power, advance social justice, and leads to a more fair and just society. There are three ways social justice leaders can respond to this pressing moment with poise and power:

1. Grow your people power: The people are mad, scared, perhaps numb, and dismayed by everything that is happening. As a change agents it is your job to help the people channel their energy in constructive ways that help to advance the cause of justice and equity. Now is the time to do just that! Engage people and help them see the power they have. Help them to believe that they can make a difference. Train them up on the skills needed to fight together. Teach them how to engage their neighbors and get more folks in the fight.

   
   

2. Make the case clear and compelling: You likely have leaders who were already focused on other priorities and issues. Now is the time to help them to connect the thing they care so much about to what is happening now. Help them to see what's at stake as it pertains to their priorities. For example: If Medicaid is defunded it will be nearly impossible to advance payment for doulas. As a leader, it is your job to help make that case.

   
   

3. Join forces with others who are in the fight: We are stronger together. It is not necessary for your organization to lead on all of the things. Often, the best thing we can do in moments of intense organizing and advocacy is to join in with others.

In short. Pivot. Get in the fight.