Same Journey, New Path

Hi,

If you’re getting this email, you have been part of my journey with The Justice Walk.  Your support has come in many forms:

• Listening,

• Answering questions,

• Building transformative community,

• Sending encouraging messages,

• Even hiring me!

Thank you all!

I’ve been thinking about how best to serve people and organizations in this time of upheaval, and I have a few ideas.

One change involves re-launching my newsletter with a paid-subscription tier. And I want to offer you the first opportunity to become a paid subscriber.

A paid subscription will give you access to additional essays, recommendations, and a password-protected section of my website with a curated list of resources. Read more below.

You know that my work is focused on equity, belonging, justice, and liberation. Over the past couple of months that work – to ensure that every human’s merit can be recognized and appreciated – has been mischaracterized, demonized, and de-funded. 

I work a lot with nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. Nonprofit budgets are always tight. Now, as federal funds disappear overnight, those budgets are even less stable.

Since you’re getting this email, you know these challenges don’t mean I’m backing down or changing the focus of my work.

Instead, I’m getting creative and developing new ways for people to access information and support the work I’m doing.

I wrote in my newsletter last month, “People don’t try to decimate things that they don’t see as a threat.” The fact that folks are coming so hard for “DEI” is an indication of the gains that have been made to ensure the full humanity of Black folks, women, Hispanic folks, Asian folks, queer folks (yes that includes Trans and gender-expansive folks), immigrants (documented or undocumented), disabled folks, and folks who hold several of those identities at once.

What we’ve learned since the Inauguration is that these attacks aren’t about defeating “DEI.” They are about rebuilding a nation where only white, cisgender, straight men who are able-bodied, of European heritage, Christian, and American citizens hold value and have rights.

It’s devastating to witness these attacks. AND, I’ve had some of the most authentic, intense, transformational conversations and experiences of my life as communities, coalitions, and connections strengthen. I’m witnessing and experiencing pressure forging diamonds. It’s equally painful and beautifully fortifying.

My role has never been more clear to me.

I work for myself.

I don’t have to worry about what a boss, board, or grant-funder might think about what I’m doing or saying before I say it. I only have to consult my inner compass.

When that compass points to “Speak!” or “Act!,” I can.

I have the freedom, power, and privilege to speak truth to power. To act in service of liberation.

And that’s where you come in.

This work needs to be done. Not everyone is in a position to do it. Not every organization is in a position to pay for it.

So I’ve decided to offer a range of content and services at different price points, to make them as accessible as possible.

One element of that effort is a paid tier to my newsletter, which will include exclusive content and a resource hub. Some content will still be available for free, and there will be additional essays, tips, and learning tools for those who subscribe. You’ll get regular, actionable information and resources. And, as always, I’ll be asking you what you need, so that I can add content or services that support your work.

Here are three ways you can participate:

2. Forward this email to someone who might be interested in the free or paid newsletter. Sharing information about The Justice Walk and the work I do is incredibly helpful.

3. Stay in touch! Let me know how you’re doing, where you’re seeing belonging practices in action and where you might see opportunities for us to all. Email me and/or follow me on LinkedIn (button below).

Thank you again for walking along with me.

Abby