How to (Not) Be a Justice Superhero

So. I recently volunteered to do a talk without thinking particularly hard about the topic. Then, I saw the topic and I kinda panicked. “Well, shirt.” as they say on The Good Place. 

(that is not the actual word I used)

“During Lent, please talk about something — a habit, an action, a thought — that you will be taking up for justice.”

I don’t know about you all, but when I see or think about all the injustice in the world… Violence against LGBTQ+ and people of color, the War in Ukraine, women’s reproductive rights, white supremacy, insurrections, book banning, mass shooting, homelessness, environmental disaster, corporate greed, our healthcare system, political bull…shirt-

I. get. so. overwhelmed. 

Everything is Wrong

Everything is wrong and I don’t know how to fix it. How do I pick something? Do I pick one thing and go all in? What does “all-in” look like for me? If I pick one thing, do I just ignore the other things?? Do I somehow do all the things?? How well can I really do All the Things?

I am an empath (a skeptical one, even) and ridiculously sensitive to the emotions and energies of people around me. I really CANNOT do large, angry, upset crowds well. It is physically and emotionally exhausting. So, I choose the marches and rallies I do with caution. Okay… now what?

I am an introvert. I have absolutely NO DESIRE to run for political office. I’m a solopreneur with a busy small business. I just don’t have the bandwidth or energy to join organizations, attend meetings, or do a bunch of hands-on volunteering. 

Youthful Adventure

About 20-ish years ago, Mr. Skeptical and I both spent some time working for Defenders of Wildlife, canvassing, fundraising, and getting letters written to protect the wolves in Yellowstone Park. This included some additional experience with Citizens Campaign for the Environment. I think we both still get a bit of PTSD from that period in our lives… Hearing every day, “I’d rather save babies” “I’ll shoot the wolves myself”… (The wolves are still in Yellowstone Park, btw).

I don’t know about you, but I don’t have the energy I did 20 plus years ago. I also have outrage fatigue. I could NOT do that job today. I greatly admire those of you who CAN and DO.

All the Guilt

But then, I have the guilt. I’m not doing enough. I should be doing more. I should save the babies and the wolves and native people and women’s reproductive rights and drag queens and drinking water and, and, and… 

I write letters to my elected officials. Occasionally call them (introvert). I try to educate those who will listen. I try to be a good example. I try to be a critical thinker. I make my business a safe space for LGBTQ folx and people of color. I donate where I can. I march or rally when I have the energy for it. Sometimes, I just listen to someone who needs to vent about their own outrage fatigue.

It’s All Okay

So, I decided to say… It’s okay. You don’t have to be a social justice rockstar. You do what you have the energy, time, or bandwidth to do. You pick something that jumps out to you at the moment and you write a letter or you donate. You educate people the best you can, encourage them to reach out to their elected officials. You live by example. 

Some days you might find the big energy and do the big things. Meanwhile, each small thing you do is like a drop in the water. The ripples spread out and they touch other ripples, and eventually it becomes a bigger wave. You are enough.