Parents Ask: What Can We Do to Address Inequality and Racism?
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the long-simmering — and long-standing — tensions brought about by racism, unequal treatment and inequities, you’re not alone. And under the umbrella of being overwhelmed may be feelings of sadness, fear, frustration, rage, shame and others, including a sense of powerlessness and uneasy uncertainty about the future — for ourselves and for our children. As parents, what can we do to feel less out of control? Here are some ways you can take action today:
- Confront the role of race in your life. Take responsibility for your part in improving the world by exploring your own biases, experiences, privilege, roles and assumptions. Learn about racial inequity and how that plays out in your own life and the lives of others.
- Talk with your children. Young people are crucial to shifting consciousness about race and addressing inequity. It is never too early to help them learn to build a more just world.
- Volunteer. Support racial equity by volunteering with organizations or neighborhood initiatives that align with your values. Prioritizing equitable justice, food security, education, voting rights, housing, economic security, mental and other health access for all promotes change that impacts conflict and violence.
- Donate. Providing monetary and other support to groups working for equity helps them do their work.
Get involved and vote. Fight for enlightenment, initiatives and leadership that helps you feel proud to be a citizen of Los Angeles County, California and the United States. Spread the word on who and what you support and why. And never, ever forget to vote. You don’t just have the power. You are the power to make a difference.
