A Collective Plan of Action
“People cannot accept a future they can’t envision.”
On February 20, UCM hosted almost 30 leaders from various communities in Southern IL for Downstate Caucus. The purpose of this convening was to discuss the issues that are negatively affecting our individual communities, note the similarities and differences, and commit to a plan that not only strengthens our resolve but forms collaboration between our organizations.
“We don’t have communities that talk about these issues. We are too distracted. And that’s been used against us.”
We spent the entire day listening to each other’s stories - wins, losses and frustrations - and building a brave space that allows our voices to be heard. UCM’s Executive Director, Darnell Tingle, posed the question: What impact would a specific harm have on your community. It was a harsh reality that many of us have already had to live through.
“It was hard for me to think of a space that hasn’t been harmed. We can’t take anymore harm.”
We recognized that engagement in our various programs was a major area of opportunity. How do we get the community to buy in? How do we get them to care? Sometimes it feels like an up hill battle or a hamster wheel, but taking a different approach and listening to perspectives from other organizers during this caucus was a great start.
“Less of ‘I need something from you’ and more ‘What can we do for each other’.”
One takeaway from this meeting: Organizing is a long game. We cannot expect issues to be corrected overnight and a win doesn’t mean the work is done. We must stop operating with only our communities in mind and think about those extended communities connected to us. We can learn from each other and move this work along together.
“These issues didn’t happen within the last 6 months. They happened over hundred of years, decades..and with billions of dollars funding them.”
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To join the Downstate Caucus, email darnelltingle@ucmetroeast.org.
