For me, the new year always involved setting overzealous resolutions in an effort to make as much positive change happen around me as possible. With a lack of holding myself to any form of accountability, I would consistently fall short – which is why I ditched the practice altogether until this year.
My friend created and challenged me to a resolution for 2021. Having someone provide that stimulus has been encouraging and is motivating to have something to work toward, this year especially. This gesture had me thinking, what if your resolutions weren’t just for yourself, but for others as well? Would you hold yourself more accountable knowing that a community is also counting on you? Being gifted an achievable resolution inspired me to create a short but influential list of resolutions that I encourage you to tackle.
Step up in the workplace
I challenge you to be an advocate for those not in the room. You may not have even noticed that your workplace is perhaps predominantly consisting of white, straight able-bodied men rather than full of diverse backgrounds and voices. Women, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) and other oppressed folx are most likely to get spoken over in meetings, blamed for shortcomings and given the least amount of recognition for their accomplishments.
Make a difference in someone’s day by recognizing and praising someone's achievements, especially if they are in a marginalized community.
Diversify your bookshelf
Commit to reading something new every month by an author who is in a marginalized community. Read poetry anthologies about Black feminism, novels that feature characters with disabilities, written by authors with disabilities. Support and talk about the authors who are too often dismissed by mainstream publishing industries, school syllabus, bookstores and everyday conversation.
By expanding your bookshelf with a focus to diversify, you are sure to be enlightened of new perspectives and are helping send a message to publishers that demand for these types of books exist. Your impact will be further amplified by choosing a local book shop, like Glass Bookshop, rather than a major retailer.
Support BIPOC-owned independents
Businesses. With so many independent businesses struggling with the catastrophic new realities this year entails, this is the time to show how your money can create a real difference in the hands of others. In addition to the hardships due to COVID, BIPOC businesses have other specific struggles such as discrimination, lack of funding and access to other resources. Unlike Amazon, every customer matters when you are small. By prioritizing your spending, you can directly show your compassion and help uplift these resilient businesses.
I hope this list gives you inspiration and you accept my resolutions I bestow to you. If 2020 has taught me anything, it is what the power of working together can do to tackle our world’s toughest challenges. Let 2021 bring you a new sense of optimism, health, and drive to help us collectively achieve social and racial justice.
