Creating Justice in Our Democracy

Message from the National Director

Dear friends,

There are few times in our lives that a year stands out because of the impact it has on our journey as individuals and as a country. 2020 is definitely one of those years. The Covid-19 pandemic and nationwide uprising against racism and police brutality lay bare the inequality and injustice of our social structure. The country is also unprecedentedly impacted by hurricanes and wildfires that have the most dire consequences on underserved communities. And, as if a game of fate, 2020 is ending with two high stakes events - the nomination of a Supreme Court Justice and the presidential election.

This election will surely be a decisive moment, and we are all bracing for it. But the fact that it culminates such an intense year, filled with stress, anxiety and fear is overwhelming. Being overwhelmed is sometimes a sign that I need to take a step back and look at what is happening through a different lens.

Through close relationships with people having the experience of poverty, I have come to an understanding that even a very well thought out democratic process leaves people aside and silences some voices. But I’ve also witnessed how people speak up and take action, as Patrick did when he stepped out of a meeting to invite someone in who at first had not dared join the conversation. This is also democracy. And it is built by people who, knowing what exclusion means, want to guarantee that those who are missing can participate in the decision making.

When our political leaders are aware and willing to do what it takes to include everyone, especially those most impacted by poverty, our democracy can better meet its challenge that all people have the opportunity to reach their full potential. We also know from experience that the solutions to the deep crises our country is facing will not trickle down from the top. They will rise up through the efforts of individuals in their communities, looking for the ways people with direct experience of poverty truly belong, participate and are adequately represented.

Joseph Wresinski, founder of ATD Fourth World, spoke to our time when he said: “Those living in poverty are the very source of all human ideals. It is through injustice that humanity discovered justice; through hate, love; through contempt, dignity; through tyranny, the equality of all human beings.”

Dealing with the challenges faced this year has brought us to a critical point in the long-term systemic injustices present in our country. It has also led us to a deeper sense of justice. Let’s use that. Elections are not the end of the journey nor the final expression of a democratic process which gains purpose and value through everyday actions toward equality, justice and dignity for all.

In solidarity with you on this journey,

Guillaume Charvon

National Director

Read the full 2020 Fall Newsletter "Creating Justice in Our Democracy"

Photo by DAVIDCOHEN on Unsplash