Identifying What Needle You Want to Move

The crisis that we are in touches each of us at our core with emotions of pain, sorrow, disbelief, and anger. The crisis has so many layers, it is challenging to unpack. We all have a civic responsibility to combat injustices. Where do we go from here to heal, rebuild stronger, welcoming, peaceful, and thriving communities? What can each of us do? Those are the questions that keep us up at night right now, and there is no quick answer.

First, there is the immediate relief for lives and communities that have been shattered and shaken. Then there is the harder and longer work of actually identifying, understanding, and participating in the change as a business owner, as a professional, as a civically engaged citizen. A starting point to be part of the change is to focus on what you can influence, what do best, your field of knowledge, your strengths, your relationships. Is it healthcare? is it the ability to partner with more minority-owned businesses? Is it community banking? Is it promoting careers in STEM or intentionally connecting people to jobs and opportunities? Is it taking the time to engage with law enforcement in your community? 

• The Policy Circle is a framework that enterprises can use to invite all voices to weigh in on complex policy issues that impacts all of us.

• The startup Solve connects businesses and people from underserved communities so they can achieve their potential.

• Project Hood rebuilds people and community.

• My Block My Hood My City created a small business relief fund to support small businesses that were looted.

Compassion is listening and taking action purposefully. Identify what needle you want to move.