The Importance of Self-Care and Transparency in the Justice Process
Justice, as we often discuss, goes beyond mere equity. It involves recognizing and actively dismantling barriers that hinder certain groups of people. These barriers, deeply rooted in various forms of oppression like racism and sexism, demand our attention. They exist not only within our organizations but also in the broader community.
In this week’s episode, our guest, Rachel Lauren, Chief People Officer at dream.org, has passionately advocated for justice for several years. Her insights are invaluable in understanding how justice fits into DEI strategies. Rachel reminds us that justice is a multi-faceted endeavor. It’s about acknowledging systemic barriers and taking steps to remove them. We’re not just here to recognize these obstacles but to actively work towards creating a level playing field for all individuals.
Tackling Systemic Issues Through Meaningful Action
Systemic barriers are like giant roadblocks on the path to justice. They’re complex, deeply ingrained, and require multi-pronged efforts to address. Dream.org, for instance, engages in policy work at state and national levels to advocate for change. They’re addressing issues like the overpopulation of minorities in prisons, contributing to a more just society where equality and opportunity are paramount.
But justice isn’t a passive concept. It requires action. Many organizations might have good intentions but stumble when it comes to taking the necessary steps to address these barriers. It’s essential to understand that justice goes beyond acknowledgment; it requires dedicated efforts to remove those barriers.
The Ripple Effect: Prison Reform and Organizations
Consider this: the sentencing disparities between crack and cocaine offenses have significantly impacted certain communities, perpetuating inequality and injustice. By focusing on equalizing these sentencing structures, organizations can contribute to prison reform and create a more just and equitable society.
Organizations often unknowingly contribute to what can be seen as modern-day slavery by using products manufactured by incarcerated individuals. Supporting prison labor or using products made in prisons can perpetuate a system of exploiting incarcerated individuals for profit.
Organizations must align their actions with their stated values to address this issue. They need to scrutinize their supply chains and ensure they aren’t contributing to the exploitation of incarcerated individuals. It’s about making informed decisions that uphold ethical standards.
Moreover, organizations can play a pivotal role in creating opportunities for individuals who the criminal justice system has impacted. By reevaluating hiring policies that exclude individuals with prison records, organizations can provide second chances and tap into a pool of talented individuals who may have valuable skills and experiences.
Transparency and Empathy: The Cornerstones of Justice
Acknowledging and validating people’s feelings, even when they don’t align with our own, is a crucial first step towards addressing injustice. It’s about recognizing the emotions behind the issues.
Organizations must be open and honest about their intentions and efforts to hire individuals from marginalized communities. This transparency builds trust and encourages individuals with criminal records to apply for positions.
Internal justice within organizations is equally vital. Leaders who engage in harmful behavior must be held accountable. This requires transparency in organizational processes and creating a culture of psychological safety where individuals can voice concerns without fear of retaliation.
Empathy is another cornerstone. It’s about prioritizing the well-being and healing of individuals who’ve experienced harm. It means holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring that consequences are fair and just.
Our conversation challenges the traditional role of HR departments, suggesting that they should focus on people operations instead of merely protecting the organization. It’s a shift towards transparency and empathy in all HR processes.
Self-Care: The Unseen Fuel for Justice
Justice work often involves diving into the nitty-gritty details, uncovering the “dirt in the corner.” Rachel emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the small things, as they can reveal profound truths. Rachel, like many of us, finds it challenging to prioritize self-care. She reflects on the tendency to turn hobbies into businesses, emphasizing the need to find fulfillment outside of work.
For Rachel, journaling has become her form of self-care. She dedicates Sundays to solitude, shutting out the world and recharging for the week ahead. She’s also grown to appreciate silence, recognizing its power for stillness and reflection.
Our conversation beautifully illustrates how self-care and justice are interconnected. By taking care of ourselves, we sustain our energy and commitment to justice work, making a more significant impact in our communities and society.
In this journey through the realms of justice, prison reform, transparency, empathy, and self-care, we’ve discovered the multifaceted nature of creating a just and equitable society. Remember, justice is not a passive concept — it’s a call to action. It’s about recognizing and tearing down barriers, whether they exist within our organizations or in the broader community. It’s about advocating for change, embracing transparency and empathy, and taking care of ourselves to continue this vital work. Together, we can contribute to a world where equality and opportunity thrive for all.
Sacha Thompson is the founder of The Equity Equation, LLC and Equity Leadership Institute, LLC, both based in the Washington, DC area. With 20+ years of experience in education, non-profit, and tech industries, Sacha’s work is about removing barriers or providing support to achieve equity. She helps executives and leaders have that meaningful dialogue and coaches them on the necessary, long-term changes that develop institutional cultures of inclusion. She was most recently featured in Newsweek, Business Insider and MSNBC’s The Cross Connection.
