Embracing Vulnerability: A Call to Action for Communities

In her recent column, community builder and former State Senate candidate Jovita Schiffer highlights the difference between chosen and imposed vulnerability. While some individuals have the option to share their struggles, many others face daily risks due to systemic issues such as racism, ageism, ableism, homophobia, xenophobia, and economic inequity. Schiffer emphasizes that for these individuals, vulnerability is a constant reality rather than a moment of bravery.

Schiffer reflects on the experiences of those who have long fought for justice and equity, often at great personal cost. She shares her conversations with community members who have dedicated decades to advocating for vulnerable populations, some from within these communities and others as allies. These advocates, who have organized, testified, and marched, now find themselves feeling disheartened as they witness recent political shifts and the resurgence of divisive rhetoric.

“Many are heartbroken by how much was sacrificed to get us where we are and by how fragile those gains can feel now,” Schiffer writes. She acknowledges that while some progress may seem to be slipping away, it is crucial to recognize that significant strides have been made over the past sixty years. These changes in law and culture have created opportunities that have impacted entire generations.

It is essential to remember that even if hard-won protections face threats, the lessons learned and the progress achieved cannot be erased. Many individuals have benefited from the sacrifices made by those who came before them. Schiffer notes, “Your courage saved many of us from the suffering generations before us endured.”

As a direct outcome of these efforts, Schiffer herself was able to run for office and write for her community, reflecting the cultural shifts that have allowed for greater representation. She urges readers not to underestimate the foundation built by earlier advocates, stating, “We are not starting from scratch. We are standing on ground shaped by your hands, your love, and your refusal to give up.”

In her column, Schiffer uses the analogy of a relay race to illustrate the ongoing struggle for equity. She describes the pioneers in this fight as the first runners, who have cleared a path through challenges so that others can continue to move forward. “You ran through storms so we could have clearer skies to learn, to gather strength, and to grow the courage that blooms only because someone else has already taken the first blast of the wind,” she writes.

Schiffer concludes with a message of hope, reminding readers of the importance of community and the interconnectedness of their struggles. The term Ubuntu, which means “I am because we are,” encapsulates the essence of shared experience and collective strength. She encourages readers to consider who inspires them in their own journeys and to honor those who have paved the way.

As the conversation about vulnerability continues, it is vital to acknowledge the differences between those who choose to express it and those for whom it is an imposed condition. Schiffer’s call to action is clear: recognizing and respecting these experiences is a crucial aspect of fostering community resilience and solidarity.

For those wishing to engage further, Schiffer invites readers to share their thoughts and experiences at [email protected]. Her commitment to creating programs centered on equity and belonging underscores her belief in the power of compassionate dialogue to unite individuals across diverse backgrounds.