Another year has passed. What a year it was! We saw a miraculous emergency landing on the Hudson River, a historic presidential inauguration, GM’s and Chrysler’s bankruptcy filings, the confirmation of the first Latina to the Supreme Court, the death of two great advocates for the disabled (Eunice Kennedy) and the poor (Ted Kennedy) and the disastrous Ft. Hood shootings! Fortunately, the year didn’t end with the bang that could have been. Talk about good news/bad news stories!
As we start a fresh new year, the first of a new decade, let’s set our sights on what good advocates of eliminating racism and empowering women can accomplish in 2010.
First, the basics: let’s ensure everyone returns their census forms so we get a complete count and PLEASE, don’t let complaints about the government’s use of antiquated language keep you from completing the form or encouraging others to do the same! Second, everyone who can, should vote in the year’s first election, the spring primary on February 16th. Voters should then complete the 2010 election cycle by voting in the April 6th election, the September 14th fall primary and the November 2nd general election when we will elect the state’s new governor. Third, let’s resolve to be more sensitive to the needs of others and less judgmental about people and cultures we know little, if anything, about. (Responses to today’s blog entries on JSONLINE suggest a little more tolerance might be in order!) Besides, it’s a resolution that’s a lot easier to keep than exercising five days a week and eating fewer desserts.
At the YWCA we resolve to follow an Advocate’s Creed. We will not hesitate and we will not falter in our work on behalf of those who need our help. We will not relax as long as there is injustice to address. In that respect, we are guided by the words of Dr. King, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” We will not be distracted from the difficult work with which we have been charged, doing all within our power to breathe life into our vision of “Fueling women’s aspirations and opening pathways to racial justice.”
Happy New Year!
