Feature article for Murray UU Church newsletter, March 3, 2022 by Judy Depue
I have never seen myself as a political activist. Perhaps some of you can relate, although I know others of you are energized by these activities. While I came of age in the midst of the Women’s Rights, Civil Rights and Environmental Movements, and I applauded those causes, I wasn’t one to participate directly in marches and sit-ins. I never spoke out to a legislator and I dislike politics. I suppose those activities went against my aversion to conflict and my basic introvert personality. My talents were more suited for behind the scenes. So that’s where I spent my time. That is until recently.
You see I’ve never lost the idealism and optimism of my youth. And my love of nature and concern for all who are hurt by its exploitation has never ebbed. This is compounded by the looming climate crisis. A new UN report out this week points to worsening trends. As a UU, I’ve learned that it’s important to live my faith in action, preserving our interdependent web and promoting justice. But surely like many of you, I’ve wondered what does this require of me exactly?
Of course, activism can take the form of individual action. For climate change, that means reducing my personal and household footprint and encouraging others to do the same. It also means supporting businesses that enact environmental justice values. These are all good and necessary. Yet I’ve come to learn that Individual actions are not enough to move the needle and avoid the rapidly approaching tipping points for climate disaster. We need policy changes and incentives to build a fossil free infrastructure that only governments can do. Now I can understand why the big social changes I’ve witnessed and benefited from in my lifetime didn’t come about quietly. They were pushed by marches and protests. By visible people power.
People power can push politicians to pay attention, although the people have to be louder than the paid lobbyists and others aiming to keep the status quo. The people power of citizens has to inspire legislators to resist the political power machines and go with the people instead. It has to tip the scale. That’s a tall order.
Now as an elder, I have participated in protests and marches. My fellow Murray marchers provided moral support for my first climate march in 2019. Thanks to Barbara, Tovah, Ellen, Bertha and Roy. From there I got more involved with UU Mass Action, where I’ve learned about how social movements are formed, while grounded in UU values. UU Mass Action is part of a larger coalition of over 200 organizations, allowing us to be more strategic and have a louder voice.
I’ve learned that for grassroots activism to be successful, it has to be coordinated and strategic to counter the influence of deep-pocketed lobbies or social inertia. Our individual actions are like drops of water. But as we join with others, we have the power of a stream that merges into a river. As multiple rivers flow together, they become an ocean. That’s how people power becomes a social movement.
This led to our first legislative forum at Murray Church in October 2019 and a second forum this January. Both were co-hosted with state Representative Jim Hawkins’ office. Thanks to our Murray Climate Action Team—Barbara, Dave, Sue and Roy; and thanks to all who attended! The good attendance at these events demonstrated to our legislators that local people care about climate justice.
Over time, I’ve learned It is not necessary to change my introvert personality or take political action alone. I just have to join with others who share my values. Together we can build the people power necessary for social change. In between these action events, I can go back under my rock, at least for a little while. But if I want to protect our precious Earth habitat, promote social justice and push the movement along, I do have to get out of my individual silo and out of my comfort zone. I’m hoping others will join me. We’re stronger together.