Folly #74: Fear
Getting comfortable with feeling discomfort.
It seems that across the U.S. (and, perhaps, beyond) everyone is afraid.
Foundations are afraid that nonprofits won’t use grant funding wisely. (Otherwise they’d make all grants unrestricted and leave it up to the nonprofit experts to prioritize spending that achieves their mission-driven work.)
Young adults are afraid that they cannot earn enough in entry level roles to pay rent and payoff student debt.
Democrats are afraid that Republican leaders will make decisions that only serve a small portion of people.
Republicans are afraid that Democrats will spend their hard-earned tax dollars on other kinds of people.
I’m afraid that we’ve lost the ability to disagree with and learn from one another. And that gets me to thinking…
What can I do to overcome my own fears about our collective society?
Are we an island? At the edge of a cliff? Or, as my mom would say, stuck between a rock and a hard place?
Another of mom’s expressions was to stop contemplating your navel. Let’s get to work.
Here is my idea.
Volunteer where you feel uncomfortable.
California had two ballot initiatives related to incarceration. Judging by our election results, a majority of voters seem to be afraid of people who commit crime. This is not an irrational fear. And, clearly, not all crimes seem to count equally.
My question is: Have you ever talked to a “criminal”? There are lots of stories we tell ourselves about who serves time and why they deserve to be there. But what do we actually know about it?
If that makes you feel uncomfortable, try this:
Volunteer in a program that serves incarcerated people.
You can do data entry, research, committee participation, fundraising, event planning, facilitating classes or special projects for Insight Prison Project, share your faith in the SF Archdiocese Restorative Justice Ministry, create a rehabilitation project with the Department of Corrections), or teach skills to support someone in their reentry transition as part of the Inside Influence program of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
(My cookies know I’m here, but you’ll get similar options wherever you are.)
Listen to Ear Hustle.
Incarcerated people have done bad or stupid things. That doesn’t mean they’re bad people. Hear their stories first-hand through an amazing podcast.
Read someone’s journey.
Programs like The War Horse seminar for incarcerated veterans or the San Quentin News give voice to humanity, healing and accountability.
By the way, I have been arrested. Twice. I did stupid things and got caught.
You may have more in common with people who make you uncomfortable than you thought.
What – or who – makes you feel uncomfortable?
Won’t you share your wisdom on volunteering and moving through discomfort? And, of course, please …
… the Follies, maybe even with someone you suspect voted differently than you did.