An ostrich can stop a tank when it takes its head out of the sand.
Keeping your head in the sand is to choose tyranny. Better to choose nonviolent revolution.
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Category Archives: Empowerment
People Get Ready There’s a Train a Comin’
This song inspired by Curtis Mayfield’s song of the 60’s is meant to bring unity, courage, and hope to challenging times.
People stay ready, there’s a movement to start,
Bring your courage, your fire, your heart.
You don’t need permission, just take your stand,
The power’s in the people, hand in hand.
The chains might rattle, but they won’t hold tight,
When love and resistance shine through the night.
Truth’s our engine, hope the tracks we ride,
We’ll break through the darkness, side by side.
People stay ready, there’s a storm ahead,
You don’t need no ticket, just rise instead.
Justice is calling, hear the freedom bell,
We’re fighting for tomorrow, where all can dwell.
There’s no room for hatred, no place for fear,
The time is now, the path is clear.
Together we’re mighty, together we’re strong,
We’ll write the future, where we belong.
So rise up boldly, let the world take note,
Freedom’s the anthem, every voice a vote.
People stay ready, the time has come,
We’re building the future, for everyone.
People stay ready, there’s a movement to start,
Bring your courage, your fire, your heart.
You don’t need permission, just take your stand,
The power’s in the people, hand in hand.
People Get Ready There’s a Train a Comin’
This song inspired by Curtis Mayfield’s song of the 60’s is meant to bring unity, courage, and hope to challenging times.
People stay ready, there’s a movement to start,
Bring your courage, your fire, your heart.
You don’t need permission, just take your stand,
The power’s in the people, hand in hand.
The chains might rattle, but they won’t hold tight,
When love and resistance shine through the night.
Truth’s our engine, hope the tracks we ride,
We’ll break through the darkness, side by side.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: His Influences and Those He Influenced
Influential Figures in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Life
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was deeply influenced by several individuals whose ideas, actions, and philosophies shaped his worldview and leadership in the civil rights movement. Here are some of the most notable figures:
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance (Satyagraha) profoundly influenced Dr. King. Gandhi’s success in leading India to independence through peaceful civil disobedience inspired King to adopt nonviolence as the cornerstone of the civil rights movement in the United States. King once said, “Gandhi was the guiding light of our technique of nonviolent social change”.
- Jesus Christ
- As a Baptist minister, King was deeply rooted in Christian theology. He drew inspiration from Jesus’ teachings on love, forgiveness, and turning the other cheek. These principles underpinned his commitment to nonviolence and his belief in the moral power of love to overcome hate.
- Henry David Thoreau
- Thoreau’s essay Civil Disobedience introduced King to the idea of resisting unjust laws through nonviolent means. King admired Thoreau’s argument that individuals have a moral duty to disobey laws that are unjust.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Emerson’s writings on self-reliance and individualism resonated with King, particularly in his belief that individuals could bring about social change through moral courage and personal responsibility.
- Howard Thurman
- Thurman, a theologian and mentor to King, emphasized the importance of spirituality in social justice. His book Jesus and the Disinherited provided a theological framework for King’s activism, focusing on the empowerment of oppressed communities.
- Benjamin E. Mays
- Mays, the president of Morehouse College, was a mentor to King and instilled in him the importance of education, leadership, and moral integrity. Mays’ emphasis on social justice and equality deeply influenced King’s vision for the civil rights movement
- A. Philip Randolph
- Randolph, a labor leader and civil rights activist, inspired King with his organizational skills and commitment to racial equality. Randolph’s leadership in the March on Washington Movement demonstrated the power of collective action.
- Bayard Rustin
- Rustin was a key advisor to King and helped him strategize the use of nonviolent protest. Rustin’s organizational skills were instrumental in planning events like the 1963 March on Washington.
- Paul Tillich
- Tillich, a theologian, influenced King’s understanding of existentialism and the role of faith in addressing social injustice. His writings helped King articulate the moral and spiritual dimensions of the civil rights struggle.
- Reinhold Niebuhr
- Niebuhr’s philosophy of Christian realism influenced King’s understanding of the complexities of human nature and the necessity of confronting evil through collective action.
10 People Whose Lives Were Changed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. King’s leadership and vision inspired countless individuals to take action for justice and equality. Here are ten people whose lives were directly influenced by him:
- John Lewis
- Lewis, a young activist during the civil rights movement, was inspired by King’s leadership and became a prominent figure in the movement. He later served as a U.S. Congressman, continuing King’s legacy of fighting for civil rights.
- Rosa Parks
- Parks credited King’s leadership and the Montgomery Bus Boycott with giving her the courage to stand up against racial injustice, which sparked the modern civil rights movement.
- Andrew Young
- Young worked closely with King in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and later became a U.S. Congressman, ambassador to the United Nations, and mayor of Atlanta.
- James Lawson
- Lawson, a key figure in the civil rights movement, was inspired by King’s commitment to nonviolence and became a leading trainer in nonviolent resistance.
- Coretta Scott King
- As King’s wife, Coretta was deeply influenced by his vision and continued his work after his assassination, becoming a prominent activist for civil rights and peace.
- Barack Obama
- While Obama was born after the height of the civil rights movement, he often cited King’s work as a source of inspiration for his own journey into public service and his vision for a more inclusive America.
- Jesse Jackson
- Jackson was a close associate of King and became a prominent civil rights leader in his own right, founding the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition to continue King’s work.
- Bernice King
- King’s youngest daughter, Bernice, was inspired by her father’s legacy and became a minister and advocate for nonviolence and social justice.
- Oprah Winfrey
- Winfrey has often spoken about how King’s work paved the way for her success as a Black woman in media and inspired her commitment to philanthropy and social justice.
- Nelson Mandela
- Mandela, though leading the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, was inspired by King’s philosophy of nonviolence and his fight against racial oppression.
Dr. King’s influence extended far beyond these individuals, shaping the course of history and inspiring millions worldwide to work for justice, equality, and peace.
Your Voice, Our Power
Mobilizing Effective Political Power with Five Calls
How many of you actually have the Five Calls app? When was the last time you used it? Not enough of us, and that’s why I teach these classes. A lot of people say they want to use it, but then no one shows them how to make those phone calls. Get app at your app store.
Talk by Cynthia Hamilton, Indivisible Organizer for Eastern Washington State
Mobilizing Effective Political Power with Five Calls
Talk by Cynthia Hamilton, Indivisible Organizer for Eastern Washington State
Spokane County Democrats Donkey Club Luncheon 5/20/2025
Your voice, your power, our democracy
How many of you actually have the Five Calls app? When was the last time you used it? Not enough of us, and that’s why I teach these classes. A lot of people say they want to use it, but then no one shows them how to make those phone calls. Get app at your app store.
How many of you actually have the Five Calls app? When was the last time you used it? Not enough of us, and that’s why I teach these classes. A lot of people say they want to use it, but then no one shows them how to make those phone calls.
We all know that those phone calls are some of the most efficient and effective tools we have as constituents to influence decisions about budgets that could significantly impact our country. So we need to get on board with this now because they’re getting ready to vote on important issues.
If you know how to use it, are you teaching others? The usual call volume in D.C. is only about 40 calls per minute for 435 Congress members—that’s just one call for every ten Congress critters! With Five Calls, we once got that number up to 3,000 calls per minute; however, it’s fallen off recently at a time when it’s crucial for us to be making these calls.
When I was in Chewelah, WA, I showed everyone how easy it is to use Five Calls—65 people were making calls at once! It was awesome! When I asked them if they thought it was easy many raised their hands affirmatively while others seemed unsure or hadn’t used it yet.
So here’s what you need: download the Five Calls app from your Play Store or Apple Store right now—this is your most effective tool for reaching out to your Congress members! Changing my language has been key in my success when communicating with officials; it’s essential that we speak their language if we want our voices heard.
Now, have you downloaded the app onto your phone? Great! Are you looking at the issues? Is it helpful? Can I get an amen?! Remember that each phone call represents approximately 10,000 voters because people often feel too intimidated or unqualified to confront someone directly about their concerns.
Five Calls provides information about current issues being voted on—it cuts through unnecessary topics and helps focus on what truly matters right now. Once you’ve made a call through this tool, remember you’re representing thousands of other voters!
If you’re nervous about talking directly with someone call after hours—call after 2 PM PST (5 pm EST) when they’ve likely gone home and leave a message instead!
When using Five Calls again today or tomorrow—or whenever—you’ll see your representative and senators listed, 3 in Washington state – one Congressman and two Senators; don’t forget those Senators even if they seem aligned with our views—they still need feedback from us!
It’s vital that we communicate our preferences clearly before votes happen so Congress knows where constituents stand—otherwise they might assume there’s no clear majority opinion and vote accordingly based solely on assumptions rather than facts.
Emails hold less weight compared with phone calls since they’re valued at around 1,000 voters each simply because there’s little chance anyone will respond personally—and canned responses don’t help either!
An actual letter carries slightly more value but requires far more effort than simply picking up a phone—it may take days before anyone sees your thoughts by which time decisions may already be made!
So let’s commit today: teach someone else how easy using Five Calls can be within five days.
We cannot remain comfortable anymore—we must start doing things differently starting today—and tomorrow we’ll share knowledge further afield until everyone understands its importance!
To find out more about 5 Calls contact Cynthia Hamilton and I’ll help connect you to class sessions available soon: bugsmind@comcast.net
CORE’s Rules for Direct Action
CORE’s (Congress of Racial Equality) Rules for Direct Action became a model for nonviolent resistance worldwide. Their emphasis on preparation, discipline, and moral clarity ensured that their actions were both effective and ethically grounded. These principles continue to influence modern social movements, from environmental activism to racial justice campaigns. By combining strategic planning with cultural tools, CORE and similar organizations demonstrated the power of nonviolence in achieving systemic change.
CORE’S Rules for Direct Action full article CLICK HERE
History and Influence of CORE article CLICK HERE
Potential Solutions to Key Social Justice Challenges
Social justice is a complex and multifaceted challenge, but solutions are possible through systemic reforms, grassroots activism, and cultural shifts. By addressing inequality, promoting equity, and fostering inclusivity, we can create a more just and equitable society for all. These solutions require collaboration across sectors, sustained advocacy, and a commitment to the principles of human rights and dignity.
For full article CLICK HERE
“We’re All in This Together” ?
Since Trump’s second election I have been hearing talk that “We’re all in this together”.
Ultimately, the true meaning of “all” lies not in its historical usage but in the ongoing efforts to make it **genuinely inclusive**—a call to action for continued progress in the pursuit of justice.
Let’s talk about this word “all”. What is your context? CLICK HERE for follow up.
Potential Solutions to Key Social Justice Challenges
Addressing social justice issues requires a combination of systemic reforms, grassroots activism, and cultural shifts. Below are potential solutions to key social justice challenges, drawing on principles of equity, participation, and access.
1. ADDRESSING INEQUALITY AND DISCRIMINATION
Social justice issues often arise from systemic inequalities and discrimination based on race, gender, class, or other identities. Solutions include:
Policy Reforms:
- Anti-Discrimination Laws: Strengthen and enforce laws that protect individuals from discrimination in workplaces, schools, and public spaces .
- Equity-Based Policies: Implement policies that address historical injustices, such as affirmative action or reparations for marginalized communities.
Community Engagement:
- Education and Awareness: Promote education programs that teach empathy, inclusivity, and the history of systemic oppression.
- Grassroots Movements: Support local organizations that advocate for marginalized groups and work to dismantle prejudices.
2. PROMOTING EQUITY IN EDUCATION
Education is a cornerstone of social justice, but inequities in access and quality persist.
Solutions:
- Universal Access: Ensure all students, regardless of socioeconomic background, have access to quality education, including free or subsidized schooling .
- Culturally Responsive Teaching: Incorporate diverse perspectives and histories into curricula to foster inclusivity and representation.
- Support for Marginalized Students: Provide resources such as scholarships, mentorship programs, and mental health support to students from underrepresented groups.
3. TACKLING ECONOMIC INEQUALITY
Economic disparities are a major driver of social injustice, affecting access to housing, healthcare, and basic needs.
Solutions:
- Living Wages: Advocate for policies that ensure workers earn a living wage, reducing poverty and income inequality.
- Progressive Taxation: Implement tax systems that redistribute wealth more equitably, funding social programs and public services.
- Universal Basic Income (UBI): Explore UBI as a way to provide financial security to all individuals, particularly in times of economic instability.
4. ADVANCING GENDER EQUALITY
Gender-based discrimination, including issues like the wage gap and harassment, remains a significant barrier to social justice.
Solutions:
- Workplace Protections: Enforce policies that prevent gender discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
- Parental Leave: Provide paid parental leave and childcare support to reduce the burden on working parents, particularly women.
- Education and Advocacy: Promote gender equality through public campaigns and education programs that challenge stereotypes and biases.
5. COMBATING ENVIRONMENTAL INJUSTICE
Environmental issues disproportionately affect marginalized communities, making environmental justice a critical aspect of social justice.
Solutions:
- Sustainable Policies: Advocate for policies that reduce pollution and promote renewable energy, particularly in low-income areas.
- Community-Led Solutions: Empower communities to lead environmental initiatives, such as urban farming or clean water projects.
- Corporate Accountability: Hold corporations accountable for environmental damage, particularly in vulnerable regions.
6. REFORMING THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
The criminal justice system often perpetuates social injustice through systemic racism, mass incarceration, and police brutality.
Solutions:
- Police Reform: Implement community policing models and increase accountability for law enforcement.
- Restorative Justice: Shift from punitive systems to restorative justice practices that focus on rehabilitation and reconciliation .
- Decriminalization: Decriminalize nonviolent offenses, such as drug possession, to reduce incarceration rates and address racial disparities.
7. BUILDING INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
Social justice requires fostering communities where everyone feels respected, supported, and included.
Solutions:
- Affordable Housing: Invest in affordable housing initiatives to combat homelessness and housing insecurity.
- Civic Participation: Encourage marginalized groups to participate in decision-making processes, such as local government or community boards.
- Cultural Representation: Promote diverse representation in media, arts, and leadership to reflect the experiences of all communities.
8. LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
Technology can be a powerful tool for advancing social justice, but it must be used responsibly.
Solutions:
- Digital Access: Bridge the digital divide by providing affordable internet and technology to underserved communities.
- Online Advocacy: Use social media and digital platforms to raise awareness, mobilize supporters, and amplify marginalized voices.
- Data Transparency: Use data to identify and address systemic inequalities, such as disparities in healthcare or education.
9. ADDRESSING INTERSECTIONALITY
Social justice movements must recognize the interconnected nature of oppression, as individuals often face multiple forms of discrimination simultaneously.
Solutions:
- Intersectional Policies: Develop policies that address the unique challenges faced by individuals at the intersection of race, gender, class, and other identities .
- Coalition Building: Foster collaboration between social justice movements to address shared goals and amplify impact.
10. ENCOURAGING GLOBAL SOLIDARITY
Social justice is not confined to national borders; global cooperation is essential to address issues like poverty, climate change, and human rights abuses.
Solutions:
- International Aid: Support global initiatives that provide resources and assistance to developing countries .
- Global Advocacy: Participate in international movements that promote human rights, such as campaigns against child labor or gender-based violence.
- Cultural Exchange: Promote cross-cultural understanding and solidarity through education and dialogue.
CONCLUSION
Social justice is a complex and multifaceted challenge, but solutions are possible through systemic reforms, grassroots activism, and cultural shifts. By addressing inequality, promoting equity, and fostering inclusivity, we can create a more just and equitable society for all. These solutions require collaboration across sectors, sustained advocacy, and a commitment to the principles of human rights and dignity.