Finding inspiration in the fight for social justice
“Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief.
Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now.
You are not obligated to complete the work,
but neither are you free to abandon it.”
— from The Talmud
These wise words were posted by one of my Facebook friends just when I was feeling overwhelmed by all the bad news in the world: political conflict, religious hatred, gun violence, discrimination against women, immigrants, and LGBT individuals, greed. I found myself looking for a cabin in the woods, so I could go off and be a hermit, but the command of the last line reminded me that even if we cannot solve all of the world’s problems, we can act locally to improve some situations.
With this in mind, I want to look for inspiration from those who are doing social justice work in our community. This is the calling of the North Bay Organizing Project whose mission is to build leadership and grassroots power for social, economic, racial, and environmental justice.
When I first met Director Susan Shaw and Lead Organizer Davin Cardenas a few years ago, I was impressed by the fervent and unifying community participation NBOP engendered in other parts of Sonoma County and wished that the under-represented in Sonoma Valley could have this same hope for a voice. Within the county, NBOP facilitates an integrated voter registration campaign, parent advocacy training, and the Transit Riders program, which offers free bus transportation for all K-college students.
NBOP is also active in leadership training in which individuals who have never held public office or participated in committee work, research, or public meetings can propel successful action. One project proposed for the high school and middle schools in Sonoma is the Student Congress in Schools, which provides a platform for students to learn and practice those participatory skills of a democracy.
Of critical interest, NBOP is dedicated to bringing decent, affordable housing to all Sonoma County residents. They have worked towards rent control and just cause eviction protection in the city of Santa Rosa and have assisted with housing forums at El Verano Elementary School to discuss tenants’ rights. We’ve all heard of someone who has been evicted so that the owner can raise the rent or demolish the building and replace it with higher money-generating construction. With skyrocketing housing costs, finding a replacement is extremely challenging and disheartening for the working class. Mass evictions have happened on First Street West, Verano Avenue, and West Spain Street.
Most recently, eight residents were given two months to vacate their apartments on West Spain. One family remained past the deadline because in this competitive and expensive housing market, they had no alternative. With the help of Davin Cardenas and concerned others, the property owner finally offered financial assistance to the family of six, so they could move, albeit into a one bedroom home. This may be the required business arrangement going forward if owners continue to displace tenants who are not wealthy. The alternative is either a loss of valuable workforce to other communities or an increase in homelessness. Not everyone in Sonoma has an investment account, trust fund, or castle to fall back on.
What is most admirable and enduring about the work of North Bay Organizing Project is that Susan Shaw and Davin Cardenas are not solely responsible for making needed changes; they teach others how to find a voice to make their own changes. I’m proud to know them and encourage you to learn about them at northbayop.org. Don’t be a hermit. Get to work.
