Dreaming Together: Safe Spaces to build Change

I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to partner and collaborate with justice warriors who don’t merely dream about change but tirelessly advocate for the community, including me. Your commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable and marginalized among us is truly inspiring.

The way you organize and rally together to support those who are often erased, dismissed, abandoned, forgotten, ignored, and discarded speaks volumes about your dedication. It has been a blessing to know and work alongside you.

Inspired by the insights of Paulo Freire in Pedagogy of the Oppressed, I recognize how systems often place blame on the oppressed for the challenges they face, perpetuating cycles of oppression. Those of us striving to work outside restrictive systems frequently face negativity and pushback. Nonetheless, we must understand meeting community needs with urgency requires creativity, flexibility, and the courage to challenge bureaucratic norms.

Through our collective efforts, we are not just addressing immediate needs; we are creating a dream space—where everyone has the opportunity to envision a brighter future. Safe spaces are essential for dreaming, believing, building, and achieving. They serve as platforms where individuals can collaborate to turn their dreams into reality.

We must invest in dreamers and their dreams—especially those who are on the verge of giving up and need that extra push. Whether it’s through art, love, or even financial support, providing these resources can empower individuals to keep going and ignite the change they wish to see.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of shaking up the status quo to better meet the needs of our people. Your commitment to genuine connection over transaction has been invaluable; you’ve seen me, kept my number, and remembered my name even when my role and resources changed.