Thank you again, Regan. I have been thinking almost non-stop about what you've said. I agree with you about the Four Pillars, and especially the first one and I have a lot of compassion for parents and families in the US. In order for families to get off to a good start, they need the support of the community. As you must know, the US is the only rich country in the world that does not provide maternity/paternity leave or any kind of child benefit. This coupled with the fact that the minimum wage is not a living wage and has not kept pace with inflation makes it hard for many families to focus on their children because they have to work so much. Lots of people work full-time and still can't make ends meet. In fact, 70% adults who get Medicaid or SNAP are working full-time. I think it's hard for families to feel hopeful against these hardships and to find the time to do the best by their children when they are often in the throes of personal chaos.
Families need midwives and doulas and birth justice in the beginning so they get off to a good start and have the time to be with their new baby and not have to rush off to work because of impossible economic pressures.
Intergenerational trauma challenges a lot of families. We can abuse our own children or others we love because we humans model what we know, what we've experienced. We can be hard wired to hurt. Tewa Women United in Northern New Mexico has developed powerful programs to develop women's leadership and economic freedom and to help families name and overcome intergenerational trauma.
And, yes teachers. They are sometimes the most important, especially if things are hard to home. As you know, school segregation is still terrible; more than half of US students go to racially segregated schools, not by law, of course, but the legacy persists.. Schools used to be funded primarily by the federal government, but now they are funded mostly by property taxes so schools in poorer areas (previously Redlined, of course!) suffer and students suffer and their ability to compete, get ahead, feel hopeful, suffers.
Clergy are essential, but only 37% to 39% in the US go to church weekly. We could expand clergy to other community leaders as well. Wouldn't it be nice to see political leaders who are actually people of character, faith and moral excellence? What other types of community belonging and inspiration help us to feel strong? Boys Clubs and Girls Clubs help. I'm moved by the work of Father Gregory Boyle. And, the Interrupters. But, I don't know the answer here. We all need to believe in something bigger than ourselves and that's hard when we feel beat down. Where do people find hope?
The police serve an essential task and risk their lives everyday for very little money. I wish we could see them more as peace officers, which they used to be called, and that they came from the communities in which they serve, but I understand the challenges here. And, I don't like how militarized the police have become. I used to life in Albuquerque, one of the seven most violent cities in the US. In September, the city established a new category of first responder and gave 911 dispatchers options beyond the police. Social workers and others in related fields patrol the city and field calls related to mental health, substance use, or homelessness that would have previously been handled by a police officer.
I think we all need to step down from our pride and judgements and love each other despite our differences and extend radical compassion to ourselves as well as to others. We all face the same challenges of a mind-numbing consumer culture which preys on our weakenesses and uses them to make money. We are all worthy of love.
I am so grateful for our correspondence, Regan. Thank you for listening.
