Planning for Justice

By Laura K. Wise

"Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!" Proverbs 3:9

Diversity and inclusion have become a buzz phrase these days. After the murders of Breonna Taylor, Ahmad Arbery, and George Floyd in 2020, diversity became the leading topic of conversation in many organizations and sectors. Institutions across the country and the world posted black squares on Instagram and made promises to support diversity more widely. Here we are in 2021; where are we now on these commitments? 

How do we speak out when the conversation feels uncomfortable? How do we speak out when no one else around us is speaking out? How do we do the internal reflection and work necessary before we're truly able to hold our institutions accountable? 

As Christians, as Methodists, we know that the roots of our faith were founded on speaking up and speaking out for justice. Remember the good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-35 who stopped to help the injured man when the others crossed the street, turning a blind eye. Remember Esther, who spoke up for her people, Mordecai reminding her in Esther 4:14 that she was called "for such a time as this." Remember Jesus Himself, who asked, "who touched me," in Luke 8: 45-46. Peter tried to brush it off by saying, "Master, the crowds are surrounding you and pressing in on you!" Jesus responded by shining a light on a woman who had been cast aside by society. 

Proverbs 3:9 tells us very clearly to "speak out for justice!" How then are we being called to "speak out for justice" within the issues we face in today's society? 

Our God is a loving God who has breathed the breath of life into each of us. Designing us to be unique creations in the world — in the same way, that the potter molds her clay. If these things are true, we must also believe that God values each of his children in all of our differences and calls us to "speak out for justice" when necessary. 

How then do we center diversity? And how do we thoughtfully and authentically create a culture of diversity that thrives long past the black squares and public statements on social media? 

We first have to start with a framework. Here's a simple outline I use in my work as a diversity and inclusion consultant that can be used both personally and organizationally — as you reflect in your daily Bible study or within larger church communities:  

1. Start with a working definition. What does diversity mean to you in your context?

2. Identify goals. What three things, that if achieved, would move the needle on diversity in your context?

3. Identify tactics. What is one small tactic that you can assign to each goal? Nothing big and overwhelming, but something small and achievable.

4. Identify consistency keys. This is where you nail down a plan for how you make your tactics your habits or part of your organization's culture.

5. Don't be afraid to ask questions and share your journey. When you practice talking about diversity, it slowly removes the uncomfortable feeling that may arise when a major moment happens.

I don't believe that speaking out for justice was meant to be a temporary command, but instead, an ongoing process. As Christians, we have to plan for justice. When we build a framework for ourselves, or for our organizations, we're always prepared, "for such a time as this."

You make our collective work possible by your witness for justice every day in your church, community, and Annual Conference. MFSA does not receive any financial support from the United Methodist Church's giving channels. 100% of our budget is funded through your membership dues and your generosity in giving.

Laura K. Wise is the founder and lead consultant for Content Wise Communications (CWC), a boutique marketing and communications agency that works with companies, nonprofits, brands, and entrepreneurs to build brand stories and assets around social impact initiatives—for a digital world.