By James Prysock

ocial justice is a term that weighs heavily on our communities. For some communities, social justice brings awareness of a social hierarchy in this world that creates disparities in things such as socioeconomics, race, and gender. For other communities, social justice serves as a daily reminder that they participate in a system that disadvantages other identities and they need to be part of the solution.

The people caught in the middle are in survival mode. Some of us survive until the next pay day; some try to get a job to have a pay day; some code switch in order to “belong”; and many experience microaggressions. Through it all, we end up having to advocate for our own humanity. So while necessary, social justice work can be exhausting.

How can we have productive dialogue in a way that aligns our human and Christian values? Unfortunately we do not always have the best examples. Many times we see people disagreeing, yelling at each other or attacking another person in a comment thread.

Here are seven ways we can be activists in our communities while keeping the love of God in our hearts:

1. Dive in Honestly

We must be honest. Our communities are experiencing both contemporary and generational forms of trauma. Emotions are attached to that trauma, especially because that trauma has directly affected our foundational needs of safety and security.

2. Get Proximate

Jesus had all the knowledge He needed, but made it a priority to enter undesirable spaces and connect with marginalized populations. He did not just spend time in the holy places and wait for people to come to Him. He met them where they were and authentically engaged.

How do you expect to advocate for a cause that you have not sought to understand? This is critical for any type of activism otherwise it can lead to generalizations and the spread of false information. Whether you are part of the oppressed population or not, you need to make sure that you speak with the people having the experiences, to get a fuller picture of what is happening and how they are being affected.

That is the only way to truly support our communities. If not, we’ll find ourselves doing for communities instead of with communities, and there’s a big difference between the two. The former can do more harm than good. That is where intent and impact do not align. What you meant to do and what you actually did are not the same. This includes our Christian mission trips where we make others dependent on our presence. The best efforts are those that the communities agree on and can learn to manage on their own.

3. Find Your Role

Sometimes we feel so passionate about a cause that we jump in without assessing how to best contribute. It is important that we recognize what our strengths are so we can find our role in the activism. Activist Deepa Iyer and the Building Movement Project created a great resource called Mapping Our Roles in Social Change Ecosystems. It identifies 10 roles that are paramount to creating social change. These roles are: builder, weaver, experimenter, frontline responder, caregiver, advisor, visionary, disruptor, healer and storyteller. I have used this with various age groups, and everyone has been able to identify at least one role that fits their skillset. It is wonderful for us to explore roles outside of our comfort zones, but never abandon the gifts God has given each of us.

4. Lead by Example

In other words, be the change you desire to see in this world. Embody your values. You will not be perfect, but people will pay attention to your actions more than your words. Jesus resisted temptation even at His weakest point. He knew what the Word says and the example He needed to be for us. What are you teaching the people around you through your actions? What legacy are you leaving for future generations?

5. Realize Multiple Paths Lead to the Same Destination

Sometimes individuals want to see the same outcomes in their communities, but have different perspectives on how to achieve them. If possible, try to find ways to work together. Do you really have to work separately on everything? That could mean traversing some uncomfortable conversations. However, if Dr. King and Malcolm X could strategize together, if Fred Hampton from the Black Panther Party and the Young Patriots in Chicago could work together, why can’t we find a way? Try to find common ground and values with people who are seeking change. If you do, you’ll find ways to work together!

6. Be Media Literate

Don’t assume something is wrong until you do your homework. We rely heavily on our “gut feeling” or instinct. Sometimes it is accurate, but ultimately our instinct is an experiential result of how we see people and view the world. Consequently, we don’t like receiving information that challenges that feeling. This can be defined as cognitive dissonance. We are inundated with information every day. Social media platforms are full of algorithms that keep feeding us the information we like to click on. As a result, we stay in our information bubbles.

One of the things I like to do is research different media outlets outside of those I traditionally consume. Sometimes it actually helps me understand the different perspectives out there. Other times, it further confirms that I agree or disagree with something. Either way, it equips me with the ability to engage in tough conversations with people, because now I have some context and reference points. Most of the time when people feel heard and understood, they become less defensive. But we must model that first.

7. Civic Discourse is Key

We all bring our own experiences to the table. But we are not always good at communicating them. While this does not mean that we remove all emotion from our experiences, it does mean that we need to communicate in a way that is productive, to the best of our abilities.

We have differing opinions between communities and within communities. How do you communicate your perspectives and realities without dismissing those of others?

Sometimes you need to curse a fig tree instead of another person. Remember, you are not battling the individual, you are battling the ideology. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12, KJV).

No one is truly an “enemy” unless they insist upon it. If you are speaking with someone who insists on misunderstanding, insulting, or assaulting you and your cause, there is no use arguing with them if they are not willing to listen. Don’t waste your time and energy!

Jesus certainly lived His life as an activist. As Christians, when we fully tap into the heart of Christ, we actually become both minister and activist, servant and soldier. This enables us to be gentle and audacious throughout our journeys. We have the capacity to listen deeply, love boldly, and flip a few tables over if need be!

James E. Prysock III, MBA is the Director of Social Justice & Activism at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. His experiences include secondary and postsecondary teaching, DEI consulting, addressing campus climate needs, community engagement, advising student organizations and graphic design.