Progressive Work is Sexy

Bumped. -- Craig

Crossposted at Young People For

On occasion, my friends and I tune in to Fox News to hear the latest attacks from right-wing conservatives. One of my rather opinionated friends commented on how "frightening" and "awkward" these Fox commentators appeared. It was as though they were unknowingly disturbed by the inaccuracy of their reports. In contrast, as I reflected on my experience thus far with the progressive movement, most recently with Young People For, I thought that my friend's words were not all fitting for the fellow activists I've met through my social justice work; in fact, the face of the progressive movement is quite attractive.

As noted in my previous blog, I am currently participating in Young People For's (YP4) Leadership Academy with 20 other fellows. Prior to my involvement with YP4, I was already engaged in numerous student-led and youth development programs. As an undergraduate, I was fortunate enough to obtain seed money from Cal Corps at UC Berkeley to start South of Market (SoMa) Scholars Mentorship Program, a one-on-one mentorship program whose mission is to provide academic and social support for low-income adolescents of color in the Bay Area. However, my experience in student/social activism, as rewarding as it is, also has its share of shortcomings. While some funding has been provided for student-led programs, there has been little investment made in the leadership development, both the professional and personal aspects, of the young activists who are at the forefront of this organizations.

Here comes the Young People For Leadership Academy.

I knew I was set on integrating my passion for social justice and empowering disadvantaged communities with my interest in health and medicine. Nevertheless, I still had personal concerns. How would I balance my personal and professional life? Would I be able to fulfill my responsibilities as a wife and mother while continuing to actively advocate for the medically underserved? How?

Through my experience in the YP4 Leadership Academy thus far, I have been able to explore these questions, and then some. I have met other young progressive leaders who have the same concerns. I have been connected and placed with The Greenlining Institute, a multi-ethnic research and policy advocacy organization, through which I have developed relationships with older professionals who have successfully balanced their personal responsibilities with their social activism. Thus, in the process of nurturing and creating a healthier world, I have accepted that it's okay, even necessary, to take care of my own needs. No need to let myself go-- I can help keep the progressive movement sexy.