When the system doesn’t work, you work around the system.⁣
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Here, it’s the state of New York working around the federal government to continue to educate tourists and school groups about the important role of immigrants in our nation’s history. The system isn’t working, so they’re working around the system.⁣
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But working around the system is not confined to the various levels of government. It’s the local bakery who offers free bread to furloughed workers. It’s the yoga studio offering free mindfulness classes. It’s the theaters offering free tickets. Just three of the many organizations taking care of their neighbor physically, mentally, and spiritually. The system isn’t working, so they’re working around the system.⁣
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And it’s not just businesses and organizations, it’s checking in on your elderly neighbor who doesn’t quite qualify for live-in assistance on her insurance. Or making a job or college or internship recommendation for that young adult who doesn’t quite qualify on paper, but you know they will work hard, so you put some of your weight behind opening doors for them. It’s noticing who is not getting a seat at the table and inviting them in. The system isn’t working for some individuals, so you work around the system.⁣
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But today is not just about working around the system, or helping your neighbor when you need it. (Of course continue to do that.)⁣
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Today is about changing the actual system. Add your voice to a cause in which you believe, or start your own movement. Either is fine, but it’s up to all of us to change the system.⁣
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We are called to learn about, dismantle, and rebuild systems on behalf of those for whom the system does not work. It cannot fall solely on the shoulders of the under-represented to change the system that is under-representing them. By definition, they have less voice in that system.⁣
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So today’s question is deeper than most, but maybe it’s time to ask: What is one “system” that you have worked around by helping out a neighbor, or are passionate about changing locally, nationally, or culturally?⁣