Ruth Wilson Gilmore

When the capacities resulting from purposeful action are combined toward ends greater than mission statements or other provisional limits, powerful alignments begin to shake the ground. In other words, movement happens.

-- Ruth Wilson Gilmore, Golden Gulag

I am so proud of myself for finally finishing the book. I had bought this (and blogged about it) MONTHS ago, but only this week had the time to dedicate to complete it. Totally worth it. I now have a better understanding of the rise of prisons in California, and the movements to stop the "cages" and dehumanization of poor people of color.

I also just bought Saul Alinsky's Rules for Radicals so that was good incentive to get through this one before starting that one.

Started to look for job possibilities in the nonprofit sector yesterday, and although there are definitely options in LA, trying to find the right fit is the key. When it comes down to it, of course I'm not going to be picky, but something part-time will do, since summertime will be dedicated to LSATs and applications.

Reading GG made me recall though, that these folks organize because they have to. These are issues and happenings that directly affect them and their communities - it's action out of necessity. Gilmore sums it up perfectly:

Most of those fighting in the trenches have little time for activism motivated solely by abstract political or ethical rhetoric. Rather, they are fighting for their lives, their families, and their communities. The remedy for cumulative negative impacts must be bigger and more compelling than a simple technocratic fix. A principled sense of mortal urgency gets grassroots activists to go to meetings, makes them board buses, and inspires hope.

So who am I, with my privileged, activist self? What do I have to fight for in my own community? To be honest, I can't think of much. My issues with the Japanese American community stem from a lack of connection in general; for a long time I've felt like I've had trouble relating, whether it's because of generational or life experiential differences.

Instead I've found my calling with other communities in need of other types of help, but it can often be difficult to truly be a part of those efforts because I am not directly affected by some of the grievances being addressed.

In any case, there will always be a million questions about the world, society, and the world of grassroots activism and organizing. Speaking of my shero, I guess it really will be nice to be in LA and talk to those who give me the inspiration to continue.

Bittersweet though, leaving Hawaii, and I can't believe how much time has passed. But I know what needs to be done, and I have to admit, am excited for the possibilities of the next chapter the year will bring.

On to Alinsky!