One Hand in the Soil – The Other the Sky – Tips for Solution Based Advocacy (4)

Solution based advocacy keeps one hand in the soil while stretching the
other to the sky.  It addresses the specific social and economic justice
issue(s) experienced by a particular group of people, while at the same
time expanding opportunities to improve the situation for everyone.

Martin Luther King exemplified this approach. While he was unyielding in addressing the racism and injustice experienced by African Americans he also reminded his followers that they must elevate the moral and ethical standard for all Americans.  Few said it better than Dr. King:

We are bound together in a single garment of destiny.

The means we use must be as pure as the ends we seek.

Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.  I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be.  This is the interrelated structure of reality.

We have an opportunity to make America a better nation.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline.  We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence.  Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.

Dr. King's message is as challenging today as it was in the 60's. 
Have you found the 'soul force' of your advocacy efforts?

To 'rescue' a proverb from the economists:  a rising moral and ethical
tide lifts all boats.

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