Resistance

By
Jeanna Harris
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The Women's March was a worldwide protest on January 21, 2017, to advocate legislation and policies regarding human rights and other issues, including women's rights, immigration reform, healthcare reform, reproductive rights, the natural environment, LGBTQ rights, racial equality, freedom of religion,[20] and workers' rights. Most of the rallies were aimed at Donald Trump, immediately following his inauguration as President of the United States, largely due to statements that he had made and his positions which were regarded by many as anti-women or otherwise offensive. It was the largest single-day protest in U.S. history. The Washington March drew 500,000 to 1,000,000 people.

Dear Members, Friends, and Curious Readers, 

What does resistance mean to you? For me, resistance means going beyond the zone of comfort for what is right. No longer accepting the bare minimum when I know I work hard and deserve so much more. It means seeing how I am connected to a greater community and the realization of how powerful we can be when we stand together instead of apart. Resistance is also fighting for the future, setting a standard for those coming after us.

Resistance will transform you from someone who stayed on the sidelines, not wanting to create waves or challenge injustice to someone who grabs a megaphone and leads a strike line. From February 26-28, myself along with thousands of union members in UPTE-CWA 9119 and AFSCME 3299 at UC campuses across California were on strike due to the unfair labor practices committed by UC. I never thought I would end up as a leader in my union but I cannot stand on the sidelines while our rights are violated and slowly eroded away. I had to overcome the fear, uncertainty and doubt and stand up. I stood up and others stood up with me. Resistance is contagious. 

Change is possible and a better future awaits us, but we cannot stay silent. Create those waves, rock the boat, the power of the People cannot be silenced.

See you (on Zoom) at our next meeting on March 12.