These are challenging times. Many of us are discouraged and even feeling despair in the face of our current political, economic, and cultural situation. An effective method for overcoming feelings of discouragement or despair is to encourage others. Even the process of searching for the right words, tone, and examples helps me to remember that we are not alone—I am not alone. This is very important and helpful to me. Sharing encouragement with someone else gives me bio-feedback and as they begin to feel better so do I.

Another helpful exercise is to think about the past. The many millions of human beings who overcame seemingly unsurmountable odds to survive long enough to become our ancestors.  “You think you have it hard! When I was a kid, we had to walk up hill in the snow without shoes both coming and going to school!” OK, maybe not uphill in both directions, but you get the point.

Someone reminded me yesterday that we can connect with each in ways unimaginable even a few generations ago. We do not need to walk ten miles to the next village to get the news or find a kindred spirit. We can log on to the internet and quickly find evidence that there are others who agree that diversity is one of the most amazing things about our nation. We can read blog posts of those who fight everyday for our equity and rights. We can watch videos expressing the power of inclusion in communities. We can learn about the rock stars of advocacy for disability rights, such as Judy Heumann who never accepted “no access” as an answer.    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzW3Mm61OP8

Each year I read The Declaration of Independence and think about what the words mean, within the context of the blatant double standards of its authors, as a foundation to our Constitution and Bill of Rights. The Declaration Of Independence

To fully understand that context, it is important to hear a different voice, one that represents those written out of history by the signers of the Declaration. Frederick Douglass’ speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” delivered in Corinthian Hall, Rochester, NY, July 5th, 1852 at the invitation of Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society gave voice to millions of enslaved people in the United States exposing white people to a reality that many of them had the privilege not to think about. https://frederickdouglasspapersproject.com/s/digitaledition/item/16068

I know that things look bleak. Mr. Douglass made clear how bleak life is for many, many people.  I also know that together we can accomplish the extraordinary. Giving up or giving in is not an option.

“A Declaration of Interdependence,” is a 4 minute film celebrating interdependence by Tiffany Shlain and Let It Ripple Studio that I have been sharing since 2013. It has never been more relevant or needed. https://www.letitripple.org/adeclarationofinterdependence

Please share this message with anyone who you think may need some encouragement, connection or context.

Onward!

~ Wendy

July 4, 2025

Wendy Amengual Wark
(She/Her)

Founder
Inclusion Strategy Solutions LLC

01-347-880-0777
Wendy@inclusionstrategy.com 
InclusionStrategy.com