PROTEST!

medical_die inQ.  Social justice and activism are a part of my DNA.  When I saw medical schools staging a 15½-minute “die in” for Eric Garner and Michael Brown, I realized that the only sector not protesting is business.  I accept that business is a conservative—stay out of the news—culture, but frankly I want to do something.  If I protest will I hurt my career?

A.  I commend you for being concerned about social movements that are important to you. The recent high-profile events have raised this question for many, but in fact each person must always consider the appropriate actions to take that fit his or her moral compass. Since our country’s founding, people have had to make difficult choices about how to express views on issues they feel passionately about.  Only you can judge how best to act given your own circumstances. but you have lots of channels for your activism.

Consider the following:

  • Are you familiar with the organizations your firm supports?  It’s possible that directly or indirectly your business supports agencies or causes related to social justice or  anti-violence groups.  So you may not be standing Corporate res
  • Will protesting “hurt” your career?  I suspect that you already know the answer.  But you can act—can you find ways to express yourself that safeguard your career and are consistent with your firm’s culture?
  • What is appropriate way for you to be involved on social media:  Use your own name? An alias? [Note: Don’t use your business time or your company email to advance social causes or conduct personal business.]
  • Are you utilizing your network of friends?  How do they feel? Are they “protesting” and if so how/when?  And, do they report any blowback to their work/career?
  • Is this issue important to the communities your business serves?   If yes, is there a conversation or project that you would like to propose at work? What are the benefits to you? To your firm?

Remember you have an opportunity to mobilize—that is inform, educate and express your activism—in your existing network.  Change almost always begins close to home.  Be the change you want to see in the world.

 

 

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