I saw what you did there...

In a 1966 essay titled “A Report from Occupied Territory,” the renowned literary and historical figure James Baldwin wrote, “I can’t believe what you say because I see what you do.” This quote has stuck with me for years because its truth resonates with many experiences I've had throughout my life. People often say one thing but do another. A similar truth is captured by Maya Angelou in her quote: “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”

I am the type of person who accepts people at face value until I have reason to think otherwise. This year has been especially disheartening because I’ve encountered several situations where people have shown themselves to be different from the image they project to the public. I’m not going to get too specific here. The point of this post isn’t to call people out by naming names. But this is my blog, and it’s my place to vent my frustrations.

For the life of me, I can’t understand why some individuals take on leadership positions in organizations meant to help the community, only to use their roles to impede or undermine progress, or even work against their stated missions.

I’ve encountered leaders of organizations that serve unsheltered populations, yet they won’t allow these populations to stay in their facilities due to nonsensical policies they've created. I've seen other organizations that are supposed to support the unsheltered actively work against efforts to secure more resources for them. I’ve witnessed queer organizations actively working against groups with whom they could collaborate to strengthen the LGBTQ community. And I’ve observed local politicians publicly state supportive platforms while, behind the scenes, maneuvering community funds to benefit themselves.

When I discuss these issues with others, the common response is a resigned acknowledgment that such problems are pervasive in every community. While that’s true, it doesn’t make it any easier for me to deal with. It also places me in a difficult position because, as the Executive Director of a nonprofit, I have a responsibility to protect the interests of marginalized groups, but I also need to represent my organization. We’re not in a position to make enemies that could hinder our ability to serve the people we support.

Navigating this has been challenging in recent months. If there has been any bright side to this situation, it’s been finding allies and like-minded individuals who share my concerns. Now, the task is to figure out what we can do about it.