Organizer’s Corner: Greetings, Everyone!
From Community Organizer, James Morgan
It is my sincere hope that as I share with you in this moment, that you’ll gain a greater appreciation for having had, at one time or another, an experience of making “it” make sense. The “It” I am referring to has no boundaries, when it comes to how we may act, or our reaction to the situations and circumstances before us. It can and often does involve personal and collective decision-making in our families, on issues within our sphere of influence, or in our civic and political engagements. In virtually every area of human endeavor, I think we all have the desire to have things make sense.
In our work as MOSES, we have and continue to do our best to make sure our time and efforts toward systemic changes in criminal-legal reform contribute to outcomes that are humane and just. Our efforts must make sense and have some form of logic that leads to sensible solutions. To make it make sense means we must constantly be vigilant in the expression of our faith, values, and truths.
In virtually every issue and action that comes before me on behalf of MOSES, I literally ask myself: Does it make sense? The question allows me to focus on what is good for us as an organization. Does it make sense that we have called upon one another to build a collective base of power and representation for those at the margins of our culture, society, and politics? Does it make sense for me (us) to give voice to the issues of exploitation, abuse, and harm that are caused to our fellow citizens by our fellow citizens?
And what must be done when “it” does not make sense? I believe that that is the time when our collective voices and actions are most needed. The continuing prison lockdowns, reported deaths, dismal living conditions, and lack of transparency from those in positions of authority must be challenged to make it make sense. In our endeavors to influence decisions on education, housing, and mental health and other services, our approach, process, and solutions must make sense.
Our newest MOSES T-shirt has our mission statement on it, to remind us that we must make “it” make sense! Does our mission statement make sense to you? It must, if we are to carry out our mission. I shall continue, both personally and professionally, to invite you into the space of making all that we are engaged in make sense. Make It Make Sense!
Let’s do MOSES!