Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) · R.I.S.E. and Shine Collective

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)

Ani Di Franco sang, we owe each other, nothing. We owe each other, the world.

Am I my brother's keeper?

Part of my struggles are should I even have a business? Am I just creating capitalism light? What are my intentions? To pay my bills, buy my kids boba tea without worry and mutual aid.

Long term, I would love to build a world where we don't need mutual aid because the idea of anyone not having their needs met is anathema.

Short term it's simple things like clearing the sink, even if it's not my dishes but also raising kids that clean up after themselves. It's raising kids that understand we are stronger together.

Making business decisions that consider my impact on others up to and including the environment. It's why I always choose people over productivity.

Where I used to work we had an I am okay, You are okay framework. If one was not okay, the other would support them.

I don't think we can be successful long-term with an "I got mine" mentality. That's how billionaires think and we are rapidly reaching the point where their actions will collectively cause us to implode.

Thoughts?

2 comments