When "Team Player" Means More Than Just Showing Up
Reading about Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett's reflections on her political journey struck a deep chord with me. Her words about putting in immense effort and still feeling labeled "not a team player" highlight a frustration that many of us deeply invested in social progress can understand. It's a powerful reminder that for many, especially those from marginalized communities, engagement goes far beyond casting a vote. We dedicate our time, energy, and voices, driven by a profound commitment to seeing our communities thrive. Yet, sometimes it feels like the expectation is simply participation, rather than genuine integration into leadership and strategic work. My truth is, I'm doing everything I can to stay engaged, because the mission of creating a more just and equitable society is too critical. But authentic inclusion means being put to work, leveraging our unique experiences and skills to build impactful programs and policies. It means being seen as an indispe...