Reflection
Everyone Has Something to Give BY SYDNEY LEARDI
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
This quote from anthropologist Margaret Mead speaks to the power of people mobilizing. The power of true, meaningful change starts with impacted individuals and communities. It is daunting to witness the immense struggles facing the world now and hold the mindset that trajectories can shift. The quote is a reminder that everything must start somewhere. The number of people is not what drives change, but instead it is their motivation. Although this quote may sound overly naïve or optimistic, hope is contagious, and the act of a single passionate person can lead to a snowball effect for those around them.. Resource utilization is made more effective through organizing. If one prioritizes community health or the improvement of one’s community, they are more likely to work to implement changes. I cherish the possibility of living in a more equitable society. I want to live in a society where everyone can get by and enjoy life’s benefits. I believe that each life has intrinsic value and is entitled to a certain level of enjoyment as well as the chance to advance and support their families. I do not believe that people should only be exploited as agents of labor for others. There is no one cookie-cutter method of bringing this world about; I believe everyone has gifts, and using these gifts to their full advantage in the service of others is the best way to help. If someone has wealth, donating money is more practical and beneficial than someone who may not have as much wealth but 14
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has other talents that can benefit a certain community. This brings to Sydney (left) with her IPJC Youth Action Team co-interns Erin Monda and Pavithra Harsha mind the biblical account of the widow’s mite, found in Mark 12:41–44 and Luke specifically ranked-choice voting. This 21:1–14. When wealthier members of the voting system is proven to be more group contribute only from their surplus, equitable and promotes diversity among which costs them nothing, Jesus points political candidates. After meeting with out the woman with very little who gives city council members, I testified at a all she has. This narrative acts as a potent council meeting to inform my community reminder that the depth of sacrifice and about the importance of the reform and sincere intention behind one’s effort are proposed an implementation plan. more important than the quantity or Although I have been part of some tangible worth of the offer. other advocacies, these two stand out In the same way, everyone has to me, because they shaped my identity something special to give when it and helped me articulate what I want to comes to assisting others, regardless of stand for. As I became more exposed to their financial situation. Each person the kinds of people who participate in this has unique circumstances, skills, and type of work, I desired to be around them resources, and it is only through valuing more and develop my character in ways this diversity that we can effectively alter that reflected their traits I admire. our communities. God gifted me with kindness, My career hopes are driven by a empathy, and creativity. I have an innate desire to live purposefully and know I care for others and look to see that they made a worthy difference and positively find peace and happiness. I may not impacted peoples’ lives. I hope to always understand or know how to best participate in the political arena and have help in situations, but I will always do my been working to develop foundational best to remain curious and work to better knowledge, skills, and activism. Through understand the needs of marginalized my acceptance to a Civics Center summer individuals and communities. intensive focused on advanced voter drive organizing, I learned about public Sydney Leardi interned for the IPJC Youth narratives and strong speechwriting Action Team this past year while attending skills. I believe that political justice leads Seattle Prep High School. She looks forward to greater social justice and awareness. to pursuing economics and political science, I also worked on a youth legislative through the lens of community service and team to advocate for electoral reforms, organizing, at Boston College in the fall.