Fear is a sneaky little thief. It shows up right when you’re on the edge of something game-changing, and whispers, “What if you fail?” It’s that familiar pit in your stomach that makes you want to play it safe, stick to the status quo, and stay quiet.
As an organization, we’ve confronted our fair share of fears. When we moved to make all our grants unrestricted, some worried we wouldn’t have control over how grantees used the funds. But we leaned into our trust of their ability to lead rather than respond to apprehensions, and that decision has strengthened our partnerships.
Fear whispered, “What if we could have won more?” when we ended the lawsuits driven by the previous regime. Yet, we recognized that our resources were better spent on other battles. Those who doubted those resources couldn’t bring “enough” change wouldn’t win.
And when we tapped into our endowment to respond to current social crises, some feared we were spending too much too fast. But sitting on those resources while the world burned wasn’t an option.
In each of these moments, fear was present. It would often manifest in what seemed like practical concerns, but we understood that these are the same fears that have kept oppressive structures intact for generations.
Fear is a powerful force and a familiar companion in pursuing social justice. Fear lurks everywhere for those who speak out, advocate for change, or challenge the status quo. We are conditioned to think staying silent is safer than pushing for progress.
This isn’t by accident. Oppressive systems often rely on fear to maintain their hold, convincing us that we’re powerless, that change is too dangerous, and that the risks outweigh the potential rewards.
Fear is part of the uniform when advocating for change. The civil rights movement in the US faced violent opposition, yet countless unsung activists pressed forward. Fear of retaliation didn’t stop them. It fueled their determination, becoming the courage with which they accomplished change.
Today’s climate activists, labor organizers, and champions for racial justice are all wrestling with their own fears. But in those moments of fright, they choose to fight. And from that, we know we are not acting alone. Each step we take toward justice, others have taken before us, and others will continue after us. We are nurturing change that will grow with each generation’s courage.
Here’s what we’ve learned: Fear isn’t a reason to back down. It is a signal that we are stepping into transformative work. The future we want is not going to come without pushing though some uncomfortable moments. Every time we confront fear, we move closer to our goals and the world we’re fighting for – a world of collective liberation where none of us are free until all of us are free.
What bold move have you been putting off because fear is holding you back? What do you want to accomplish? We’re all navigating our personal and collective fears, whether it is the fear of losing a job for speaking out, of being labeled too radical, or of standing alone in our convictions.
Whether it is the fear of failure, rejection, or even the fear of societal change, embrace your fear. Not as something to hold you back but a reminder that real change is always a little frightening. We’re here to stand alongside you.
