The Low Road

2011 has been a year of protests. All over the world, people have realised that they do not have to tolerate injustices in society and have taken action to stand up for themselves and others. The coming together of hundreds or thousands of people, united by the belief that things can be better, is - to my mind - really special and powerful. And of course, even more special when positive change actually follows. Sadly, in some cases, that's yet to be seen.


I went past the Bank of Ideas today, the UBS-owned building that the Occupy London movement claimed last week.  I think what they're doing there is really interesting.  If you want more info, take a look at their website: http://www.bankofideas.org.uk/welcome/

On this topic, the poem I have chosen today is The Low Road, by Marge Piercy. Read it here: http://www.margepiercy.com/sampling/The_Low_Road.htm

I've worked in the non-profit sector, specifically in homelessness, for 4 and a half years, but have volunteered in charities for longer. The work is amazing and I love it, but it often feels like there are battles to be faced: against government policies, against negative stereotypes, against people being treated unfairly. This poem reminds me of the power of people coming together and what can be achieved by working together - something very important for my work. It's stuck with me since I came across it 6 years ago and I've shared it with a few colleagues since then. Whatever your job and whatever your views on Western capitalism or the state of modern democracy, hopefully you will like this poem. I think it can be easy to doubt the difference an individual can make, but in this poem you see that everyone's voice and participation is important. There's a great beauty in solidarity.