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New Generations Lead the Way in Social Justice

New Generations Lead the Way in Social Justice

Last updated on: December 26, 2024 at 11:14 am by Dorian Scott Cole

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New Generations Lead the Way in Social Justice 2024-12-26T11:14:24-06:00 Dorian Scott Cole

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Frivolity and heart, Pathos and Pith – We love kittens; do we care enough about others’ suffering to make change?

I think we do! I think we can do more.

Podcast.

Summary

New generations are activists who take their responsibilities in this world seriously. Nearly one-third of Gen Zers (32%) are regularly engaged in activism or social justice work. This compares to 24% of millennials and 23% of all adults who help others.

Collage: Cute orange kitten by SkitterPhoto on Free Range Stock, (CC0 1). Prisoner on RawPixel (CCO). Tents on a Street in LA by Milan Cobanov on Pexels (free to use). All modified to fit the collage space by Dorian Scott Cole.

Around 30% of the people in churches organize to help others. Religious people are more likely to give to non-religious causes than non-religious people. The percentage of Americans who have donated to charity increases with age: 50% under 30, 60% 30–44, 73% 45–64, and 85% 65 or older.

New generations (Z and Alpha) are unwilling to let injustice and discrimination go unnoticed and unchallenged. We would do well to take our cues from new generations.

Reference verses:

“A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal, But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.” Proverbs 12:10

“Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow.” – Isaiah 1:17

“He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.” – Proverbs 14:31

Frivolity: Kittens. Who doesn’t love them. More below.

Heart: We need to pay attention to our heart. Ignoring it eventually makes us numb to the suffering of others. Jesus found this true of many people in Judaism who went through the motions of religion, but did nothing for others. We get used to seeing the needy around us, think there is nothing we can do, and ignore them.

Podcast links:

Music link: A Pithy Christmas (Title links to YouTube video) by Dorian Scott Cole

End summary

In depth

Kittens and dogs – which is better? For a friend of mine.

Cat Dog Cat Dog Feed me Feed me 0 0 Brings mouse home Brings dead cat home -5 -10 Empty my box Take me out in the rain -2 -5 Purrs and cuddles Cuddles 4 4 Bark, bark, bark, yipe, yipe, yipe -3 Shreds curtains Pokes holes in couch and eats cushion -5 -5 Reduces Christmas tree to pile of cat fun Empties trash can on floor. Pulls down Chnristmas tree. Broken glass balls compel a vet visit. $1000.00 -2 -15 Take me out in the rain and cold -2 I don’t like that food I ate your donuts -1 -1 Scratches guest Bits guest -5 -5 Bark, bark, bark, yipe, yipe, yipe -3 Pukes on floor Wets on floor -1 -1 Gets fur on everything Makes couch smell -2 -2 Hocks up furballs on floor Rolls in dog poop. Tracks mud into house -3 -5 Walks on food preparation surfaces Slobbers everywhere -3 -3 Playful, cute, and lovable Playful, cute, and lovable 50 50 Total 24 0

Yeah, they can be a pain, but they are part of the family and we love them anyway. They’re by our sides when we’re lonely, playful when we want to play, confidants who listen without judgment when we want to complain, comforters when we’re sick, a recreation committee when we need one, a remodeling crew so we don’t get tired of old furniture and decor, and companions. People can’t always be around, but pets are.

US spending on pets

I would never say that we shouldn’t spend money on pets. Not the point. They are part of our families and make our lives better. It’s not either or.

On the other hand, for reference, people in the US spent $150.6 billion on pets in 2024, with an average of $1,733 spent per pet household. For comparison, that’s about 25% of the US Medicaid budget, and about 25% of the aid to individuals and families facing hardship, and around twice what we spend on prisons. No one should feel guilty. But we should ask ourselves if we’re spending enough on other things that deserve our attention.

Economic problems persist that need our attention

People in tents line the streets of many cities and the homeless are everywhere. Around 650,000 people were homeless in the US last year, and 39% were unsheltered. Unsheltered means living on the streets, often with children. Homeless children, sheltered or unsheltered, were between 1.2 million and 2.5 million each year. They are underreported.

Around 22% of the homeless are chronically homeless. The cause is mental illness, substance use disorders, physical disabilities, or other medical conditions. They are people, not numbers.

The cause of most homelessness is usually job loss due to the transient nature of employment in this country. Most of these people eventually become reemployed and get housing again. During the interim, they need assistance.

What can you do about homelessness?

Volunteering: Help at a shelter by serving food, washing dishes, or sorting clothes
Educating: Learn about the causes of homelessness and educate others about it
Donating: Donate money to a local homelessness service
Encouraging employment: Encourage your workplace to hire people experiencing homelessness
Creating care kits: Put together care kits with water, snacks, and a small flier with information on how to get help
Raising awareness: Raise awareness about homelessness at your school, place of worship, or workplace
Supporting a coordinated approach: Support a community-wide effort to provide services and housing
Supporting the “housing first” approach: Support the “housing first” approach, which prioritizes providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness
Contacting the local authority: If someone is homeless, sleeping rough, or facing a housing crisis, contact the local authority’s Housing Options team

National Alliance to End Homelessness: Solutions.

Incarceration

There were 1.8 million people in prisons in the US last year. I hear a lot about the prison system. People often stay in jail for months because they can’t afford bail, even though they may not be guilty. This deprives them of their ability to make an income for themselves and their families, besides depriving them of their freedom at taxpayer expense.

Various companies make a lot of money providing questionable services to jails and prisons. Incarcerated people pay unconscionably high prices for phone calls, medical fees, and commissary goods. But inmates are housed like barn animals and fed poorly. Facility people break their electronic devices. Medical attention has long waitlists and is minimal. It often takes some caring person on the outside to get these situations even minimally rectified.

Meals are notoriously poor and often holiday meals are not served. Mental health issues are ignored because prison guards often lack training in responding to these crises. People are treated inhumanely.

The US incarcerates more people as a percentage of the population than most other countries, and 5 to 10 times higher than Western European countries. Apparently we’re really bad people. The annual estimated cost of prison, parole, and probation operations is around $81 billion.

These are our people being treated this way. When you treat people like animals, they lose their self-respect and incentive to do better.

Poverty is a major player in incarceration rates. Adults in poverty are three times more likely to be arrested than those who aren’t. People earning less than 150% of the federal poverty level are 15 times more likely to be charged with a felony than people earning above that threshold.

People convicted of a crime with less education are given longer sentences. Areas with higher income inequality have higher rates of incarceration. Poverty drives an endless cycle: People with criminal records have fewer job prospects due to gaps in work history, supervision requirements, and legal barriers.

What can individuals do for people in prison?

Care enough to visit, bring meals, and assist in other ways. Let people know they are still people and others care about them. A little love does wonders for rehabilitation. See the note on Story Link at the end of this section.
Poverty is a major player in incarceration rates. Help individuals get out of poverty. Many in inner cities and rural areas have no way to get higher education and good jobs. Or any jobs. Organize community resources to help. There are many things we can do. See my article: Resolving systemic and societal problems from the inner cities.
Supporting local grassroots efforts: Grassroots organizations work to reduce incarceration, oppose jail expansions, and help people harmed by the criminal legal system. You can support these efforts by:
1. Donating money to local and national organizations that support people affected by incarceration
2. Finding a local bail fund to help people who can’t afford to post cash bail
3. Connecting with local groups to advocate for issues
4. Advocating for changes: You can contact your elected officials and policymakers to share your support for reforms. Some specific issues to advocate for include:
  1. The Inclusive Democracy Act
  2. The right to vote in America
Ending the ban on food stamps for people with drug convictions
The Safer Detention Act
Signing petitions: Petitions can show policymakers how many people support change.
Educating yourself: Learn about mass incarceration and become a public health advocate.
Supporting fair chance licensing laws: These laws can help people with records find jobs and build financial stability.

Story Link enables prisoners to read stories to their children. This is an incredibly important connection. Each state has its own story link program done, not by prisons or private companies, but by volunteers. Find your local Story Link program through an Internet search.

Here are some ways to support Story Link:

Donate books: Donate new or gently used books for children ages preschool to 15.
Donate money: Provide financial support to help with the cost of supplies and mailing books and tapes.
Volunteer: Visit a prison and assist offenders by reading and recording books to their children. Volunteers should have a positive attitude, be flexible, and regularly visit the facility.
Story Link is a program that connects inmates with their children through reading. Inmates who are 90 days free of behavior violations can participate by selecting a book, writing a message, and recording themselves reading the book. The book and recording are then mailed to the child at no cost to the inmate or their family. The child can listen to the recording by entering an access code on the Story Link website.

‘Consequences of War’–Veterans Incarcerated at Higher Rates and Face Longer Sentences.

Song with heart about helping others (by me)

I never found anyone who would compose music with me, and couldn’t find time to compose on my guitar. I write lyrics or poems. So I set my lyrics to music on Suno.

A Pithy Christmas (Title links to YouTube video)

Copyright © by Dorian Scott Cole

Forty-five days of carols, a relentless refrain,

By every artist ever; are we insane.

Businesses strive for their bottomless till,

In this Christmas frenzy, their hunger we can’t still.

Gifts for all, a sacrificial plea,

Bank accounts bare, for doubtful victory.

Gifts appreciated for only a day.

Followed by endless bills to pay.

But the true gift of Christmas, wrapped in a babe,

Is love and compassion, God’s love that stayed.

The homeless unseen, on the streets they reside,

Forgotten and lost, with nowhere to hide.

We feign compassion, a selective display,

We don’t see them, as we go forth and play.

In prisons they stare at bare walls,

Inhumane conditions given to all,

We live in comfort and bountiful feasts,

Confirming for them we consider them least.

But the true gift of Christmas, given to all,

Is love and compassion; God’s love won’t stall.

Endless movies, where Grinches abound,

Christmas can’t come till the villain be found.

Peace in our hearts is missing as well,

Our happiness is something we can’t sell.

Gifts exchanged in a meaningless race,

Liquor flowing, a comfortless ace.

Goodwill only for those we like.

Outrage for those we want to strike.

Let’s find the true meaning, before it’s too late,

And show our goodwill, not endless hate.

Lost in the frenzy, the meaning of a lost creed,

Peace on Earth, we pay no heed.

Goodwill toward others, we view with disdain,

Music, movies, and gifts are all that remain.

Peace on Earth, goodwill to all,

Let this be our Christmas call.

Let our love be the seed,

That helps others in need.

Conclusion after this about church planning:

Church planning season – strong impact course

How can churches minister to new generations if they won’t come to church? The church has been losing people at 1% a year, and now most of new generations won’t come.

I developed and presented a course on understanding and working with new generations. I would like to say I had rave reviews, but on a scale of 1 to 5 it averaged 4.5. Well, some people were raving.

The course helps people understand new generations, their values, and their differences. It helps people understand how to build a bridge to them and minister to them. The old worn-out things we used to do don’t work, and for good reason. This solutions focused course enables people to find new ways, appropriate ways, to minister to these generations in their local circumstances. It’s for church groups and generates deep discussion.

Free video preview of the course

Course on Udemy: Understanding and Working with New Generations

Conclusion

“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”
– Dalai Lama

The classical definition of comedy is the light treatment of a serious topic. I hope you enjoyed this bit of pathos and mirth, like playing with words we don’t often use, juxtaposing the frivolous with the serious.

Seriously, we can make a difference in this world both collectively and individually. We just need the will to do it.

I can’t give people the will to do things. That’s up to them. All I can do is make people aware of what they can do.

Whether Christmas giving or New Years Resolution, there are things we can do to help others in very meaningful ways. New generations are doing it. Show them we are with them.

Probability Space

What probability spaces can we open in our minds to see needs and find ways to help others?

(A probability space is where all of the elements necessary for something to happen are present and it’s almost inevitable. All it takes is intention.)

Potential Space

If you think creatively and allow your mind to wander and explore, can we find ways to end these needs that cause misery and hopelessness, such as ending homelessness and poverty. Is that a worthwhile goal?

(A potential space is a virtual space in our minds where entirely new things can take shape.)

More: Is Music A Form Of Prayer?

Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. This helps me improve my work.
Please subscribe to my Patheos Newsletter.

Building a Community of Action

New Way Forward community

Can we make positive change in our world and end a lot of suffering?

Helen Keller, who was both blind and deaf, said: “Although the world is full of suffering, it’s also full of the overcoming of it.”

The human spirit yearns for a world without suffering, but it’s through facing challenges that we progress. The world isn’t perfect, but together we can create a future with less hardship. Famine, discrimination, gun violence, and injurious economic and educational disparities are complex problems, yet understanding their root causes empowers us to find solutions.

Launching in first quarter 2025, the New Way Forward community will connect individuals seeking practical solutions and creating lasting change. We’ll focus on understanding problems and their solutions, and how to effectively create change.

Join us in building a brighter tomorrow! New Way Forward on Facebook.

If you made it this far, you’re a reader! Image two lawyers asking restaurant patrons for help writing their suicide notes, in this comedy. Intrigued? Please consider my novel, Death for Christmas: Be kind or it may kill you, on Amazon and Draft2Digital.

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My friend, David Ketcherside, former Christian broadcaster, has written a book series that I gave feedback on. It’s for men, written from his experience, thoughtful analysis, and heart. Gen A, Z, and X (Millennials) would find it very helpful. It’s available in print, on Kindle, and as an audiobook on Audible. Check out The Whole Dude. His description: “My hope is to remind readers what being whole looks like, and help them recognize the distortions that stop us from feeling totally awesome all the time.” He’s also excellent at marketing if you have marketing needs.

________________________

– Dorian

Our answer is God. God’s answer is us. Together we make the world better.

Restore and recreate. Take time to celebrate life. Laugh, sing, and dance regularly, even every day. Happy. This is why we dance to celebrate life: Reindeer actually running and dancing.

Civic service opportunities

Do Unto Others Kindness Campaign, and civic engagement.

UCC service opportunities.

PC USA programs and services.

United Methodist Church Volunteer Opportunities.

Join or support Zero Hour and amplify the voices of youth organizing for climate action.

Peoples Hub. Resistance, Resilience, Restoration, Re-imagination. Online Popular Education. For movement workers to learn, connect, collaborate, and strategize – in and across the disability justice and solidarity economy movements.

Stakeholder Capitalism – a video podcast series from the World Economic Forum. Can capitalism be made to work for all of us – and to improve rather than destroy the state of the planet?

General service and aid opportunities (on One Spirit Resources Website). To add your service opportunity to the One Spirit Resources list, contact the author (me) through Facebook Messenger. Note that I only friend people I know.

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Education Opportunities for new generations

Becoming an Entrepreneur – MITx online

Evaluating Social Programs – MITx online

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Bible scripture verses are New American Standard Version (NASB), unless noted.

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Author and books

Appease the Volcano: What does God require from people? The voices of the ancients from many religions echo much of the same things: It starts with law, then mercy and forgiveness, then love. Love is a major emphasis in all major religions and replaces law.

The Prophetic Pattern: Ancient and Modern Prophecy: How to distinguish the intent of various types of prophecies and oracles, both ancient and modern.

Preparing For the Future Of Work and Education: Analysis of the kinds of jobs that AI and Robotics will displace, and the educational requirements for them. AI will replace or augment thirty percent of jobs. This is an in-depth analysis citing many authoritative sources.

Author Website: Dorian Scott Cole

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Song: a pithy Christmas

Spending on pets

spending on prisoners

spending on the homeless