“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”, said Representative John Lovick (WA-44) Everett, Washington. Rep. Lovick dialogued with Civic Engagement Pilgrimage students and staff about the need to suit up and work hard for justice. His main point was that no one was going to make life better for us, but us. Sometimes we hold back and wait for others to do what needs to be done. There are times when it is obvious that we can be in use but choose not to act.
Samuel Molina, California State Director of Mi Familia Vota, made the point this way: “What happens when we show up? We win.” Students doing the Civic Engagement Pilgrimage have interviewed hundreds of different individuals from all different walks of life. They have taken care to listen to all voices, ranging from young women to old men, and people from all different walks of life.
They have discovered a general fear among many, a fear that creates hesitancy to become civically engaged. The students study Dr. King’s cure for fear. First you must look fear squarely in the eyes. Second, you must go forward despite obstacles and frightening situations. Dr. King calls this courage. He also reminds us that fear is our friend. It is an elementary alarm announcing danger. It is important that we help one another to confront our fears and to confront uncertainty with hope and courage.