Are You Too Busy to Prioritize Equity?

Many of us feel like we’re drowning in a sea of deadlines, meetings, and endless to-do lists. The idea of adding equity work to that already overwhelming pile can feel like trying to balance a cherry on top of a sundae that’s already melting. But here’s the hard truth: equity work isn’t an optional task that can be set aside. It’s an integral part of how you operate daily - living your values, prioritizing the humanity of those around you, and building communities where everyone feels seen and valued.

The Myth of Scarcity

One of the biggest reasons we use to avoid equity work is the feeling of scarcity. We tell ourselves there’s not enough time, resources, or capacity to do it. This isn’t just a convenient cop-out—it’s a detrimental mindset rooted deeply in White Supremacy Culture. Tema Okun, an expert in this area, describes scarcity as a tool white supremacy uses to make us feel inadequate and competitive. According to Okun, “White supremacy needs me to question whether I am enough and whether there is enough. It needs me to need it to lay out a scaffold I’m supposed to climb and lines I’m not supposed to cross so that I can be one of the swimmers, not sinkers.”

Sound familiar? This scarcity mindset makes us prioritize tasks that scream for our attention over those that genuinely matter. It’s a vicious cycle where equity work gets pushed to the margins, treated as an optional extra rather than a core part of who we are and what we do.

Shifting the Mindset

Breaking free from this scarcity mindset means recognizing that equity work isn’t an additional burden—it’s essential. This requires a shift towards values-based leadership where the humanity of those around us is front and center. When we focus on the abundance of opportunities that equity work offers, we free ourselves from the confines of scarcity.

adrienne maree brown, a champion for social justice, puts it bluntly: what we pay attention to grows. If we perseverate on what we lack—time, resources, capacity—that’s exactly what will dominate our lives. But if we choose to focus on the importance of equity work, we start to see it as non-negotiable.

This mindset shift isn’t easy. It demands deep self-awareness and intentionality. It means questioning our priorities and realigning them with our core values. It’s about unlearning behaviors and thought patterns shaped by a culture of scarcity. But by making this shift, we pave the way for more inclusive and equitable environments.

Integrating Equity Work into Daily Practices

Here’s the thing: equity work shouldn’t be a separate task on your to-do list. It should be woven into the fabric of your daily life. Here are some practical ways to do that:

1. Reflect on Your Values: Take a hard look at your core values and see how they align with equity work. When your actions are grounded in these values, equity work becomes a natural extension of who you are.
2. Prioritize Relationships: Building inclusive communities starts with prioritizing relationships. Engage in meaningful conversations and really listen to others’ perspectives. This fosters a sense of belonging and enriches your understanding of the unique challenges and strengths each person brings.
3. Practice Consistency: Like any skill, equity work requires consistent practice. It might feel time-consuming at first, but as it becomes part of your routine, it’ll feel more intuitive and natural.
4. Create Inclusive Spaces: Whether in meetings, projects, or casual interactions, strive to create spaces where everyone feels valued and heard. A good place to start is ensuring diverse voices are included in decision-making and being mindful of inclusive language.
5. Integrate Equity into Existing Processes: Incorporate equity principles into your current workflows and decision-making processes. This could mean revising meeting agendas to include equity discussions, updating policies to reflect inclusive practices, or using an equity lens when planning projects.

Addressing the Feeling of Lack

Feeling like you don’t have the capacity for equity work is another common justification. But let’s be honest: capacity isn’t just about having more time or resources. It’s about making intentional choices about how we use what we have.

1. Commit to What Matters: Equity work requires a commitment to doing what truly matters. This means letting go of tasks that don’t align with your values or contribute to your goals of building inclusive communities.
2. Embrace Continuous Learning: Equity work is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the process of continuous learning and growth. Seek out opportunities for education, training, and self-reflection to deepen your understanding and skills.
3. Collaborate and Share the Load: Equity work isn’t a solo endeavor. Collaborate with others who share your commitment to diversity and inclusion. Working together amplifies your impact and creates a stronger foundation for sustainable change.
4. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate the small wins along the way. Equity work can be challenging, and it’s important to acknowledge the progress you make, no matter how small it may seem.

Embracing Abundance for Lasting Change

Here’s the bottom line: equity work isn’t an optional add-on. It’s a fundamental part of creating a just and inclusive society. By shifting our mindset from scarcity to abundance, integrating equity work into our daily practices, and making intentional choices about how we use our time and resources, we can make meaningful progress.

Remember, what we pay attention to grows. Let’s commit to making equity work a central part of our lives and organizations, prioritizing the humanity of those around us, and building inclusive communities rooted in values-based leadership. Let’s not be held back by the myth of scarcity. Instead, let’s focus on the abundance of opportunities to make a difference so that equity isn’t just an aspiration but a lived reality.