Inez Hackenberg, Voice Linking and Learning Coordinator, Hivos / Oxfam Novib
Inez wrote the poem below in response to the culminating workshop of the Voice grantees during the 2021 National Summit.
Today I went on a journey. A journey of community and resistance, A journey of coming toagether and moving forward, stronger and a little better prepared. Knowing we are not alone, Knowing the new normal is just a different way, We are able to walk when we open up to each other. Also when it has to be online Open to existing knowledge and shape it into our own, Carrying our voices far. And shhhhh... listen. Silence yourself for a moment So we can hear the voices speaking to our hearts Shhhh... Hold back on injecting your values, your views, Opening the heart to nurturing relationships that enrich our actions in support of us all as knowing our rights is the best line of defense. Linking and learning is like a lighthouse. Always there, a place to come together. Bring our lights together so it can shine stronger. A safe space to sharpen our swords of love. Shhhhh... Listen to this meeting of hearts and minds Walking through the chaos of the moment Mindful and with empathy Shhhh... Listen.
Meeting of hearts and minds.
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