When it comes to social justice and politics, being non-partisan can be a truly wonderful and empowering way to achieve transformational change. Non-partisanship means approaching issues with an open mind and an open heart, without aligning with any particular political party or ideology.
In this blog post, as the founder of 90 Minutes of Solutions and The Ara Initiative, I want to share my personal experience and the benefits of being non-partisan for social change as well as ways to achieve this perspective.
First and foremost, non-partisanship allows for a more inclusive and diverse perspective. When we align with a specific political party or ideology, we may only consider the perspectives and experiences of those within that group. However, by being non-partisan, we open ourselves up to a wealth of different viewpoints and experiences, regardless of their political beliefs. This leads to a more comprehensive and holistic understanding of the issues at hand and can ultimately lead to more effective and inclusive solutions.
As the founder of 90 Minutes of Solutions, I have always believed that social and environmental issues should not be limited by political parties or ideologies. This is why I have insisted on a non-partisan agenda for my organization. Similarly, as the founder of The Ara Initiative, a non-profit focused on providing clean water to communities, I understand that access to clean water is a fundamental human right, not a political issue. My social enterprise and media initiatives are always guided by the belief that as humans, we can come together to make the world a better place for all, regardless of our political beliefs or affiliations.
Another advantage of non-partisanship is the ability to unite and work towards solutions. When we are deeply entrenched in our political beliefs, it can be easy to become divisive and engage in polarizing rhetoric, rather than focusing on finding common ground and working towards solutions. By adopting a non-partisan approach, we can collaborate with individuals from all political backgrounds and find practical solutions to the issues at hand. This is a principle that I have always upheld in all the events and initiatives I have developed, ensuring that all perspectives are included, and politics is never discussed. The mission and goal are always greater than any political stance.
Additionally, non-partisanship can benefit our communities in many ways. It allows for a more inclusive and diverse approach to problem-solving, which can lead to more effective and efficient solutions. It also allows for a more collaborative and cohesive community, where individuals from all backgrounds and beliefs can come together to work towards common goals.
Furthermore, non-partisanship can make government more effective by creating a more inclusive and diverse representation, with officials who are able to consider and represent the perspectives and experiences of all individuals and groups, regardless of their political
beliefs. This can lead to more effective and efficient legislation, and more trust and buy-in from the public.
Certainly, non-partisanship can lead to more credibility and trust in the eyes of the public. When we are seen as unbiased and impartial, we may be more likely to be trusted by individuals from all political backgrounds. This can be especially important when working on sensitive or controversial issues, as it can lead to more buy-in and support from the public.
So, how can we achieve non-partisanship? One way is to actively seek out and consider perspectives and experiences that differ from our own. This can be done through reading news articles from different sources, listening to podcasts or watching videos from individuals with different political beliefs, or engaging in constructive dialogue with individuals from different backgrounds. Additionally, it can be helpful to actively work to challenge any biases or prejudices we may have. In government, we can include people in positions where a partisan view is not necessary for a political agenda.
As a leader committed to social and environmental justice, I am passionate about creating organizations and concepts that provide solutions to these issues. Through my experiences, I have come to realize the value of non-partisanship in addressing these issues. By approaching them without bias towards any particular political party or ideology, we can gain a more inclusive and diverse perspective, solve problems more effectively, and earn greater credibility and trust among the public. This is achieved by approaching issues with an open mind and heart, actively seeking out and considering diverse perspectives, and continually challenging our own biases and prejudices. This approach not only brings positive results for our communities and government, but also for all those affected by these issues.