Equality for All, Not Just "Us"

We need each other to progress.

A little tidbit about myself. I am a pre-admission Social Work student at Missouri State University (MSU) in Springfield, MO. I am so far, yet so close to finishing this forever degree. I have an Associates of Degree in Teaching and spent my practicum in the Chadwick (super tiny town southeast of Springfield, MO) school district. My time in Chadwick and Springfield has given me prospective from two completely different views of the Ozarks. While Chadwick has the mentality "everyone knows each other" and might be kin somewhere down the line, Springfield on the other hand let's people be individuals without the stigma of their last name or other family member's actions. While Chadwick will rally of it's citizens to help one of their own, Springfield citizens might be more cautious of helping every individual they see with a need. Both communities have issues, but both have beautiful attributes. Being aware of both the problems and beauty can keep advocates, activists, and policy makers sane.

Picture from transitioningtome.blogspot.com

There are so many social issues being addressed today, such as LGBT rights, domestic violence victim advocacy, homelessness, poverty and many more. All of these issues are extremely important, not only to people being directly affected, but also to those living in this area. Some people see these issues as separate social problems that need to be acknoledged and remedied. I believe the opposite. Social issues tend to not effect one person at a time, instead, it may be a chain reaction. For example, a 17 year old who lives in a rural area comes out to their parents who are not accepting. The teenager may then be kicked out and be forced to be homeless. Due to lack of resources for the homeless in the rural area, the young teen comes to Springfield for shelter (since the teenager is 17, social services may not be called). Or a 23 year old female is in a co-abusive relationship (meaning both partners are abusive to each other). After a heavy night of drinking, the female is beaten to a point of needing to receive emergency services. However, the female does not have a job that provides insurance or makes enough money to go to a clinic. (For this specific case, if she did go to the hospital, a police officer would be called to investigate the industry.) Instead, her injuries are not seen to and neither is her safety.

Above is only two examples of hundreds. As advocates, activists, and policy makers it is our duty to ensure equality of income, assets, rights, and safety for all, not just the group you are apart of.
Thank you to all of the people out there fighting the good fight. Protect self, group, and community!

Sincerely,
Hillbilly Feminist