Social justice and 49 other words

I’m working on my 2008 New Year’s resolution now because I’m going to need a head start, and besides, there are only 9 weeks left until the end of 2007. So here it is. I want to identify and write essay-style definitions for the 50 most-frequently used words that tie together those of us working toward social change. First, I’ll have to decide whether “social change” is in fact the ideal that brings us together in this so-called nonprofit slash philanthropic slash social benefit sector. Words are so slippery!

It may take me several more weeks to define social change or find a more suitable phrase. I don’t want to replace social change with something glib, like “making the world a better place.” That defeats the purpose of defining the words we share. I want our lexicon to be sharper, not muddier, and inspiring, not tired.

Last week I attempted a succinct definition of social justice (equal and fair treatment for all people regardless of race, ethnicity or economic status). I thought I could work my way back to social change once I understood social justice. The short definition serves its purpose, but it fails to communicate the emotional power of an ideal like social justice.

I kept reading and rereading a Haitian proverb about justice quoted in Mountains Beyond Mountains, the story of Dr. Paul Farmer and his campaign to bring quality health care to the world’s poorest people. His organization, Partners in Health, is celebrating its 20th year.

The Haitian saying is, “God gives but doesn’t share.” Author Tracy Kidder quotes Farmer’s explanation: "God gives us humans everything we need to flourish, but he’s not the one who’s supposed to divvy up the loot. That charge is laid upon us."

Is that the charge we have laid upon ourselves? Are we redistributing wealth, health care, housing, food, clean air, and even justice itself so that society is more equitable? The work of social justice requires social change; but not all social change requires social justice. Or, does it?