Creatively Maladjusted

We're only two months into 2025 and I find myself unemployed. Not because I lack skills, knowledge, or experience. No one has every questioned my passion and dedication to prevent child abuse. No, I'm here as what one colleague said, "the first loss [in our field] to the anti-DEI movement."

 

Generally speaking, working in non-profit is not for the weak. Underpaid, overworked, and rarely acknowledged, many of us stay because we believe so strongly in what we do. So when the (US) federal funding freeze was announced, I continued my work, uncertain if I was going to be paid. When the order was rescinded the next day, there was a brief moment of relief before the dismantling of anything considered DEI began. Concerned for their federal funds and under the instruction of our inexperienced, conservative executive director, discussions began about everything from the pronouns on our signatures to our programs, the use of different languages to the words used on our website. So I left. I could not stay at a place that would rather bow to racist orders than stand up for what is right. I understand that people's livelihoods are at stake, but it was also clear that as my community is being treated like the enemy and rounded up into cells, I would not find solidarity there. 

​

I'm a planner by nature. I have never left a job without notice or my next move already in place. I have no idea if I will remain in nonprofit or if I decide to find something else with better pay and less stress. I do know this though, no matter where I end up, I will continue to be creatively maladjusted. 

 

For now, I will begin by sharing resources and hope it finds all of the other good trouble makers out in the world. Because America is in turmoil and it will take all of us to save her. Let's make Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. proud.