When I think about Collective Liberation, I don’t just see it as an ideal. To me, it’s a movement, a shared responsibility that we all must engage in if we truly want to see a just world. And while it may feel overwhelming at times, the truth is, liberation starts with us—as individuals, as communities, and as members of interconnected systems.
What Is Collective Liberation?
At its core, Collective Liberation is the understanding that our freedom is deeply interconnected. None of us are truly free until all of us are free. It’s about recognizing the interdependence between our struggles, acknowledging the multiple oppressions that different groups face, and dismantling systems that hold us back.
I often think of the civil rights movement—a perfect example of collective liberation in action. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. didn’t just fight for the freedom of Black Americans; they fought for justice, equality, and the freedom of all people. Liberation isn’t about benefiting one group over another—it’s about creating a world where everyone can thrive.
The Core Values of Collective Liberation
- Interdependence: our fates are intertwined. The challenges faced by marginalized communities are not isolated—they affect us all. When one group is oppressed, the whole of society suffers. We must approach liberation with an understanding that our liberation is bound together.
- Justice for All: true liberation means justice—not just for some, but for everyone. This is about ending the systemic inequalities that perpetuate oppression and creating spaces where all people can access freedom and opportunity.
- Dismantling Oppressive Systems: collective Liberation requires us to examine the systems—political, social, economic—that uphold inequality. It calls for structural change, where everyone’s rights are respected and valued.
Taking Action: The Funnel of Specificity
The journey to Collective Liberation isn’t something we can achieve overnight. But it’s something we can start today—one action, one step at a time. To begin, I recommend using the funnel of specificity—a tool I often share with those committed to making real change.
The funnel of specificity helps us narrow down how we engage with Collective Liberation on different levels:
- Personal: What’s one thing in your life where you can begin to make a change toward justice? Maybe it’s educating yourself on systemic oppression, listening to marginalized voices, or challenging your own biases.
- Community: What can you do within your immediate community to support liberation? Join a local movement, mentor others, or create spaces for learning and dialogue.
- Organizational: Is there work to be done in your workplace? It could be advocating for policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, or providing training to dismantle oppressive practices.
- Systemic: On a larger scale, what part of society needs reform? Perhaps it’s advocating for climate justice, supporting disability justice, or pushing for broader social reforms.
Once you identify the area where you’ll focus, start small. Reflect on one aspect of your life where you feel change is needed to promote liberation. What does that first step look like for you? It’s about moving from broad insights to specific, actionable goals.
Overcoming the Barriers to Collective Liberation
There are many challenges on the path to liberation. Fear of conflict, lack of awareness, and burnout are just a few. But those barriers are not the end—they are the starting point of our work. If we want to achieve liberation, we must commit to:
- Cultivating empathy and cultural humility: These values help us break down barriers, connect deeply with others, and work collaboratively to achieve common goals.
- Committing to lifelong learning: Liberation is an ongoing journey. We must educate ourselves, reflect on our actions, and grow alongside others.
- Building coalitions: Collective liberation is not a solo mission. It’s about coming together with others, recognizing that we are stronger together.
- Investing in communities: Liberation means prioritizing the voices of those who have been historically marginalized. It’s about creating space for them to lead and to shape the future we’re all striving toward.
Start with Yourself: A Commitment to Action
We all have a part to play in Collective Liberation, and the journey begins with you. Start by acknowledging your strengths and talents. Reflect on what you can bring to the table. Then, think about how you can channel that into action. Small steps are powerful. Your role may not always be clear, but by committing to the work, you will find your place in this collective effort.
As we move forward, let’s stay focused on the truth: Our liberation is bound together. When one of us thrives, we all thrive. And when we come together to dismantle oppressive systems, we build a future where everyone is free.
Want to learn more about Collective Liberation?
We recently held a masterclass on this very topic. If you’d like to explore how to take action and engage in this powerful movement, check out the replay here!