Good Trouble: Navigating Challenges as a DEI Volunteer

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was fortunate to be part of the L2E2 training on diversity, equity, and inclusion. My cohort spent hours on Zoom talking about the realities of systemic racism — and learning that building a more equitable world isn’t just a nice idea, it’s everyone’s responsibility.

At the same time, I had the chance to help launch the first DEI committee at an organization where I served on the board. In the beginning, our Zoom meetings were full of questions and hesitation: “What do we do?” “How do we start?”

Over time, we developed a plan, brought in expert guidance, and began the slow, essential work of change.

Fast forward to today, and we’re in a very different moment. The national conversation around DEI has shifted dramatically — with legislative rollbacks, political attacks, and a growing resistance to even mentioning diversity. The "war on DEI" is real, and it’s discouraging. But it also makes this work even more important.

Helping a predominantly white organization understand and act on DEI was — and still is — hard work. There were setbacks. I’ve been labeled difficult, ignored, and asked to “tone it down.” But I’ve learned to welcome the discomfort. As the late John Lewis said, “Get in good trouble.” And I plan to keep doing just that.

One of the first hurdles I encountered was resistance to change. Many organizations, even those committed to DEI, have deeply ingrained practices and mindsets that can be difficult to shift. Proposing new ideas or initiatives can often be met with skepticism or outright opposition, with questions like, "How will we pay for that?" or "Will that turn people off?" I came to learn that it is important to approach these situations with patience and positive persistence. Building a coalition of allies within the organization can help amplify your voice and lend credibility to your initiatives.

Standing up for inclusion often means challenging the status quo, which can lead to that good trouble. This can be disheartening, but it’s crucial to remember that pushing for necessary change often involves discomfort. That's the "good trouble." I embraced this label as a badge of honor, a sign that I was willing to confront uncomfortable truths and advocate for what is right. Oddly enough, I faced opposition from two sides: the leadership, who felt very uncomfortable with inclusion, and the staff, who were suspicious and hostile towards me. I sought outside advice and took heart from good ideas from colleagues. I knew that it would often take five steps to actually take one full step forward, but I did my best to be persistent and positive.

Communication is key in any organization, but it can be particularly frustrating when your emails go unanswered. This can leave you feeling undervalued and isolated. To combat this, I would follow up unanswered emails with phone calls or in-person conversations when possible. Building personal relationships can also increase the likelihood of timely responses. Additionally, seeking out mentors within the organization who can advocate on your behalf was incredibly helpful.

Volunteering in any membership organization is a journey filled with both challenges and small triumphs. Despite the headwinds, any effort is vital in creating a more inclusive and equitable environment. You just have to remain persistent, build strong relationships, and seek out allies to overcome these obstacles and make a lasting impact. You can't let them get you down, and you need good people to help carry the work forward. Remember, true change often requires resilience and a bit of good trouble. Keep pushing forward, knowing that your work is essential and deeply appreciated by those who benefit from a more inclusive world.