Recently, as part of a job application I was asked to prepare a personal statement of equity. There were no directions (– and I never got an interview) so I have no idea what was expected. I could find no examples, — not one on the world wide web (perhaps my googling leaves something to be desired!) So, what I produced was an original document that arose out of my own heart and mind.

It was difficult to sit alone and articulate what it is I believe and value. And, I’m not sure that what I put on paper captures everything I believe, or that it captures it the way I need to say it. ….Perhaps it’s meant to be a work in progress.

As imperfect as it may be and as difficult as it was, I’m glad I did it. I’m glad that I was “forced” to stop and put down on paper what it is that I value and believe.

Equity is a word we toss around alot. But what does it mean really? What do we value and believe?

Here is what I wrote:

Statement of Equity of Janette Watt

This personal statement of equity defines the basis for my involvement in the struggle for social justice and human rights,

I value and believe that we must work together to identify and eliminate all forms of oppression for the purpose of building institutions that recognize and understand our diversity, and ensure equitable treatment of all our citizens.

I value and believe that equitable treatment means that, based on our diversity, we all have access to resources, power, and decision-making which are essential elements of social justice and equality in a democracy.

I value and believe that in order to achieve equitable access there must be a realignment of power in our institutions.

I value and believe that while it is important to have agreements, both oral and written, that it is not enough to have words between us, and that what we must also have is action and changes that are sustained.

I value and believe that it is important to search out people with the same values, and to work with them in solidarity to make and sustain radical change where change is still needed.

I value and believe that radical change requires radical thinkers and radical doers. Radical thinkers and doers are activists who when facing the leviathans of oppression do not turn and run, but who are prepared to stand firm and have their feet held to the fire in the name of what is right, just and fair.

I value and believe that despite the gains that we have made, a substantial equity deficit still exists, and for this reason, I remain passionate and driven to continue in solidarity with others to achieve equity and social justice for all.

I’ve shown you mine! …NOW what do you say, WILL YOU SHOW ME YOURS!!

P.S. For those wondering how the story ends, I got other interviews — that have led to great work! LIFE IS GOOD, for those of us who perservere! …so says my coffee mug ;)

Janette Watt is a proud-brazen-instigator, a value-driven political thinker, a social critic and an aspiring dissident writer. Her writing and her presentations are informed by her life experiences as an activist lawyer, an activist educator and active member of the human race. She is the owner/president of Watt Communications. Read other posts by Janette Watt.