“Shame on you. Shame on you and shame on me and shame on each and every one of us who haven’t rattled the windows in this building with cries of outrage at a government who believes their office furniture is worthy of $40,000 a year and child and families aren’t!”
The working poor of America are sounding their battle cry. I’ve read hundreds of comments from folks repeating “rattle the windows.” In fact, I’ve had help turning it into a hashtag. It’s about to be the name of a movement.
Something has happened over the past week. It feels as if a huge shift is about to take place. People are tired. And they’re tired of being tired. They’re tired of working so hard for so little. And they’re ready to #RattleTheWindows.
So, what’s next? Well, I’m working that out because it’s a lot to take in. But I do know this: It’s all about turning our pain into power.
Let’s start thinking about this together. I’ve been having conversations with folks across West Virginia who are ready to start building a movement. I’ve asked them to get groups of 10 people together so we can have a meeting. Or maybe they have a group of 20 folks. Let’s gather so we can start moving while we have some momentum behind us.
What’s it look like to turn your pain into power? Well, it looks like someone sitting in a hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives in D.C. It looks like sharing your story even though your voice shakes. It looks like folding your hands in front of you so no one sees them shaking. It’s not about whining or playing the victim but about taking a step forward and telling how you’re doing the best you can with what you have.
It’s about changing stereotypes and busting up those myths that the working poor are lazy. It’s time to flip the script and start telling how we’re working two and three jobs to get by.
Our time is now! Now, while we have their attention. Now, while we’re surrounded with all of this energy that’s required to build a movement. Now, while we’re still being seen. Now, while we’re still thinking about it.
Let’s start thinking a little deeper. What are three things that could help us help ourselves? What needs to change so people can move from assistance to self-reliance? This is the conversation we should be having. Talk to your co-workers. Talk to your neighbor. Talk to your church. Make your list.
It’s time to start rattling those windows.
