October 2023: Beth Bojarski

“I Am Made of Hope, and Rage”

Yesterday was my last day as a development professional – maybe forever – and at a social services agency I deeply appreciate. My last project was writing the annual appeal, which always gets me thinking about all sorts of things. Honestly, I’m always thinking about all sorts of things. But this time, the role and detriments of rage in inequity, specifically in the housing crisis, poverty in America, and racism.

No small thing, right?!?

I worked with folks who resonated with rage. Rage against the system. Rage against donors and supporters and volunteers. Rage, sometimes, against those stuck in the inequitable systems and against one another.

Rage inspires. Rage motivates. Rage gets shit done.

But rage also hurts, and I can’t get past that. Rage with hope, though? Different story.

Hope is faith in things unseen. Is that in the bible? I don’t even know (and I should). Hope is indescribable. It’s optimism, but not the sweet version. Maybe realistic optimism? Optimism with lots of fucking work ethic?

If rage can turn us against one another, even as we’re on the same team (see adrienne maree brown’s cancel culture work), hope (optimism + work ethic) alongside optimism leaves me feeling … hopeful!

Beth Bojarski lives in Rochester, NY with a bit of rage and an obnoxious amount of hope. www.greenbojo.com