Energizing the Workforce: Continuing the Journey to Justice

A few weeks ago, I dove into the differences between Equality VS Equity. In short, acknowledging the difference between these two words and grasping what it means to embody each, is imperative for the way we conduct our work in the energy industry. I initially thought it was an ongoing battle between these two. How can we enact equality that then leads to equity? But, I was missing another component that goes beyond what I previously discussed. I mentioned that “Understanding that the difference between equal opportunity and equitable opportunity can alter the future generation of employees into this workforce” which still reigns true, but the final goal we can (and will) achieve is justice.

Source: https://www.paperpinecone.com/blog/teaching-difference-between-equality-equity-and-justice-preschool

Like equality and equity, equity and justice are often used interchangeably, but we want to be able to effectively explain the difference of these. Equity is a massive steppingstone that will provide potential EE employees with resources and the tools to enter the industry without hesitation or concern. Justice, however, goes beyond this. Justice will dismantle the barriers that exist for marginalized communities and those who are not privileged in today’s world. Some more examples are “centering marginalized voices to inform policy and programs for all, prioritizing the needs of marginalized communities in conservation/environmental work, re-building a criminal justice system that is restorative rather than punitive.”

I know some of you may be thinking, this has nothing to do with Energy Efficiency or the Energy Industry as a whole. I urge you to think and research differently. Justice must take place in all facets of our daily lives and that includes work and professional environments. As mentioned above, “prioritizing the needs of marginalized communities in environmental work,” y’all, that is us! Whether that is providing service to disadvantaged groups or stretching job recruitment to communities that may lack resources, that is pushing through equity and into justice.  I read it best as follows “If equity is a human right, then Justice is protecting that human right.” Just because certain human rights exist, we cannot assume that that right is fully executed, and we are seeing that now more than ever.

With all of these in mind, I urge you to educate yourselves, your colleagues, and your communities about these issues. Incorporate new learning into your daily tasks, look for ways to provide opportunities within your current job sphere that will help improve the lives of others. A small action can go a lot further than you may think.