The Power of Solidarity: Moving Past Charity
Inspiration from my mentor Dr. Guadalupe Solis & Eduardo Galeano
A significant difference exists between offering help from a place of superiority and standing alongside someone in their struggle. This difference is the line that separates charity from solidarity. One is vertical, the other horizontal. One assumes a position of power, the other recognizes the shared humanity in all of us.
"I don't believe in charity. I believe in solidarity. Charity is so vertical. It goes from the top to the bottom. Solidarity is horizontal. It respects the other person. I have a lot to learn from other people." — Eduardo Galeano
These words remind us that true connection and support come from standing beside someone, not looking down at them. Charity can often feel like a one-way street, a gesture that flows from the privileged to the needy. While well-intentioned, charity can reinforce a sense of separation and hierarchy. It implies that one has something to give and the other is merely a recipient, creating a gap that is hard to bridge.
Solidarity, on the other hand, is about equality. It’s about recognizing that we are all part of a larger community and that everyone has something valuable to contribute. Some may have more resources, but others possess experiences, wisdom, and insights that are equally important. Solidarity is about learning from one another, understanding each other's struggles, and working together toward common goals.
The concept of solidarity can seem radical in a world that often emphasizes individual achievement and self-reliance. However, this mindset shift is crucial for creating lasting change. Solidarity challenges the notion that helping others is simply a matter of giving what we have; it’s about sharing what we know, understanding what we don’t, and recognizing that we are stronger together.
Admitting that we don’t have all the answers requires humility, as well as recognizing that we have much to learn from others whose experiences differ from our own. Stepping out of our comfort zones to engage with people whose lives may seem worlds apart from ours demands courage. A commitment to justice and equality is also necessary—a belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
Choosing solidarity over charity helps us create a world where everyone is seen, heard, and valued. This shift moves us away from a model of giving that reinforces inequality to one that builds connections and fosters understanding. The idea of 'helping the less fortunate' is replaced with the practice of walking alongside each other, hand in hand, as equals.
Solidarity erases hierarchy and separation, focusing on the belief that together, we can create a world that is just and fair for all. It is a commitment to each other, a recognition of our shared humanity, and a willingness to learn from each other. Understanding that we are not alone in our struggles allows us to achieve more together than we ever could alone.
"I don't believe in charity. I believe in solidarity. Charity is so vertical. It goes from the top to the bottom. Solidarity is horizontal. It respects the other person. I have a lot to learn from other people." — Eduardo Galeano