The “Ism” Tree

The “Ism” Tree: The roots and branches where justice work happens

In order to bring my own fullness, my own wholeness, to this work of liberation, I need a genuine understanding of the situation at hand, which calls for a genuine understanding of my own culture.
–Rev. Karen Van Fossan, A Fire At The Center: Solidarity, Whiteness and Becoming a Water Protector

Human rights issues are profoundly interconnected. They are also rooted in human history as far back as we can see or discern: from tribal societies to cosmopolitan centers of art and industry, through times of peace and war, amid empathy and exploitation, within science and religion. The roots of fear and hatred that gave rise to treating some beings with high regard and others with disdain grow from culture, education, religion and family, as do the roots of love and service to others. For good or ill, these ways of viewing one another are socially constructed and can therefore be deconstructed and reshaped into ways of being together that better serve us all.

If we view human rights and justice work from the metaphor of a great tree, we can take the long view while pruning disease and reshaping attitudes to bring about a more harmonious whole. Please stand with us. Be connected to issues that impact your family, clients, employees, and bottom line. Expand the power of your good inentions, set aside the old stories and rivalries, and let the voice of equality, liberation and freedom for all be heard across North Dakota.

We are all the fruit of the same human tree. If we can ACT as one tree, we can address many of the interconnected issues that cause so much suffering. How? Among other ways, by noticing the intersections and working from them; through targeted legislation; raising awareness and educating activists, allies, power players (be they lobbyists, legislators or other elected officials).

Thus, the Coalition’s priorities include, but are not limited to…

Overcoming Ableism: Discrimination of and social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior. At its heart, ableism is rooted in the assumption that disabled people require ‘fixing’ and defines people by their disability
- Addressing denial of rights/disability discrimination
- Developing and attending education opportunities
- Routinely incorporating accessibility

Ending Racism: Individual racist choices are damaging, but racist ideas in policy have a wide-spread impact that threatens the equity of our systems and the fairness of our institutions. To create an equal society, we must commit to making unbiased choices and being antiracist in all aspects of our lives.
- Standing for Indigenous rights and sovereignty: North Dakota’s “oldest oppression”
- Providing anti-racism and de-escalation resources and training
- Helping to protect immigrant and BIPOC community members from violence and discrimination
Striving for LGBTQIA2S+ Equality: The Coalition monitors and call out discrimination against this community generally, with a specific focus on upholding Trans and Youth rights locally, statewide and as part of combating a larger national campaign to revoke and limit self-determination of identity.
- Offering training and education
- Supporting suicide prevention efforts
- Promoting gender affirming policy
Addressing poverty and economic injustice: The oldest injustice of them all may be poverty. Though it has many drivers, including war and natural disaster, its growth signals societal failure. When homelessness and hunger are on the rise, as they are today across the United States, we hear a call for action.
- Supporting efforts to End Homelessness, create Housing (renter’s rights) and address hunger and food insecurity
- Partnering to protect Elders
- Alert to job safety and security issues (minimum wage; right to unionize)
Empowering and protecting women and children
- Countering threats to Reproductive Rights, including safe access to birth control and bodily autonomy for people of all gender identities
- Partnering to end sexism, sexual violence and abuse, including battery, neglect, and harassment in home or workplace
- Understanding dynamics and needs regarding child safety and parental rights

Countering anti-democratic, autocratic and theocratic influence: The Coalition opposes institutions, organizations and individuals who abuse the U.S. Constitution by practicing wage slavery, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation for financial gain. We oppose interference with freedom of religion including Christian Nationalism, as well as voter suppression efforts, and all hate crimes.
- Watching for misuse of institutional powers, such as bias in policing
- Examining policy proposals for hidden agendas that further anti-democratic aims
- Pushing back against disinformation and polarization in North Dakota

Guided by the concerns of its members, NDHRC focuses its time, resources and talents on specific issues identified as gaps in North Dakota’s justice landscape. However, the Coalition is always interested in learning about potential trouble spots and experiences needing research or action.