Adventures In Collective Empowerment And Self-Determination

By Kevin Parker


Self-determination is one of the most important tools an individual has in life. For, it is the motivating force behind finding the strength to accomplish and succeed at a number of tasks. Whereas, adventures in collective empowerment can often help individuals and groups work towards creating an equal and more peaceful world in the future.

Empowerment can provide a practical approach to intervention when it comes to social work. Whereas, in the field of education, empowerment is seen as a tool which can increase the responsibility of citizens to develop, learn and grow in different areas. In addition, it can be integral in promoting civic engagement among those in the community.

Definitions of empowerment differ among people, one of the best refers to it being intentionally centered and participating in the local community with caring, critical reflection and group participation. Whereas, it also indicates that it is a process which allows individuals and groups to access authority, influence and collective power to employ strength when dealing with difficult people, society or large institutions.

Giving away a sense of personal power has nothing to do with empowerment, it only shows a sense of weakness in the giver. For, each and every individual holds the inherit knowledge and insight to overcome obstacles and challenges in life. In most cases, after having met and conquered one of these challenges, individuals are often better able to handle a number of difficult tasks at work, school or home.

Also being defined as being part of the process of obtaining opportunities for marginalized individuals, groups and minorities, it has the power to promote good in a number of different areas. As a result, individuals working towards equality and unity are actively using empowerment to empower others to make a change towards acceptance and tolerance from one of bigotry, hatred and homophobia.

When it comes to collective empowerment, it is generally when two or more people are working together to empower themselves and others. Or, when a group such as those seen in LGBTQ+ parades work together to promote and empower those within the group to make changes which have the potential to change the world. In all cases, it works to strengthen rather than weaken an individual, group or communities.

While the phrase empower a female may sound sexist as doing so could dismiss men, truth is all genders, including transgendered individuals need to be empowered equally. In most cases, it occurs through a global perspective of life in which all are equal, events, standards and improvement of conditions.

Empowering groups and individuals by using similar methods to create an empowered world in which all people are treated equally remains a worthy goal. At the same time, until individuals and groups can learn to communicate and compromise while acting out of a place of love rather than hate will collective empowerment be honored and appreciated.




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