In a world where progress often feels like an uphill battle, the distinction between advocacy and activism becomes crucial. Both are powerful tools for change, yet they operate in distinct ways. Advocacy works within existing systems, using dialogue, education, and policy influence to create change. Activism, on the other hand, often challenges the status quo through direct action, such as protests, campaigns, or demonstrations. Together, they form a dynamic duo, each complementing the other to drive societal transformation.
As the Managing Director of Innovative Impact, LLC and the immediate past President of the American Foundation for the Blind, I embody both roles. Advocacy and activism are not just professional responsibilities for me — they are deeply personal. My work centers on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), with a particular focus on creating environments where people who are blind, such as myself, or have other disabilities can thrive. This mission is not just about representation; it’s about dismantling barriers and building a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Practical Ways to Counteract Assaults on DEI
The current climate presents significant challenges to DEI efforts, with legislative and societal pushbacks threatening the progress we’ve made. However, there are both small and large actions we can take to resist these assaults and emerge stronger.
Small Actions:
- Educate Yourself and Others: Knowledge is power. Read about DEI issues, attend workshops, and share what you learn with your community. I recently joined the board of the Institute for Sustainable Diversity and Inclusion (ISDI). The mission of ISDI is to strengthen individual and organizational capability for creating diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplaces. One way it does so is through the Northwest Diversity Learning Series (NWDLS), which I heartily recommend. The workshops in the series feature subject matter experts who address current topics related to DEI issues. This year they also provide opportunities for participants to develop Better Arguments skills useful for having constructive conversations about potentially polarizing topics.
- Support Inclusive Businesses: Choose to support companies that prioritize DEI in their practices. For resources that help provide information about the way certain corporations are responding to current DEI challenges, check out the list provided for DEI Under Fire: Understand the Attack — Inform Your Actions.
- Amplify Marginalized Voices: Use your platform to highlight stories and perspectives from underrepresented groups. Learn from master storyteller, Jess Galván. On May 14, 2025, she will share how to identify disparaging tropes and uplift personal narratives that evoke empathy and celebrate diversity. Learn more and register for her workshop here.
- Challenge Bias: Speak up when you witness discrimination or bias, whether in the workplace, social settings, or online.
Large Actions:
- Advocate for Policy Change: Engage with policymakers to support legislation that promotes DEI.
- Organize Community Initiatives: Start or join local groups focused on DEI efforts, such as mentorship programs or accessibility audits.
- Corporate Accountability: Work with organizations to implement DEI strategies that go beyond tokenism and create meaningful change.
- Legal Action: In cases of systemic discrimination, consider legal avenues to challenge unjust practices.
Examples and Resources
- Community-Based Advisory Committees: These groups can provide valuable insights and recommendations for local governments and organizations to improve DEI efforts.
- Educational Resources: Tools like the Harvard Implicit Association Test can help individuals recognize and address their own biases.
- Advocacy Networks: Organizations like the American Foundation for the Blind offer resources and support for those advocating for disability inclusion.
By combining the strategic influence of advocacy with the passionate energy of activism, we can counteract the challenges facing DEI today. Together, we can bend the arc of history toward justice, creating a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities or background, has the opportunity to thrive. Let’s take action — big or small — and continue this vital work. The future depends on it.
” Inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a strategic advantage. “
Dr. Kirk Adams, Ph.D.
Advocate, Leader and Keynote Speaker on Disability Inclusion & Leadership
Leading the Way to Accessible Innovation
Innovative Impact, LLC Consulting
Managing Director
Impactful Workforce Inclusion Starts Here
Connect With Me:
Website: https://drkirkadams.com
Dissertation: https://drkirkadams.com/dissertation
Email: kirkadams@drkirkadams.com
Phone: +1 (206) 660-1363
Subscribe: https://drkirkadams.com/subscribe
Facebook: https://drkirkadams.com/facebook
LinkedIn (Individual): https://drkirkadams.com/linkedin
LinkedIn (Company): https://drkirkadams.com/linkedinpage
Mastodon: https://drkirkadams.com/mastodon
Medium: https://drkirkadams.com/medium
RSS: https://drkirkadams.com/feed
X (Formerly Twitter): https://drkirkadams.com/x
YouTube: https://drkirkadams.com/youtube
Address: 140 Lakeside Avenue, Suite A, Seattle, Washington 98122-6538