In Episode 13 of RideShare RoadTalk we dance around the edges of USAID layoffs, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Ben Folds folding, keeping Baltimore real, little Italy, and remembering when 14th Street was super sketch. Buckle up...Let's Drive!

Resilience and Advocacy in Challenging Times

In today's political climate, international family planning faces significant challenges. The road ahead is far from smooth, but it is navigable with resilience and a strong commitment to the cause. I had the privilege of engaging in a thought-provoking conversation with a passionate advocate in reproductive health, who shared valuable insights into the complexities of the field, shedding light on the current struggles and opportunities.

The Dismantling of the Reproductive Health Sector

The conversation began with an unfiltered account of the state of international family planning. The advocate described working in a sector that, in their words, was "being completely dismantled and destroyed before your eyes." Such a stark reality might cause others to retreat or reconsider their involvement. However, what struck me the most was their unwavering determination to stay the course, despite the mounting challenges.

As someone who had transitioned from working with USAID to collaborating with the Gates Foundation, this advocate highlighted the importance of bringing diverse global voices together in these difficult times. Their efforts culminated in a major convening of representatives from Africa, Latin America, and Asia, focused on answering the question: "What are we gonna do now?" The commitment to collaboration in the face of adversity speaks volumes about the resilience needed to drive change.

The Power of Collaboration in Advocacy Work

At the heart of effective advocacy is collaboration. When confronted with difficult circumstances, retreat may seem like the easiest response. However, it is in these moments that coming together with others becomes even more vital. As the advocate put it: "The shit has hit the fan, but we're not going away, so what can we do?" This mindset is shared by many social justice movements—it's not about walking away, but about finding solutions together, even when the road seems uncertain.

Through their work, the advocate underscores the importance of unity in times of hardship. While the political landscape may change, the mission to improve reproductive health and secure family planning rights remains steadfast. Collaboration, not isolation, will ultimately lead to the most lasting and impactful change.

A Thoughtful Comparison: Baltimore vs. Washington, DC

Our conversation shifted to a comparison between Baltimore and Washington, DC, exploring how place influences perspective and identity. Baltimore, with all its flaws and authenticity, contrasts sharply with DC's polished but sometimes superficial appearance. In DC, the struggle for recognition among the nation’s premier cities often results in a transient and pretentious atmosphere. Baltimore, on the other hand, embraces its real, unpolished character, and the advocate captured this essence by quoting the city’s motto: "If you don't like Baltimore, it doesn't like you either."

The advocate painted a picture of Baltimore's genuine spirit, highlighting its community bonds and down-to-earth character. From the bocce courts in Little Italy to the neighborhood movie screenings projected on brick walls, Baltimore thrives on authenticity and mutual care—values that cannot be faked or manufactured.

Embracing Authenticity in Advocacy

This contrast between appearance and substance mirrors the advocate's professional philosophy. They value the raw, authentic nature of Baltimore over the aspirational sheen of DC. In both their personal and professional life, they prioritize staying in challenging spaces over seeking comfort or prestige. This idea was echoed when they referenced artists resigning from the Kennedy Center board during the Trump administration: "That's precisely the time when you're not supposed to resign, you're supposed to stay and stick your foot in the door."

This unwavering commitment to staying present in difficult times defines effective advocacy. True change doesn’t happen by avoiding discomfort—it happens by remaining steadfast, facing adversity head-on, and remaining dedicated to the cause.

The Importance of Staying Present in Difficult Spaces

Whether in the geographical sense or in the context of global health and family planning, the conversation underscored a key lesson: transformative work is most impactful when we remain engaged with the challenges at hand. In both our communities and our professional lives, we cannot afford to abandon our goals when times get tough. Instead, we must embrace the discomfort, bring diverse perspectives together, and keep fighting for what matters most.

In conclusion, navigating the complexities of international family planning requires more than technical expertise or political savvy—it requires heart, resilience, and a refusal to abandon the cause. The advocate's experience serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, staying present and committed to collaboration will ultimately drive the positive change we so desperately need.