by Carol Schachet

If you Google “solidarity” you’ll find examples and definitions that range from liberation theology to Lech Walesa’s Polish government to union songs. Most of the current entries that use the word appear in countries other than the United States, or on the pages of progressive foundations or leftwing groups.

While the word never entered the popular vernacular in the United States, solidarity remains central both to activism for justice and to radical philanthropy—that is, strategic giving that addresses the root causes of inequality or discrimination. A brief survey of RESIST’s 40-year history provides a unique lens to view the changing role of “solidarity” in activism and funding.

Solidarity: Hell no, we wouldn’t go if we were asked...
For purposes of simplicity, let’s consider solidarity in one of two forms. In the first, we have the concept of solidarity that hinges on a feeling of “fraternity” or togetherness with a group, a “one-for-all, all-for-one-ness” that helps to hold together a group of people engaged in a common activity. A teamster driver in Massachusetts said solidarity “means my co-workers got my back.”

The second concept of solidarity connects two or more people or groups that have distinctly different places in society. This type of solidarity has moral objectives that move towards a deep fellowship with all of humankind, what Gandhi referred to when he spoke of the “essential unity of all people.”

In liberation theology, this concept of solidarity would say that the privileged are in “solidarity” with the poor or marginalized, that God (or justice) sides with the suffering, and therefore, so should we all. Secular organizations and non-Christian identities often employ similar concepts of solidarity. In the 1980s, thousands of U.S. citizens traveled to Nicaragua and El Salvador as part of the movement in solidarity with the people of Central America. Today, many Jews organize in solidarity with the Palestinian people, meaning they support the human rights of Palestinians.

RESIST’s earliest days might be considered an expression of solidarity organizing. Non draft-eligible men, women and others who opposed the U.S. military intervention in Vietnam wanted to take action that exposed them to legal risks comparable to those of draft resisters. Many signed petitions (like “the call to resist illegitimate authority”), filled the streets and even “levitated” the Pentagon. Non-draft eligible supporters also gave money specifically to help draft resisters break the law, making themselves aiders and abettors.

RESIST’s founders and the 20,000 or so individuals who signed the “Call to resist illegitimate authority” engaged in a textbook example of solidarity. They identified an injustice, cast their lot in with those on the side of those opposing it at most risk, and took strategic action to change things.

Movements keep moving
One thing about solidarity: it changes as circumstances change. So, too, did RESIST’s expressions of solidarity. Solidarity moved from signing the “call” to funding radical actions to oppose the war and racial discrimination. Although I doubt anyone at the time would have used these words, progressive philanthropy became an expression of solidarity—a way to move money and power to those engaged directly in the struggle for justice.

Likewise, solidarity activism itself changed. Communities across the country formed “sister city” relationships with communities in Central America, in Palestine, in South Africa, in areas of the world suffering from deep inequalities. Activist groups formed to support the new “underground railroad” to assist undocumented immigrants escaping war-torn regions. Solidarity had many forms, and required lots of financial support from groups like RESIST.

Today few use the term solidarity, even in their grant applications to a left-wing outfit like RESIST. Perhaps the word is passé, but the meaning behind it is not. Social and economic justice requires significant actions from those on the losing side of globalization as well as those with relative freedom. In a very real sense, we are all in the same boat—Earth. Expressions of solidarity range from contributing money and time, to refusing to pay war taxes, to not crossing a picket line, to sitting in at the White House or Congress. And other ways as countless and specific as movements require.

Solidarity forever.

---

Carol Schachet is a member of RESIST’s Board of Directors and currently engages in solidarity through work with Grassroots International..