Inside Mass NOW: Meet Rebecca Santos Seetahal
Rebecca Santos Seetahal, Mass NOW’s Co-Vice President of Community Engagement, has spearheaded numerous initiatives and demonstrations for the organization. Now, she has some advice for you: “Be loud about what you want and what you believe.”Here, she explains why you should consider running for office in the age of Trump, and she chats about her feminist warriors.
Q: What advice would you give to young feminists feeling discouraged by today's political environment?
A: Political landscapes are unstable and ever changing. They change because people like you, who hold strong beliefs, go out there and make their voices heard and their positions visible. There is always a place for you in politics, because you, as a constituent, hold the most powerful position and influence. Be loud about what you want and what you believe, because you are not only speaking for yourself. Most of the time your position is that of many others. And collectively, our voices can and will change the world.I think it's also important to point out that our leaders are elected. You can run for office. Yes, you! I think right now, because of our political climate, people are starting to realize that mobilization of our collective power is the only way. Sitting down is not an option because people's lives are being immediately affected. So, I encourage anyone feeling frustrated or sad by today's political climate to go out and learn about your state's political landscape and reach out to organizations that are mobilizing to get women and minorities elected into office.
Q: Who is your current feminist warrior?
A: I don't think I could pick one specific person, because every day I find myself in awe of and inspired by another incredible human working to make this country and this world a better place. My feminist warriors are the teams and individuals I work with at different organizations who are pushing forward into battle on the multitude of feminist issues whether that be reproductive justice, immigration rights, LGBTQ rights, racial justice, economic equity, or the intersections among them.
Q: If you could be an article of clothing, what would you be?
A: A 6-inch red stiletto.