All humans need protection. In a way, protection is the most basic need of all, since if you aren’t safe you can’t eat, drink, sleep or sometimes even breathe.
The more vulnerable you are—poor, young, elderly, chronically ill, historically targeted by oppression—the more you need care and protection. But so often in the belly of the Beast you get less.
That’s when you, the activists, step up–you who are the first responders against injustice.
Most often, you arise from those same vulnerable ranks, or the vulnerable folks are those closest to you–your kids, neighbors, coworkers. You share their vulnerabilities and need for basic protection, dignity and rights.
But as activists, folks who step beyond your own private life to confront shared injustices and larger powers, you face additional risks. And need additional protection.