The Heirloom Initiative: Preserving Justice Practices for Future Generations
In a rapidly evolving world, justice practices are more critical than ever in fostering equity, inclusion, and systemic change. Yet, the surge of new voices and organizations in the field has created both opportunities and challenges. While the growing recognition of justice work signifies progress, it has also brought forth commodification and profit-driven approaches that often stray from the foundational values of the movement. To address this, the Justice Producers Collaborative (JPC), in partnership with The Curiosity Paradox and Calling Up Justice, is proud to introduce the Heirloom Initiative, a curated professional development community designed to preserve what matters most and ensure a meaningful path forward.
The Origins of the Heirloom Initiative
The Justice Producers Collaborative was founded in 2020 by Claudia Alick and the Calling Up Justice practice, in partnership with The Curiosity Paradox. This partnership was born out of a shared recognition: while it was encouraging to see the justice field expanding, many new entrants lacked the lived experiences, knowledge, and practices rooted in the original seed of the movement. The Collaborative sought to safeguard the integrity of justice work, ensuring that its core values remained intact even as the field evolved.
The Heirloom Initiative builds on this mission. Just as heirloom seeds are preserved for their quality, resilience, and connection to the past, this initiative gathers people and practices to sustain what is essential for the future. It is a response to the commodification of justice practices and a call to action for those committed to authentic, transformative work.
A Community for Sustained Growth
The Heirloom Initiative is a professional development program tailored for department heads, independent artists, EDIA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) practitioners, and small business leaders. Key features include:
- Monthly Cohort Meetings: Regular sessions to build connections, share strategies, and collaborate on solutions to common challenges.
- Access to a Tech Co-op: Tools and platforms to enhance participants’ ability to work effectively in digital spaces.
- Access to a Resource-Filled Discord: A dynamic space for sharing materials, tools, and ongoing support.
Participation in the program is priced at $5 per month, with scholarships available to ensure accessibility. This structure reflects the initiative’s commitment to sustainability while prioritizing inclusivity.
An Invitation to Join
As the world continues to grapple with pressing social and systemic issues, the time to act is now. The Heirloom Initiative invites those dedicated to justice work to join a community committed to preserving what works, strengthening strategies, and building what lasts. Through the Justice Producers Collaborative’s Heirloom Initiative, Calling Up Justice and The Curiosity Paradox are planting seeds for a future where justice practices thrive. Together, we can honor the past, navigate the present, and shape a more equitable future.