• OVC Social Justice Resource Page | #OVCforChange Engagement Series Archive
As part of the
#OVCforChange initiative, OVC student-athletes, coaches and administrators will engage in dialogue to help shape a course of action and invoke change on a variety of social issues impacting their lives.
This week's feature is with Eastern Illinois senior runner
Ashley Gilmore. Gilmore, a native of Freeburg, Illinois, competed in three cross country meets a season ago, and competed in the 800 meters and the mile during the indoor track and field season.
Why is it important to be an advocate for social change/justice?
“It is important (to advocate for social change) because everyone deserves to be given the same opportunities. Everyone deserves a fighting chance at a life they want without being held back by their color of skin, who they love, age, or gender. The number one reason to be an advocate is because discrimination must come to an end.”
What are the responsibilities of the individual in regard to issues of social justice?
“Educate oneself as well as hold you and your loved ones accountable, speak up, donate if possible. Ask others open-ended questions like ‘why did you say that’ or ‘what do you mean by that’. It also helps as well to ask yourself those same questions. I found that I learned a lot of the things I thought I believed changed when I dove more deeply into conversations with others.”
What should we be doing as a society to combat social inequality?
“As a society do not underestimate the difference you can make as an individual or the power your voice holds. Registering to vote and promoting talk in circle of friends/family can help combat social inequality. I think an idea that our world should focus on more is teaching it (inequality) to students while they are younger instead of saying they are too young to understand or have their own opinions.”
What other emotions would you like to express about the current state of our society?
“The current state is utter chaos. I do believe that this next generation is changing the world and in a couple years I can see us all living in a better society. There is hope, it may be messy now but once all the clutter clears I believe we will come out of this as a better country and look back on it to inform the next generation.”