From “Othering” to “Mattering”
In our world, it’s far too easy to fall into the trap of “othering.” Othering is the process of perceiving people as fundamentally different from ourselves based on race, religion, politics, or status. It’s the wall that prevents us from seeing a neighbor’s humanity.
Mattering is the sledgehammer that breaks that wall down.
Whether it’s a barista, a stranger on the bus, or a colleague you don’t speak to often, when you hand someone a You Matter card, you’re saying:
“I see you.”
“You’re an essential thread in the fabric of our community.”
“You matter to me.”
By affirming someone’s worth, you make it almost impossible to treat them as an “other.” You acknowledge that their joys and sorrows are as real as your own.
Participating in the You Matter Marathon isn’t just about handing someone a piece of cardstock. It helps us to move past our comfort zones and recognize the dignity in everyone we encounter. When a person feels they truly matter, they are naturally more likely to extend that same grace to others. This is how a supportive, inclusive community grows: one card, one connection, and one human at a time.
I encourage you to see the world through the lens of connection rather than division. Every card shared is a bridge built over the gap of “othering.” By committing to this simple practice, we’re participating in a movement to ensure no one feels left behind. Each card is a quiet but powerful declaration that in our community, there is no them. There is only us.
Cheryl Rice, Founder
https://youmattermarathon.org/
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