40 ways forward

THE EVENTS OF THE PAST YEAR—A global health crisis, mass protests against police brutality, a surge in hate crimes—laid bare the vast inequities that have persisted in the U.S. for centuries. Drawing on the expertise of leaders across the country, TIME set out to compile a list of actionable steps that the U.S. could take to usher in an era of true social, political and economic equity.

The root causes of inequities are complex and intertwined; identifying and addressing them involves the near impossible task of chipping away at the sedimentary layers of history and systemic injustice. One certainty: dismantling them will require work on the part of everyone, from political representatives with the power to change policy to business leaders whose decisions inform capitalist society, to citizens, because our behavior shapes our communities. For recommendations, we consulted with 59 scholars, activists and innovators across a range of fields, seeking out the strongest and most creative actions to align reality in the United States with its founding principles at last. Some of the ideas existed as demands for decades. Some challenge accepted thinking. Activist Ady Barkan and U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health Rachel Levine argue for expanding health care protections to the vulnerable. Leadership expert Vivian Hunt and author Minda Harts call on businesses to diversify their ranks and create workplaces that are supportive for all. Me Too founder Tarana Burke and researcher Brené Brown underscore the importance of instilling empathy in the next generation. The goal is an America that is stronger and safer. Here are 40 ways to begin the work.

END FAMILY DETENTION

The U.S. has three detention centers specifically for immigrant families, where children are held as they wait for courts to decide whether they and their parents will be allowed to stay in the U.S.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says children should never be placed in detention because of the physical and psychological toll it takes, even for a short time. And yet the last several Administrations have detained immigrant parents and their children for months at a time.

As long as the U.S. detains families, it can never live up to its ideal of being a land of opportunity, says Bridget Cambria, executive director of Aldea—the People’s Justice Center, which represents detained families. Family detention is “a travesty of human rights,” Cambria says. “The government doesn’t have to detain anyone. It’s a choice.” —Jasmine Aguilera

VOTE

Voting in federal elections is important. Voting in local elections is arguably more important, particularly when it comes to creating equity. “You can’t have equity if you don’t have large participation in the voting process,” says Cliff Albright, co-founder of Black Voters Matter.

Voting at the local level can quickly deliver visible changes to communities, and in most states the party that controls the legislature draws Congressional maps, carving out districts that make it easier for their own party to win the U.S. House. Yet turnout is higher in national elections than in the local ones that shape them.

Americans have a “responsibility” to vote, says Albright, but laws that limit access mean willingness isn’t the only factor when it comes to casting a vote and having it counted. “When you have policies that open up access and send a message that you want people to vote, a funny thing happens,” he says. “More people vote.” —Sanya Mansoor

ENACT UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE

The U.S. is the richest country in history—yet tens of millions of people are without the health care they need. Medicare for All would give everyone health care for free at the point of service—including for reproductive care. President Biden has proposed an enormous investment in care for elders and people with disabilities, while Democratic leaders in Congress are pushing to lower drug prices, and to strengthen and expand Medicare. If they can pass these laws, they will move us meaningfully closer to achieving health care justice in America. —Ady Barkan, activist

REFORM THE THRIFTY FOOD PLAN

Adequate access to food is economic justice. Too many people are forced to stretch their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits because they don’t cover the full cost of food. The program is determined by the federal government’s Thrifty Food Plan (TFP), a 46-year-old plan, last updated in 2006, that doesn’t reflect the current economy. All these factors disproportionately impact people of color. It’s time to re-evaluate the TFP to increase SNAP benefits as a critical step forward