I’m honestly not quite sure when I first met Sarah Sophie Flicker. To be clear, this is not because she is forgettable (she is anything but)! Instead, it’s because she seems to pop up everywhere and be involved in everything. If you’re involved in feminist and social justice work in the US, you’ve probably taken part in an event, action, or coalition that she participated in. The Women’s March, The Citizens Band, The Resistance Revival Chorus, Joy to the Polls; these are just a few of the activism initiatives co-founded by Sarah Sophie, to say nothing of the numerous social justice organizations for which she produces and organizes campaigns.
What I really admire about Sarah Sophie (aside from her seemingly boundless energy!) is the joy and generosity of spirit that she brings to her activism. The systemic discrimination and ongoing human rights abuses against women and girls that I see day in and day out in my work can really make one start to lose hope some days, but Sarah Sophie understands that there’s real power in joy, and we build hope from knowledge, action, and a community of mutual care.
Whether she’s hosting rehearsals (like she did for the protest performance of “A Rapist in Your Path” in New York City in January 2020), making sure activists are getting fed, or introducing people who can strengthen each other’s work —Sarah Sophie is a connector to her core.
Thanks to Sarah Sophie, I know I’m part of a community of feminist activists who won’t hesitate to lend a hand to each other when needed or to combine our powers to achieve more than we ever could alone. And that not only gives me hope, but it also brings me joy.
To mark our 30th Anniversary, we’re celebrating 30 women and changemakers who have helped to shape our work to make equality reality. Learn more about these 30 women and changemakers as told by members of our staff and board, including Gloria Steinem’s tribute to Wilma Mankiller.