Critical Hope

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Introducing the 7 principles for practicing critical hope—because hope isn't something you have; it's something you do. Each person's relationship to hope is unique and ever-changing. While hope can be transformational, in moments of despair or profound injustice, it isn't sufficient on its own. Hope without action can be naive, potentially leading to a loss of agency in changing oppressive systems. Critical hope emerges as a passionate belief in the possibility and necessity of transformation. It embodies hope in action, a commitment to honoring transformative potential across diverse experiences. Dr. Kari Grain, PhD, outlines 7 principles for practicing critical hope: hope is necessary, but not enough; critical hope is a practice, not a possession; it is messy, uncomfortable, and contradictory; it is connected to the body and land; it requires witnessing social and historical trauma; it involves interruptions and invitations; and it acknowledges the roles of anger and grief. These principles challenge toxic positivity and embrace discomfort and social injustices while fostering connection and honoring what makes us feel alive. Drawing from her global research and teaching at the University of British Columbia, Dr. Grain emphasizes that cultivating critical hope requires showing up with your whole self in all its vibrant complexity.