The Practice of Collective Care Across Difference

Sor Juana's relationships with other women—her mentor, her allies in the convent and court—modeled cross-difference solidarity within constraints. She could not eliminate hierarchy but could work across it thoughtfully. Intersectionality recognizes that justice movements must include people with different relationships to power: some with resources or institutional access, some with lived experience of specific oppressions, some with both. Collective care means that those with more privilege take on certain labors (research, funding, public facing roles that carry less risk) so that those most impacted can lead strategy. It means being honest about what each person can and cannot do, and why. It requires accountability: regular check-ins about whether the work is actually serving those most affected. It also demands cultural work—building relationships, celebrating together, creating space for joy and rest alongside struggle. In practice, this looks like: paying people of color and poor people for their expertise; not centering white/wealthy feelings; rotating visible leadership; and constantly asking whether the movement is actually sustainable and joyful for the most vulnerable.