Real Talk, in a country that seems more divided than ever, white women need to recognize that we’re not just innocent bystanders in the chaos. We’ve been a key part of the problem—especially when it comes to elections. It’s uncomfortable to admit, but when we choose comfort over accountability, we uphold systems that harm others. The reality is, the results of the past few elections show that too many of us have continued to vote in ways that benefit our immediate circles while ignoring the struggles of marginalized communities. White women’s votes have been a decisive force, and it’s time to stop pretending that we don’t have a responsibility to do better.

It’s time we stop hiding behind our privilege and start actively building communities that actually care about others, especially those outside our own echo chambers. Real change will only happen when we acknowledge the harm we’ve been complicit in and make a conscious effort to disrupt the patterns of exclusion and complacency that benefit us.

1. Recognize the Echo Chamber

The first step in building more inclusive communities is acknowledging the echo chambers we inhabit. It’s all too easy to surround ourselves with people who share our perspectives, but real growth happens when we engage with a variety of voices. The discomfort that comes from recognizing our privilege is the first step toward breaking down these barriers and opening our hearts and minds to others.

Book recommendations for recognizing privilege:

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad

Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong

A Renaissance of Our Own by Rachel Cargle

I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown

2. Intentional Listening and Centering Marginalized Voices

Listening with intention is key. As women who may not face the same struggles as others, we must listen deeply to marginalized communities—particularly women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those experiencing systemic injustice. By following leaders from these communities, reading widely, and attending diverse events, we expand our understanding and support those who have been historically silenced.

This approach is echoed by the wisdom of women like Melanie L. Harris, who encourages active listening and "listening to understand" rather than simply waiting to respond. We must prioritize listening to those with lived experiences beyond our own.

3. Shift Focus from ‘Fixing’ to Collaborative Building

The goal isn’t about “fixing” others; it’s about collaborative community-building. White women should move away from the savior complex and, instead, focus on creating spaces where everyone’s voices are equally valued. The work of women like Tarana Burke and Brené Brown shows how community-building begins with mutual care and support. By uplifting the leadership of marginalized people, we contribute to a more inclusive, resilient society.

4. Commit to Continuous Education and Action

Building better communities requires ongoing learning. As white women, we must educate ourselves about the histories, struggles, and triumphs of marginalized groups, and we must take action based on what we’ve learned. This doesn’t mean placing the emotional labor on those communities but committing to personal growth and using our privilege to create systemic change.

Women like Rachel Cargle and Ijeoma Oluo offer vital insights on how education can lead to action. They show us that change isn’t just about thinking differently; it’s about doing differently—showing up for those who need it most, whether through volunteering, donations, or advocacy.

Want to read more about this? Check these books out:

The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee

Caste: The Origins of our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson

Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond

The New Jim Crow Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander

The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein

5. Center Intersectionality

Building inclusive communities requires recognizing the complexity of people’s identities. As Kimberlé Crenshaw teaches us through her work on intersectionality, we must understand how race, gender, class, and other factors intertwine. True inclusivity comes from prioritizing the voices of those at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities—because their experiences are often overlooked.

Books to learn more about intersectionality:

On Intersectionality by Kimberlé Crenshaw

The Combahee River Collective Statement by The Combahee River Collective

Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes, and Black Women in America by Melissa V. Harris-Perry

Feminism is for Everybody: Passionate Politics by bell hooks

Hood Feminism: Notes From the Women That a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall

6. Commit to Long-Term Change

Finally, creating lasting change takes patience and commitment. We must view community-building as a lifelong journey, not a quick fix. By staying engaged with our learning, continuing to listen, and acting consistently, we will help foster communities that prioritize justice, equity, and care for all.

Women like Oprah Winfrey, who has long used her platform to encourage kindness and collective growth, remind us that change takes time. Small actions over time can ripple outward to create significant impact.

White women have a unique opportunity to help build bridges, not just in our personal communities, but in society as a whole. By listening intentionally, building with others, educating ourselves, and committing to long-term, intersectional change, we can create a world where care and connection extend beyond the boundaries of our echo chambers.

Together, we can make the world more inclusive, more compassionate, and more connected.

Building Bridges, Not Echo Chambers: How White Women Can Create Better Communities