The Times –They Call for HOPE & ACTION

As I ponder the times the majority of voters imposed upon us November 2024 the following quote enters my mind:

‘“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can

change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.’”—Margaret Mead

Over time I have leaned on this quote for inspiration, especially, when things appear hopeless. The words spoken by Margaret Mead are a reminder that we are stronger and mightier than we think, especially as a collective.  However, since the November 2024 election it has been extremely challenging to remain hopeful or to pick up the activism and fight.

 Many of my family members, friends and colleagues report they can’t even turn on the news—personally in November I turned off all news and now continue to be careful what news I pay attention to. But the hardest of all has been mustering the energy to face the reality most US voters chose. The question: What were they thinking? Remains a mystery. Not everyone in the US feels this way of course there are those who are excited about the new administration’s actions.

 The country remains divided; split ideology rules the land and bipartisanship, kindness, compromise and cooperation has taken a back seat for over a decade. Will it change? Not immediately. Will it get worse? Most likely. Are many of us collectively disappointed? Absolutely! Those of us who have spent years working hard on critical issues that impact our communities, organizing, knocking on doors, visiting capitol hill, advocating on policy matters etc. experience deep disappointment as hard-fought policies are reversed-yet we cannot give up. In the words from the 2002 Coretta Scott King-edited book, In My Own Words.

“We must accept finite disappointment but never lose infinite hope."

 Stay vigilant, support those with the courage to fight, look out for your neighbors, lend a hand when necessary, and never lose hope in democracy.