At this time after the election, we know that our communities feel deeply divided and many of us are experiencing anxiety about what lies ahead.
Regardless of our politics, our organizations share a commitment to fight for the basic rights of all human beings, and to safeguard our participatory democracy by leading in engaging our local, state and federal governments, and making them work for us.
In this time, we know a few things to be true:
We have been through much of this before
In the past, we found ways to continue to fight for our people, protect the most vulnerable, and handle crisis. Many of us in our lives and families have overcome incredible struggles. We have organized during a global pandemic and under similar political circumstances. In moments of crisis, we have shown creativity, solidarity and an unparalleled determination for justice.
We have important skills that are needed in this moment
One of the biggest dangers in the current crisis is isolation, and the temptation to scapegoat groups of people. We have long-lasting relationships across faith tradition, race, socioeconomic background, and geography. We have specific skills for building relationships in communities and across difference. This is one of the most powerful acts we can engage in right now.
We have the experience and track record of being able to assess both the needs of our communities and determine how to make a real impact. Some of our strategies may need to change, but our core skills and relationships will help us determine how we can most effectively use our resources and collective people power.
We need to build a bigger circle
This is a moment where we have the opportunity to draw a wider circle. To build new relationships with new types of institutions and organizations, and to build deeper relationships with our representatives at all levels of government – local, state, and of course, federal.
Join us for our Statewide Action on November 17
This is a time to reaffirm our relationships and commitment to fight for the basic rights of all people, and for us to commit to leading on defending participatory democracy and making it work for us. November 17 is an opportunity for us to engage new leaders and organizations. Please reach out to friends, neighbors, congregations, unions, community organizations–anyone who is interested in building relationships and doing meaningful work together.
New Action Materials
We are pivoting our action to start by standing together, with multi faith clergy and community leaders, to protect the basic rights of the people in our communities. We are also leaning into our call to lead in and make participatory democracy work for us at the local, state and federal level.
We want to express our deep gratitude for the ways you participate in our community. Together we are stronger, and together we can take action to create a more just society.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Marshall, Executive Director, AIM
Katie Zinler, Lead Organizer, ACT
Tanushree Dutta Isaacman, Lead Organizer, AIM