It’s been quite a week to be human, hasn’t it?
I’ve been talking with colleagues about how the U.S. election will affect our organizations. And what we can do about it.
One thought will not leave my head.
Let me go back a step to explain, though.
Last Wednesday morning, one of the things I really wanted to see or hear was leaders of government – senators, congressmen, our governor – coming forward to reassure people. I needed to hear that they understood the pain many of us were in. And tell us they would fight to protect us.
It was just a thought. And soon, I did read a reassuring message from one of my senators. That outreach was welcome.
But I also thought about the people many of us work with.
Those who are already in bad positions. Who lack good health or steady, decent-paying work or even homes. People who, simply because of who they are – people of color, LGBTQ folk, or immigrants – may be fearful for their safety.
They need reassurance, too. They need to know you’re there. And you care.
And I thought about your donors.
They may need to know right now that working with you, and supporting you, still has an impact. That their support still matters.
And that they can do something to make the world a better, safer place.
That they are not powerless.
You are not powerless, either.
Right now it makes a lot of sense to pause your usual calendar of communications for just a moment.
Your end-of-year plans don’t have to disappear.
You will still fundraise. You can worry about your Thanksgiving email tomorrow.
But for this moment in time, focus on the human connection only.
Consider how all your people are feeling. Think about what you can do for them – on a human level – to help right now.
Take the time to let your supporters and the people you help know that your work continues.
That it matters. That they matter.
We’re all in this together. And regardless of politics, people need us.
So take the time to be really human. Let your people know you’re people, too.
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