November 6, 2024

We’re not going to ask you to be resilient. Not today. Too often, resilience is an expectation placed upon us without any acknowledgment of the burdens we carry. Today, we hold a moment of space for the weariness that comes from constantly pushing forward, the exhaustion from striving to navigate a world that does not fully support or acknowledge our existence. This isn’t a call for resilience; it’s an invitation to recognize the steadfast strength you have continued to show and to allow yourself the grace to process and navigate at your own pace.

Whether you’re someone who’s ready to move forward at full speed, or someone who needs a moment to pause and catch your breath, we’re here—to be alongside you, to share the load when it’s too much, and to uplift each other. Election results give us a clearer pathway of the possibilities ahead and what we must continue to fight for.

We learn from our New Leaders Council alumni every day.

Whether that is Marta Hanson (NLC San Francisco), National Programs Manager of Power The Polls, who ensured that polling locations were fully staffed to safeguard everyone’s right to vote. Or Vincent Evans (NLC Tallahassee), Executive Director of the Congressional Black Caucus, who works to build a more inclusive environment in halls of power or those of you who ran for office and left everything on the field. While it’s bittersweet to experience some losses, along with some wins and even some of you head into runoffs for your own elections, you all have sparked inspiration for changemakers across the country and you inspire me to wake up every morning and keep fighting for what I love – all of you.

At NLC, we are committed to creating spaces that don’t require constant resilience but foster mutual care, support, and connection. In a world that too often asks us to keep going no matter the cost, we choose to stop, breathe, and recognize our humanity.

Whether you need support, camaraderie, or just a reminder that others recognize and value your experiences, NLC is here. Where we channel our strength, amplify your voices, and build on the commitment to creating a more just and inclusive future. Each step forward, every action taken, brings us closer to the vision we share.

Together, we’ll keep pushing boundaries, breaking down barriers, and working for a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Here, you are part of a network that celebrates who you are and is beside you, whether or not you feel resilient today.

Karen Pandy-Cherry
Acting President & CEO of New Leaders Council

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