Like many people, I’ve found myself working through the stages of grief following the election. I am slowly moving into Acceptance and searching for paths forward. I am accepting the new reality, but I am NOT accepting the inevitability of the loss of Democracy.
I’ve heard people say they are considering moving to another country. In my opinion, this is not the time to abandon our country.
It is a time to stay—to learn from our ancestors who survived despite the odds, from Indigenous Americans and African Americans. They resisted. They kept the faith. They held on to their truths. And that is our task now—to take an honest appraisal of our strengths and defend the truths we know to be self-evident.
What do we bring to the fight to hold on to our democracy? We can learn how to use tactics of nonviolent resistance. We can take action in solidarity to defend vulnerable populations. We can learn to speak with people who disagree with us while remaining firm in our convictions.
Now is the time to turn (or return) to UUSJ for fellowship, inspiration, co-leadership, solidarity, and strategic action. Join us for education, witness, and advocacy.
- Check out the numerous resources the UUSJ Democracy Action Team has made available, then share these with others in your UU community. (See our website.)
- Take action now! Tell your Senators to confirm judicial appointees through the end of the year. Tell your Senators to include Afghans in the NDAA. Let’s get it done for our veterans and allies. Pay attention next Congress when we alert you about further maneuvering on H.R. 9495.
- Learn with us on December 17th, when we host author and professor Hahrie Han, Ph.D., for comments on her new book, Undivided, and thoughts about faith, race, and politics after the election. (More details below.)
- Join one of the UUSJ Action Teams here.
- Make a financial gift in support of democracy.
We at UUSJ have always said, “We are in it for the long haul, not the loophole.” Are you? Will you join us?
We depend on you to help. Together, we are more powerful than alone.