November 24th
Hi friends,
It’s good news Tuesday again. Three weeks after Election Day, and more than two weeks since the results became evident, the transition has formally begun. I told you it would be a better week. (I will acknowledge, however, that the bar was low.)
Late last week, Democrat Michelle Hinchey won a sweet victory to flip NY State Senate District 46, a gerrymandered district that looks like Big Bird with his head tilted to one side. Hinchey’s candidacy was supported by the health justice activists of Caring Majority. Although a few races are yet to be called, it appears that Democrats have secured a veto-proof supermajority in the Senate. This is a very hopeful sign for the NY Health Act and other progressive legislation.
We can move electoral mountains by supporting groups that are educating voters on the issues. Here’s the recipe for winning Georgia’s two Senate seats (the bold is mine):
Give to Abrams’s Fair Fight Action. Give to the organization Abrams founded back in 2013—which… began as a group of navigators to help Georgians figure out the Affordable Care Act: the New Georgia Project, led by the inspiring Nse Ufot. Give to LaTosha Brown’s Black Voters Matter. Or give to a whole lot of local organizers, with this Movement Voters Fund link.
One inspiring feature of the activism of 2020 has been the commitment of activist organizations to create sustaining environments in which to do this important work. Some people find it strange, but I am moved, every time, when I am welcomed to a Zoom organizing meeting and invited to take a deep cleansing breath.
Last night, I came across this article about psychological first aid from a few months ago that contains useful, timely advice for this season. Among other things, the author discusses the value of gratitude, and how to practice it, and the importance of reaching out to and listening to people as we all grapple with ‘powerful toxin’ of uncertainty. When I began writing my daily emails in early June, I was motivated by my own desire to be told — by a trusted friend — what I should do. So I appointed myself as trusted friend (and friend of friends) and have sought out answers to the question of what we should do to work for justice. This work is ongoing, and that thought overwhelmed me recently (briefly. I’m over it.). Read Stacey Colino’s good advice and pick one thing to do today that you haven’t been doing to care for yourself or others. You will feel better. Promise.
with love,
L