Dear LIFT community,
When we began this year, I grounded the LIFT team in the word preparedness. Preparedness that speaks to leading with strength and resilience so that we are not caught off guard. It was the intention needed to face what was ahead for us this year—getting clear on our values, strategic planning, reflecting on the lessons of 25 years, and now, in getting ready for a rapidly approaching historic election.
This election is a chance to lift up our stated beliefs as an organization. Our newly refreshed values serve as a powerful call to action for the changes we want to see within society. In this moment, we stand firm in our shared conviction to:
- Let brilliance shine knowing that positive change is possible and working boldly towards that change.
- Root change in learning seeking out and applying the deep knowledge and learnings of those who have experienced poverty and inequity to bring about effective systems change.
- Build deep relationships in creating a “beloved community” in which everyone is cared for, absent of poverty, hunger, and hate.
- Strive for social justice aspiring to end inequity at the root by addressing the policy and systems change needed to break generational cycles of poverty.
- Create thriving environments recognizing that there is more than enough wealth and calling in community members with privilege to share their resources and advocate for change.
With a steadfast commitment to these values, I urge each of you to use your voice and your vote, and to do so maintaining your physical and psychological safety as voting this year may be stressful and potentially volatile.
I recognize that preparedness doesn’t happen in isolation. It is about the intentional choices we make together. I want to take a moment to recognize the hard work of the team to build our capacity to face whatever is to come. Their dedication and collective efforts— business continuity planning, team trainings, parent GOTV info, safety officer prep, scenario plans, internal and external communications strategy, and more— have fortified our organization in ways that will last long past the election. We stay ready!
Lastly, I am called to draw upon the LIFT tradition of offering a Metta meditation on loving kindness to hold and connect us in times like these:
May I/you/we all be safe
May I/you/we all be happy.
MayI/you/ we all be healthy.
May I/you/we all live in peace.
Stay ready…and let’s vote and make our voices heard!
Michelle Rhone-Collins
LIFT-CEO
P.S.- More to come on our values in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!