I was on a work call last week with other domestic violence advocates across the state - these are regular gatherings to discuss our work, and this call was an election debrief.

We talked through how we’re doing, our collective relief that Trump is out, our concerns around the ongoing strength of white supremacy, and what our work looks like in this moment.

Near the end, an advocate from a more rural part of the state (who works at an org that made national headlines when they lost county funding in retaliation for their public support of the movement for Black lives) said, through tears, how lonely it often feels to be doing this work where she lives + how much the space meant to her.

It reminded me how essential it is that we keep talking + connecting + telling the truth + holding the vision for each other + finding the way forward together.

The work of building a better world often feels overwhelming.

It’s a big task. There’s a lot to do.

And I know for me, it’s often easy to overlook the small stuff, like showing up + speaking truth + sharing honestly + connecting with your comrades + supporting your people.

These simple things mattered a lot to my colleague across the state.

And they matter a lot to me too.

People hear you when you speak. They see you when you show up. They feel your kindness, care, and devotion.

It all matters.

And there are people who need what you have to share, give, and express.

So please keep showing up + sharing what’s yours to give.

Our work continues.