Dear Colleagues,
As Thanksgiving approaches on the heels of a particularly challenging election year, I’m reminded of the transformative power of arts and culture to unite, comfort, heal, inspire, illuminate our shared humanity, and move us forward.
We know all too well how arts and culture practitioners help communities navigate uncertainty and change. In times of division, our local creative sector serves as a vital bridge, fostering dialogue and understanding among people from all walks of life. We bring light to the communities we serve and work in, offering space for reflection, healing, and hope. We connect disparate communities and provide opportunities to grow empathy, dissolve differences, and facilitate the discovery of common ground. And we empower communities to share their stories, amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard. I’m profoundly grateful for your work and the opportunity to support you and your businesses through the work of AHCMC. Our collective commitment to creative and cultural expression is critical to the health and future of our county and all those we serve.
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So, this Thanksgiving, let’s find strength in our creative community and remember that art and culture are powerful forces for positive change and a brighter tomorrow. Take a moment this holiday to thank and uplift one another as we continue recalibrating, refocusing, and grounding ourselves for the work ahead.
Here are a few resources to help nurture hope and resilience. I hope they inspire, uplift, and guide you in maintaining faith as we push onward.
Resources for Resilience and Hope
- How to Hope Even Now
- 10 Ways to be prepared and grounded now that Trump has won
- Centering Restorative Principles for BIPOC Leaders in Nonprofits
- Managing Conversations When You Disagree Politically
- Welcoming America Network
Together, let our shared sense of purpose, rooted in the transformative power of the arts and humanities, shape a more empathetic, inclusive, and compassionate future. Sending you restoration, peace, and inspiration this holiday.
Onward with hope and unending gratitude,
Suzan