Grief, Solidarity & Joan of Arc

Beloved Community,

Many of us are distraught by the US election outcome, the results of which may have devastating consequences for ourselves and those we love facing potential threats to safety and equitable rights. And yet for others, this may feel like a time of victory and celebration. 

As an impassioned leader with a deeply personal focus and drive toward equity, inclusion, and a gender-balanced world, today I write to those among us who are brokenhearted. 

There are countless fierce and focused missives of solidarity arriving in my inbox from leaders we’ve served over the years, and from sector friends near and far. While many speak of resilience and resolve, a common theme is also grief.  

We are grieving because we care deeply…to the point of dedicating our lives to this work rooted in ‘love of humankind’, a.k.a. philanthropy. So be tender with yourselves, dear ones. Rest, feel, grieve. I am with you in this.

We are also keenly aware that our role as fundraisers is sacred, and needed more than ever as we serve leaders around the world; leaders who must navigate the global implications of the US election results on their organizations and the communities they serve.

We are at our most powerful when we work purposefully and collectively. In fact, the feeling of powerlessness has not surfaced in any of the emails and videos we are receiving, and for good reason:

We are, all of us, made for this moment.*  

As a social enterprise founded upon the spiritual principles of love and service, we will continue to work long and hard alongside you, despite and because of the obstacles in our way, to help bring about equity, peace, and dignity for all on a thriving planet. 

Beloved sector, I am with you. I am for you. We are together in this.

In tenderness, in solidarity,

Natalie Rekstad 

P.S. As we move through grief to acceptance, my wish for all of us is the ability to hold space for meaningful dialogue across differences, leading with curiosity and deep listening. May we find common ground and a peaceful way forward rooted in understanding, grace, and our shared humanity. 

* On my walk to work every day I pass a statue of Joan of Arc who, while under great threat, is attributed with saying, “I am not afraid. I was born to do this.”