It’s been an intense week for the world, our country, Pennsylvania, and our local communities. Folks have reported feelings of shock, surprise, stress, grief, and even relief. These are the times when community is most important.

 As Adrienne Maree Brown and Malkia Devich Cyril explain, we’re experiencing unprecedented rates of mass loss between war, the climate emergency, economic insecurity, and violence of all forms.They go on to name that grief is how we heal and respond to these losses. We’re still healing from generational losses. Collectively and individually, we’re grieving. What we do and how we support each other through our grief matters. We’re grounded in our principles by working on trust and community relationships. Now is the time for us to unite and build political power so our communities have the resources to thrive, not just survive. 

This upcoming election brings many mixed feelings. Many of us feel our ideology is at war with our voting strategy. We have to think: Which candidate will allow us the room to organize? Who will ensure the progress we’ve made so far remains? How can we move in a transformative and revolutionary way?

Malkia Devich Cyril said, “We need to be able to ground in principles, ground in ideology, be guided by both, not be narrowed by either.” It’s up to us to make the best decision possible with the resources and information we have in the material and political conditions in which we exist. Right now, the only “wrong” way to organize is to do nothing. Elections are not about a moral high ground. They’re about choosing candidates who leave us room to organize at the local, state, and national levels.

Let’s ground ourselves together. Elections are about people, not politicians. Together, we’re organizing across race, place, and generation for a multiracial democracy where all our elected officials co-govern with our communities. Where everyone lives with safety and dignity, secure housing, quality education for our children, and healthcare for all. 

We keep each other safe, and it’s up to us to fight for a Pennsylvania that works for all of us. Join us for an upcoming event below!

In community,

 — Edwin, Mary, and Hannah: PA Stands Up Comms Team