In a year when each day we thought we could not tolerate any more... we learned that we could, and we did. We changed. The political and social landscape changed. We became a collective of “worriers,” with new anxieties, fears, who showed the capacity to turn that agitation around into action, and to taking a stand, making oneself heard, and yet feeling for others. We became ”warriors” for what is right, and tried to get the attention of those in power – community leaders, lawmakers, politicians. We became change agents. We developed resolve and perseverance - and grit.
Negative excesses unleashed: Covid-19, Hate, Violence, Oppression, Hunger, Racism, Anti-Semitism, Social Media, Poverty, Job Loss, Police Brutality, Zoom meetings, Businesses Lost, Restaurants/Bars shuttered, Hashtag Tweets, Lootings, Hospitalizations, Isolation, Food Lines for Miles. Daily Deathrate Reports.
Positive excesses unleashed: Heroes, Volunteers, Peaceful Demonstrations, Balcony Arias, Medical Staff, First Responders, Masks, Zoom Concerts, Go Fund Me’s, Community Activists, Community Food Pantries, Local Emergency Relief campaigns of Nonprofits raising millions of dollars, Invisible Front-Line Workers (postal workers, grocery store shelf stockers, UPS, Fed Ex drivers), InstaCart workers, Food Deliverers, Social Media, Displays of Gratitude (clapping, handmade signs, yard signs, billboards), Virtual Fund Raisers, The Vaccine.
Carole Landis Foundation was developed just more than five years ago. The value of diversity and standing for human rights are the lynchpins of our foundation. We have invested in sustainable social action programs that fight Prejudice - racism, Anti-Semitism, anti-Immigrant, homophobia, discrimination. We take on Exploitation - sexual exploitation/human trafficking, bullying. We have supported vulnerable populations - whose definition has now expanded exponentially. We care about children with chronic disease. And when we first started, we addressed food insecurity for seniors, and now that has expanded to anyone.
The intention of creating a kinder, just world through philanthropic funding is still overwhelming. “The sea is so wide and my boat is so small” comes to mind. There is no expectation that a singular philanthropist or foundation can do it alone. Our foundation, however, impacts lives, supports our community, delivers hope, and is a small spark that ignites social change.
My best wishes for a new year of harmony, bridging the divides, staying healthy and safe, and creating space for reflection and gratitude.
