MPC Members Statements Post Election

As we reflect on this week's election outcomes and the significant inflection point in our nation’s path that it represents, we at the Sewall Foundation reaffirm our steadfast commitment to equity, justice, and the well-being of communities across Maine and the Wabanaki Nations. Rooted deeply in our mission to promote social, environmental, and economic well-being, we stand with and for those who may feel vulnerable or uncertain or unheard. We are unwavering in our vision of a more just and inclusive world, and our work toward equity will continue with even greater resolve.

In the words of bell hooks, “Beloved community is formed not by the eradication of difference but by its affirmation.” We believe deeply that our care for one another, our shared resilience and mutual support, and the communities we nurture together are far more powerful than any political outcome. Our communities’ strength lies in our collective capacity to create spaces where every voice is heard, every person is valued, and we act with the belief that together, we have the resources for all to thrive.

As always, we are grateful for the compassion, strength, and commitment of the many who work toward a just, healthy, and sustainable Maine. Together, let us continue building a future where equity, care, and justice are woven into the fabric of every community in Maine and the Wabanaki Nations.

In solidarity,
Gabriela Alcalde, Executive Director & Jono Anzalone, Board Chair

Find out more about the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation at www.sewallfoundation.org

Words can be overrated in moments like this. Sometimes, sitting with the quiet is all that is called for and all that feels doable. But we at Maine Initiatives want to offer the following words of encouragement.

Our work – what we do and why we do it – is rooted in deep and powerful principles. In a moment like this, it is important (and hopefully useful) to return to these touchstones.

We are not alone. We are organizers. Our work is to bring people together around shared and sacred values – justice, equity, community, love – and position them to step into their power, individually and together. Let us lean deeply into community: today and in the days to come. We can and will sustain each other. That is what organizers do. This is who we are.

We are not powerless. Collectively, we have power and resources – knowledge, wisdom, relationships, money, etc. –  to do so much good in the community. Our work can and must mobilize and leverage those resources and bring them to bear for the work that needs to happen. This is within our power and control. We mustn’t cede our power to despair.

We have hope. If you are like us, you believe that each one of us, individually and together, can make a positive difference in the world. You are right. It won’t be easy. And it may not even be us who gets to celebrate success. That is not the promise. The promise is that we get to be part of a long and beautiful chain extending backwards and forwards of people who believe in the possibility of a better world and commit ourselves to the work of making it a reality. May that be enough today.

We have purpose. Our work advancing racial justice just got more difficult, to be sure. But it also became more critical. We are very likely to be confronted with greater challenges and opposition moving forward. But, it is a gift to be able to do work that matters in the moments when it is most needed. When you are ready, that gift will be waiting for you here.

With love and solidarity,

The Maine Initiatives Management Team
Shima Kabirigi, Julian Rowand, and Phil Walsh

The election season has not only laid bare the divisions among us but has also demonstrated that everyone wants to be heard, to be seen, and to be recognized as a valuable member of society.  At the Onion Foundation, we value inclusion and diversity and encourage a broad range of ideas, perspectives, and knowledge systems to foster a sense of belonging. We are proud to support arts and environment organizations that put a premium on working directly with community members throughout the state of Maine.

As we undertake our work in Maine to protect the environment and build a robust arts sector, we pledge to leverage our resources to reduce systemic inequities so all Maine people can fully access and benefit from these resources.  We invite other funders and nonprofits to join our efforts to make all parts of our large, rural state welcoming, nurturing, healthy, and just.

Find out more about the Onion Foundation at www.onionfoundation.org.