We the Resilient Have Been Here Before

By Dan Egol, Executive Director, IDEAS Generation

As the gravity of Donald Trump’s re-election continues to settle in, it’s natural for those of us dedicated to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Social Justice (IDEAS) to feel a rising tide of concern. We know that progress toward more inclusive, equitable, and just organizations and communities has been hard-fought and meaningful. We’ve celebrated landmark policy changes, pushed our institutions to expand access and opportunities to those who have been systemically discriminated against, and fostered spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued. The notion of that progress stalling, or even regressing, is both sobering and painful.

But here’s the thing: we’ve been here before. And so have our ancestors. In these trying moments, I find myself drawing inspiration from Ernesto Yerena Montejano’s iconic stenciled image featuring Lakota elder Helen “Granny” Redfeather, a protestor fighting against the Dakota Access Pipeline.

(alt text: A native Lakota elder wearing a read shirt and a black headband with her right arm raised in a fist below the rest “we the resilience have been here before") 

Every push for social change has faced resistance. For every step forward in civil rights, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and disability justice, there have been obstacles and setbacks. We carry forward the legacy of leaders who met every blow not with resignation, but with resilience. Those who showed us that change requires more than just action; it demands fortitude and the willingness to adapt. Now is the time to draw on that resilience and continue our work with conviction. As my mentor Dr. Johnnetta Cole often reminds me, ‘we must no linger in despair.’ 

Resilience, in this context, isn’t about ignoring the fear or disappointment that may arise in these times. It’s about understanding that such moments have always been part of the work. As Dr. Martin Luther King so poignantly reminds us, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Trump’s re-election and all that it symbolizes isn’t a sign to retreat but a call to regroup, to deepen our connections with one another, and to double down on our values. 

At IDEAS Generation, our commitment to building and nurturing a powerful network of next-generation leaders and communities focused on IDEAS is more critical than ever. If Trump’s re-election signals anything, it’s that our work is far from finished. Now is the time to lean into innovation, find new ways to mobilize, and build bridges across divides (including and especially across political differences). When framed intentionally and applied generously, the IDEAS values we champion help people to turn towards not on one another. 

So how do we stay resilient in this moment so that we can carry forth this critical work? First, we need to prioritize self-care. Working for equity and justice is a marathon, not a sprint; resilience requires us to show up not just today but, in the days and years ahead. Investing in our mental health, fostering relationships with those who understand our journey, and finding moments of joy and connection are essential to sustain ourselves. We can’t be there for others unless we are there for ourselves.

Second, let’s amplify and re-engage those around us. Individually, each of us is a voice, but together we become a movement. The IDEAS community was founded to be a connective tissue, creating spaces where change agents across geographies, sectors, and identities can share, collaborate, and lift one another up. In this moment, lean on those connections. Seek out the perspectives of your peers and the wisdom of those who have navigated this work before us. There is power in our numbers, and by standing together, we make it harder to ignore our voices and our impact.

Lastly, let’s recommit to our “why.” We didn’t come to this work because it was easy. We came to the multifaceted work of fashioning a world built on IDEAS values because we believe in a future where every individual has access to opportunity, respect, and dignity. This moment is a reminder of how important that future is and how urgently we must fight for it.

So, take heart, IDEAS leaders. We the resilient have been here before, and together, we will continue to push forward, undeterred and more united than ever.