BRATTLEBORO — This is frankly not the column we anticipated writing, or ever needing to write.
Like other nonprofits, the Women's Freedom Center is nonpartisan, so we focus year-round on the impact of all social trends on women's rights, survivor's lives, and the issues of domestic and sexual violence.
That focus transcends elections and party politics; it has for 42 years. It raises more essential questions about our culture and shared humanity.
Yet as recent news bears out, the anxiety and scope of concerns voiced by social-justice organizations is unprecedented in our country.
Whatever our political disagreements might be, degrading others cannot become the new normal. It causes lasting harm to all, and is always felt most by those already oppressed or stigmatized.
With such uncharted territory ahead, like many progressive groups and crisis centers, we too are sending up a flare. Because after decades of slow but steady victories, the work to end sexism, end rape culture, and end violence cannot itself end in divisive politics.
Our cause is simply too big to fail or even go dormant, but this is a code red: as a people, we're being tested like never before.
And this calls for solidarity like never before: informed, undaunted, and out-loud solidarity.
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The good news is, for many causes nationwide, solidarity is going viral this month, in donations of cash, time, talent - you name it.
For instance: the director of the American Civil Liberties Union, which defends individual rights, reports in recent weeks getting “the greatest outpouring of support” in its nearly-100-year history, “greater than after 9/11.”
Other massive help to social justice groups was sparked, seriously enough, by HBO comedian John Oliver, who delivered a peaceful call to arms by urging viewers to support the very causes that might be under threat in coming months.
So let's remember that progress might not be linear, but it has left a lasting mark - on our conscience and on our country.
And there are many inspired ways to keep on voting in a way: by reaching, or resisting, as events unfold.
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Closer to home, the Women's Freedom Center continues to aim high. Last year alone, we responded to more than 1,650 hotline calls.
And because our shelter met less than half the need, after years of planning we're expanding next year to double our capacity plus offer longer-term options of safe housing to survivors of violence.
We've just purchased a new building, we're hiring staff, and we're recruiting more board members, too. Some candidates specifically mentioned the social climate as prompting them to apply, to which we say, “Great!” and “Thanks!”
To everyone else who'd like to help in some way: we're still raising funds to finish our new shelter, and next year we're expanding volunteer options - not for direct crisis work, but to offer other support or to join in planning some community activism in the future.
So stay tuned for details, and as always, you can follow us on Facebook.
For over four decades now, the Women's Freedom Center never could, and never has, done this work alone. Dear allies, we thank you.