The 2024 US election outcomes may devastate the policy goals of our guaranteed income movement in Washington, DC and across the country. However, the most daunting challenges that we face are staving off despair, remaining engaged, and holding fast to our fight for a full democracy. We must continue our work for a government that is committed to justice for all. In a city with a 13% poverty rate, in a city with a deep racial wealth chasm, that means pushing hard for guaranteed income and for a broad panoply of human needs programs.
But first, and importantly, we must acknowledge these deep and abiding feelings of loss – loss of hope, loss of purpose. That recognition, I believe, is a critical step in taking care of ourselves. Claim the time that you need to process the changes to come, such as the promised “austerity” policy agenda of the incoming presidential administration. We’ll hold space for the time that it takes.
In fact, we offer today’s planning session, from 5 to 6 pm, as a space for you to process these challenges alongside us. In addition, at this meeting, we’ll invite your input on the contours of our November 14 Fourth Anniversary event, where we plan to center a conversation about the new landscape our movement faces.
Next week’s in-person Fourth Anniversary event will highlight our progress and share stories about the work to be done. RSVP here at bit.ly/DCGICFourth
Join us today at 5 pm. We welcome the reflections of your heart and soul, your disappointment, your collective fears, and concerns. We will heal best together.
Where do we find the oxygen to carry on? I draw upon the resilience of my African American ancestors, who, for centuries, endured unimaginable physical, social, and economic violence. Through enslavement and post-Civil War disenfranchisement, this democracy held no deliverance for Black Americans. Neither the next Congressional midterms nor the next presidential election would swing the pendulum in their favor. Yet, they fought and won progress, time and again. While that progress suffers periodic and at times, devastating, setbacks, they have never ceded the struggle. Their example is a model to emulate. We must never, ever, give up!
My friends, please dig deep and fight for the future for which our ancestors bled and died. Hold fast to the ideals of this democracy. I hope you’ll join me in this: our democracy, our children, and our future compel you to do so. You are invited to emote with us today at 5 pm; register here, at bit.ly/DCGICNov7Planning .
Finally, I recommend spirituals to you. They have, for centuries, fueled the resistance of African-American freedom fighters. May this collection of spirituals be a balm for your wounded soul.
In solidarity and hope,
Melody
Melody Webb
Founder and Executive Director
Mother’s Outreach Network / DC Guaranteed Income Coalition
Upcoming Guaranteed Income Events
Save the date for our upcoming events! To round out the year, we have several exciting in-person events each month.
On November 7th, hop on zoom and let’s prepare for the end-of-year gatherings, share and sign up for canvassing opportunities, and learn how you can lead Community Conversations in your neighborhood, focused upon our guaranteed income platform. All are welcome. Join us on Zoom here: https://bit.ly/
On November 14th, join us in-person for a celebration of our 4th anniversary! Food, beverages and short films will be featured, as well as remarks, reflections, and storytelling. All are welcome. RSVP here at bit.ly/DCGICFourth
On December 8th, we’ll be heading to Edgewood Farm, in-person, for a holiday potluck and the kick-off of our Community Conversation! Stay tuned for more details.
Get renewed. Join us on Thursday, Nov. 14th for our upcoming Fourth Anniversary event at the International Trade Center. Featured this year will be storytelling and short films. Renew and restore your commitment to justice over food and beverages as pilot participants share tidbits of their lived experience with guaranteed income. Don’t miss it: rsvp at bit.ly/DCGICFourth !
Coalition partners posed at the Third Anniversary Celebration, which included a panel discussion, food, and merriment.
Community Conversations will launch at Edgewood Farms. We’ll break bread around guaranteed income, as we listen and learn. The Conversations will start in December: We can’t wait to see you on December 8th!
Have you claimed your DC GI Coalition T-SHIRT?
If you have not claimed a T-shirt for your organization, please let us know here! We’ve distributed the majority of our T-shirts, but we have one free shirt per organization as well as a small gift! Please reach out to us at events@dcgicoalition.org.
Finally, to learn more about or to get involved with the DC Guaranteed Income Coalition:
