The Lightmaking Edition
McPherson Strategies
McPherson Strategies develops, amplifies and communicates corporate social impact and philanthropic initiatives.
Dear all -?
As someone who lost her mom to a terrifying tragedy many years ago, my heart especially breaks for the families who are now facing untold sadness in the months and years to come, as well as the 67 who perished. The plane crash over the Potomac in the skies above Washington, D.C. this week shattered a nation, and I send my love to those suffering.
If you wish to support these families, GoFund Me just set up a hub of verified fundraisers for direct contributions.
On a brighter note, I had a new knee installed last week and was well-taken care of by the fabulous medical teams at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Sharing gratitude for their capable staff, the McPherson team and the many dear friends who have been providing so much kindness and support during my recovery.
As always, Susan
P.S.?If you haven’t done so already, please register for our webinar taking place next Friday!
Brought to you this week by VP Isabelle Jetté, who is appreciating the brisk and restorative winter air of the Hudson Valley’s mountain ranges.
Flood The Zone
In his first 12 days in office, the president has unleashed a chaotic policy blitz, using rapid executive actions consistent with a?classic authoritarian strategy to consolidate power, overwhelm the opposition, and weaken democratic institutions. As sociologist Jennifer Walter explains, “your overwhelm is the goal.” And nothing is off-limits: rolling back civil rights, pardoning Jan. 6 offenders, attacking DEI programs, restricting transgender rights, escalating immigration crackdowns, attempting to end birthright citizenship, expanding deportation raids, halting foreign aid, withdrawing from climate agreements, slashing federal oversight, and obstructing public health initiatives. By flooding the media with constant upheaval and misinformation, combined with a?public trust erosion campaign that’s been years in the making, Democrats, business and nonprofit leaders, and communicators are understandably?struggling to keep up.
Hold The Line
As the administration moves at a blistering pace, it is bound to make missteps, sowing confusion or disillusion among supporters and critics alike. We are already seeing some early evidence of this: a handful of congressional Republicans, countless police officers, and even some?rioters spoke out against the sweeping January 6 pardons. The announcement of the federal funding freeze (which thankfully has since been rescinded) went largely?unvetted before its publication. And quite disconcertingly, the U.S. Air Force erased the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) from its basic training materials, citing its adherence to an executive order restricting DEI, before ultimately reversing course amid backlash. The public isn’t immune to this, and therefore every miscalculation, stumble, and rebuke presents an opportunity to mobilize and push forward.
Fill Your Cup
With that said, let’s face it – 2024 was rough for pretty much?all of us, and we’ve barely had a chance to breathe, let alone recover, ahead of what will surely be an ultramarathon-sprint of a 2025. Lifetime activist and author Karen Walrond offers “lightmaking” as a powerful metaphor and framework for fostering what gives you joy while avoiding burnout. Find strength, camaraderie and levity in numbers (here are some?crowdsourced chuckles for you!), set boundaries and priorities, and engage with others with different perspectives, as this is the best way to find common ground. Considering the delicate state of our democracy, Leadership Now Project’s Daniella Ballou-Aares, a McPherson client, shares that engagement beats fear every time, and our leadership matters, perhaps more now than ever.
Business:
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Supporting refugees in uncertain times
For over 40 years, McPherson client Alight has walked alongside refugees and displaced communities, providing critical support from emergency relief to long-term stability. The 2,300 humanitarians on the Alight team work with more than 4 million people across 20 countries each year. But now, a freeze on U.S. foreign aid and stop work orders have threatened life-saving services Alight provides in Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Uganda, and Myanmar—where access to medical care, clean drinking water, and essential aid means the difference between life and death. While news of “humanitarian waivers” provides a glimmer of hope, the chaos and confusion surrounding the implementation of executive orders has already led to a disruption of critical services. Donations will make it possible for Alight to keep vital programs running and ensure that those who need help the most are not left behind.