Issue 6
We've made it through the first two months of 2025 and if you're anything like me, things probably feel super uncertain and a bit scary now. Those feelings are, not only, justified, but pretty normal as we navigate unprecedented times in our social and political landscape; We're also feeling them here at Liberation Nexus Lab.
With the current attacks on human-centered and inclusive initiatives, the Lab has become even more steadfast in our commitment to creating spaces of vulnerability and care, while finding continuous ways to resist the ever growing oppression of this current administration. And, we want you to know that we consider you a part of our community. In the coming weeks (and looking forward), there are many resources that we'll be sharing with our community as we all wrestle with the current realities of federal and geo-politics.
In the face of all of what we are seeing, we want to make sure that we are reminding each of you that you are not alone in this fight. Right now, things feel overwhelming and many of us are experiencing a more acute sense of attack and violence on our being. In the midst of all of this, we want to encourage each of you to lean into community and your communal relationships. That is how we can continue to provide care for the most vulnerable in our collective, and where we continue to showcase and thrive through the natural and strong bonds of our shared humanity.
The future feels really uncertain right now. We are being overwhelmed and bombarded with updates and news of policy and processes being re-written, brought to a halt, and/or being created to dehumanize us. Let this serve as a reminder to lean on those closest to you and to provide space, resources, care, and accountability as you can. The ONLY way we survive this, is if we continue to do it together.
Please take care of yourselves and one another. - EAF
Do Something About It
We at the Liberation Nexus Lab are providing space and care for us to come together and talk, share resources, strategize, and be held by community.
Every Tuesday at 7 pm EST, we host a virtual space to gather in community and continue to build and rebuild our resistance. We bring in experts to spea share mutual aid needs, learn about best practices to support various identities, and share ways and encourage folks to get plugged in and active.
More than anything, we share our experiences, accountability, and care with and for each other. There's zero expectation of continued or consistent participation; join us as much as you want and can.
You can register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/cMg59i00QJiSir6-40DHeA#/registration
*there is no charge or geographical restriction for this community. We at the Lab understand the importance of removing barriers for collectivist action in liberatory practices.
Your Liberation Lab Team
You know Emerald and Erin - here are the other team members who help keep the wheels of the Lab turning
Jackie Riley
She/her/hers
Operations Manager
Born on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Jackie moved to Boston after completing her undergraduate degree in Alabama. In Boston, Jackie entered the nonprofit industry via a year of national service with the AmeriCorps VISTA program. For that year, and many subsequent years, she focused on building capacity for fundraising teams at national education nonprofits. This work allowed her to witness and interact with the world of philanthropy and high net worth individuals and families for the first time. Those experiences opened her eyes to the deep economic inequality that exists in our world and motivated her to explore the ways in which philanthropy contributes to furthering that divide. After this awakening to her newfound professional interests, Jackie began working on a graduate credential in Data, Economics, and Design of Policy offered through the MITx MicroMasters program. She is currently pursuing that credential, conducting research and writing about philanthropy and wealth inequality, and running an independent contractor business focused on capacity building for small nonprofits and social impact businesses.
Steps for Navigating this Lost Moment
Collectively, we may have 'lost' this political moment in time. How do we start and continue to care for each other as we face the reality of this current moment in US politics?
What’s love (and ethics) got to do with it?
Last week, heart racing, I said something I have come to regret. Not because what I said was untrue, unkind, or even inherently problematic. Nope. I addressed a big ethical elephant in the room and saw mental gymnastics happening in real time.
Ready to work with us?
We are actively looking for new projects - reach out if you or someone you know is interested in working with us!
