Dear Community,
Last week I was honored to join my fellow Communities In Schools executive directors and staff for CIS Hill Days, two days of advocacy, action and solidarity in Washington D.C. It was powerful to stand with my colleagues from across the nation, all of whom had come to the Hill to share stories from their communities and the impact their work has had on the lives of the students and families they serve. I truly felt a part of the greater CIS Community in this “We The People” moment, as I stood in line waiting to share CIS of New Mexico’s stories and our impact with our elected representatives.
This was a welcome moment of much needed inspiration for me. To say that I have been feeling exhausted by the uncertainties of these challenging times would be an understatement. I am so tired, and yet I feel tireless. I find myself wanting to do something and yet wondering if- and how- I can make a difference. I have questioned whether I am enough- knowledgeable enough, articulate enough, strong enough, courageous enough. But in coming together with purpose with my CIS community, I was able to overcome much of my anxiety and exhaustion to feel hope. Sharing my love for our Santa Fe community and the children and families we serve empowered me to be brave and daring, to overcome doubts and fears, and to raise my voice to speak up for what I believe to be right, good and true in this world.
Between my meetings with Senator Heinrich’s staff and Senator Lujan’s staff, I walked the length of the National Mall, contemplating our nation and its history. Beneath the Washington Monument, tall and stoic above the Lincoln Reflecting Pool, I thought about our nation’s founders and their imperfect vision and promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I visited Martin Luther King Jr.’s Memorial and stood beneath his beacon of unwavering hope that inspires us all to become better versions of ourselves, to rise up and make the dream of true equality a reality. I visited FDR’s Memorial and thought about all the hardships he witnessed, the many troubles that he carried within his body, mind and heart, and the curious way that pain and grief transform into resilience, compelling us to live lives filled with greater purpose. These leaders were many things. They were thoughtful, stoic, singular, imperfect and courageous. But they did not make the strides they made alone, just as I do not carry my call to represent my community alone. Everywhere I turn, I am surrounded by many caring, passionate people who share and inspire the fire I hold within my heart to make change. Most of all, I am inspired by the strong, courageous and daring young people we serve. They are the reason for this work we do, and theirs are the hearts that will inherit and carry forward our dreams for this great nation.
Great challenges have always and will always come to those who serve. Uncertainty and doubt have always and will always come to those whose hearts are caring. When this happens, we must come together to push harder, stay focused, and keep fighting for what matters. I think all great leaders know this dance of despair and hope, of hardship that invigorates purpose, just as all great leaders know that true love for humanity inspires outrageous mistakes and unfathomable courage, powerful resilience and a capacity to repair and pivot to do good. Love for the CISNM Team and our community tossed my not-enoughness and introvertness aside, and got me to D.C. to navigate the halls where change makers listen and move, to speak for what I love and know is right, and to feel the power of doing. Whatever you can do, know that it is – and you are – enough.
In community,
Michelle
