Giving Compass Take:

• Vu Le highlights the progress that America has already made toward a healthy democracy and shows that community organizing is still one of the most important things we can do to fight for social justice issues. 

• How can you support ongoing social justice movements? Who is already effectively funding this space in your area? 

• Read about ways for donors to support democracy. 

If you’ve been feeling despondent like there’s no hope or light left and democracy is dying a fast death and there’s nothing we can do about it, you’re not alone.

I know it has been tough on many of us. With pervasive fear and exhaustion, it gets harder to see what is good about the world. But injustice depends on our forgetting that good exists.  Despite our anger, fear, and sadness, let’s remind ourselves of a few hopeful things, all of which nonprofits have played a significant role in:

  1. The world continues to make significant progress: The news make it seem like it’s all bad, all the time, when there is actually tremendous progress across the globe.
  2. There are always more people fighting on the right side of history: Across the U.S. last week, hundreds of rallies were held, organized in a matter of days. The community of those who align on the side of inclusion and justice is vastly bigger than the opposing side, and it’s growing, despite the perception otherwise.
  3. More women and people of color are running for office than ever: The anger at injustice has driven many people to be active politically and in others ways. Women and people of color are running for public office in record numbers.
  4. “Alt-right” white supremacist groups are dying.
  5.  Younger generations are more progressive than previous generations: According to this report, “Young Americans under 30 are much more progressive than any generation since the early 1960s.”
  6. Society is becoming more diverse and inclusive: Demographics are shifting. Many people see this as a good thing, a diverse, inclusive community.
  7. Most importantly: When we organize, we win: Throughout history, in every country, it has always been people who mobilize, who protest, who rise up and demand justice that it is achieved.

Read the full article about ways to be hopeful about democracy by Vu Le at Nonprofit AF.