Your Election Day Leadership Plan

Note: I sent this email to my email list last night and I’ve received so many responses over nigh that I’ve decided to share it publicly.

Hey {first_name},

It’s actually Monday night and I’ve been watching the news for the last few hours and it’s reminding me of a moment a few months back where the tensions in our communities were rising, people were taking to the streets after the murder of George Floyd and our leaders, some of you didn’t know what to do.

We may not have known each other then. Maybe you’ve found me over the last few months on your journey to learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion as it relates to your businesses. Maybe you’ve been hanging out on my list, or in my community longer. Either way, I’m happy you’re here now so that I can tell you this.

Tomorrow (and in the coming weeks), your people may need you. I get that you might not be a political science expert, you may not feel equipped to facilitate conversations for people who are experiencing hurt or harm based on whatever happens on election day.

And I’m not just talking about the outcome of the election. I’m talking about all of the hate, racism, homophobia, xenophobia, and actual violence that may just take place tomorrow.

Twitter just flagged 45’s own tweet for violence. That’s the world we’re in, and even if you don’t feel equipped, your people may need you.

I don’t want you to be unprepared. So here are a few things you can do

• Remind people to go vote: Let your communities know that you are a real person, engaged in our democracy. You might be a course creator, a life coach, a healer, or an artist. You are also a citizen. If you’re not a United States Citizen and have a global audience, let your U.S. community know that what happens in the United States matters abroad.
• Let people be their full selves in your space: If your community members come to your spaces to celebrate life and/or business wins, and they need to show up to talk about how the things happening in the world and how they have been impacted, hold space for that. Even if you don’t have answers or a way to make things better right away, just tell them that you hear them, you stand with them.
• Don’t engage in spiritual bypassing or minimizing the experiences of people expressing fear, pain, or harm. Don’t say things like “it will be ok”, or “everything happens for a reason” or tell people how they should or shouldn’t feel. I get that these statements are meant to make folks feel better but they are really dismissive. Instead say things like, “I’m sorry this happened”, “I hear you, I see you”.
• If you need help as a leader, reach out. If you’re not sure what to say, or how to show up, reach out to your community and ask them what the need. You can also reach out to us if you need laser coaching or support with figuring out how to show up and serve your communities even when your not sure what to say (or what not to say). Feel free to reply to this email and let me know if you have any questions or need some extra support.

Remember, there is a difference between political and human. You may not want to talk politics, but please hold space for the human part of the political process. The way you show up can have a major impact on someone’s life as well as your own path.​

This is next-level, equity-centered leadership, and your people need you.

In community,

Trudi ​

To find out more about me and my work follow me over on IG at www.instagram.com/trudilebron