Countdown to Election Day: Gathering tools for grounding and community

Dear UUCC, 

Next week, ballots cast across this nation will reveal the political context in which we’ll live our shared values in the coming years. Today, we each carry unique combinations of the burdens of fear, yearning, weariness, grief, hope, confusion. We ache to see a future in which all can flourish and thrive with inherent dignity and worthiness, and we wonder if we’ve done enough to secure it. Despite the uncertainty ahead, we find comfort in knowing we do not face the immense unknown alone.  

We do not plan to gather as a congregational community on Election Day, because many of you will be working at the polls, championing equity and ensuring that our local elections—a vital practice in service of democracy—run smoothly. The UUCC office will be closed on Tuesday, November 5 so that our staff can do the same. 

When we wake on November 6, we may not have answers. But please know that your UUCC staff is paying attention, remaining nimble and ready to respond to this community’s needs. We recognize the need to hold space—physically, spiritually—to honor the myriad of emotions we’ll feel in the aftermath of next week’s critical election, regardless of outcome. 

In the meantime, stay hydrated and rested as best you can, revisit your own spiritual practices, and connect with your support system. Here at UUCC, Sara Davidson and Rev. Lisa will share daily grounding practices via email with you in the coming days. Leaders from Side with Love and the UUA have scheduled three virtual gatherings for spiritual grounding post-election (learn more and register here). Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice (UUSJ) is hosting a voter mobilization debrief and a Democracy Leaders’ Gathering. We hope these practices and gatherings will nurture your spirits and remind you that you are not alone in the days to come.  

Yours in community,