A Graham-Force for Good

I hope this finds you enjoying great health and optimism about what this new year holds for you and our Graham community.

Today, I want to lift up the work that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and countless others took up to address inequality and the inequities in American society. It is work that continues to this day and in which Graham is deeply engaged. I want to take advantage of this opportunity to share some things with you that have been resting on my heart.

The state of current events on an international, national, and local level is disheartening. I keep hope alive by believing that these crises also present opportunities for unprecedented healing, reconciliation, and transformation. When we think of everything that is happening in the world around us – from what is happening in Gaza to the steady influx and tensions around the arrival of migrant families at the U. S. / Mexico border to NYC’s financial crisis – it can be overwhelming.

I know that I have had momentary feelings of helplessness to change or affect what is happening around me. When those feelings arise, I concede that I am powerless over what others believe and what they do, and I remind myself that I do have agency from within to make a meaningful difference in the world. I encourage myself in the knowledge that I can positively impact the sphere in which I have the influence and ability to do so. This is true of us all individually and on a collective basis. We can personally influence change and we can do it together as a “Graham-force” for good! I see this truth in operation with my own eyes quite often when I visit our centers and hear the stories of how we are making a difference. There is no doubt about it: We’ve got the power!

I want you to be sure that Graham continues to carry out and fulfill our Vision 2025 goals among which is the audacious goal to dismantle the oppressive and unjust systems that create obstacles for our young people, families, communities, and staff, impeding progress and thwarting the pursuit of a joyful, thriving life. With a year to go on our Vision 2025, we are embarking upon the co-creative, inclusive process of formulating our future strategic initiatives and crafting the next iteration of the Vision. Our successful creation of the next vision is dependent on the collective wisdom of our young people, families, communities, and governmental and philanthropic partners. I am so excited and energized about this!

Thank you for engaging with Graham in this important work, and for maintaining hope that together, we can change the unjust and inequitable systems that affect our communities and the world.

Kindest regards,

Kym