Fighting for What’s Right is Always Worth It
Tags: Politics, 2016 Election, Hillary Clinton, Women In Tech, Feminism

It’s been a week. Some of us are shell-shocked, some of us speechless. But, whatever your political affiliation, we write to say that we are proud of you, and we are here for you. You inspire us every.single.day with your intellect, your curiosity, your humor, your ambition — we believe you can change the world. Now, more than ever you matter.

Now more than ever, this club you are part of matters. Building the next generation of leaders, thinkers — a new club — matters. A club that reflects the diverse world we live in, a world that includes women and all minorities — and helps the majority learn how to embrace and prioritize all.

Some thoughts:

Seek to learn, to empathize — but most importantly, seek to be informed. This week, read everything you can — there are many, many layers to the outcome of this presidential election. Remember that this is not just about gender — that’s only part of the story. It’s not simply a vote for or against the candidates either. This is about how those on either side see the world and their place in it; whether they view the last eight years as a time when their lives got better, or whether they feel disenfranchised and left behind. And yes, it is also, sadly, about how we view people who are different — about whether race, religion, gender define us or are simply different facets of a proudly diverse American populace. There is much we will learn from studying voter turnout and shifting party loyalties, and we will need clear eyes, strong hearts, to effect real change going forward.

This week, read everything you can — there are many, many layers to the outcome of this presidential election. Remember that this is not just about gender — that’s only part of the story. It’s not simply a vote for or against the candidates either. This is about how those on either side see the world and their place in it; whether they view the last eight years as a time when their lives got better, or whether they feel disenfranchised and left behind. And yes, it is also, sadly, about how we view people who are different — about whether race, religion, gender define us or are simply different facets of a proudly diverse American populace. There is much we will learn from studying voter turnout and shifting party loyalties, and we will need clear eyes, strong hearts, to effect real change going forward. WATCH Hillary’s speech again, and again, and again. Hillary’s concession speech was one of the most brilliant things we’ve seen. It is a lesson in resilience, courage and grace — smarts and strength. Look up to her, learn from her. Fast forward to 17:28 to see her speech.

It is incumbent on each and every one of us to fight to build a stronger social fabric — this one was brittle long before the outcome of this election. It’s on us to protect fundamental human rights for minorities including people of color, immigrants, Muslims, people with disabilities, the LGBTQ community, and yes, women. Stand up against racism, bigotry, discrimination and misogyny every time someone at school, at work, in your personal life says something that is unjust, unfair, discriminatory — say something, debate, call them out, create dialogue. Seek to speak up against the worst behavior that this week has condoned and emboldened.

— this one was brittle long before the outcome of this election. It’s on us to protect fundamental human rights for minorities including people of color, immigrants, Muslims, people with disabilities, the LGBTQ community, and yes, women. Stand up against racism, bigotry, discrimination and misogyny every time someone at school, at work, in your personal life says something that is unjust, unfair, discriminatory — say something, debate, call them out, create dialogue. Seek to speak up against the worst behavior that this week has condoned and emboldened. You are doing good work. Keep doing it. Do more of it. Make your life’s work more than a social media profile photo, more than a hashtag, more than a brand, more than a blog post. Devote your voices, your time, your resources, to causes that matter to you, to supporting a dialogue that doesn’t tell people to “go home,” that doesn’t tell people they are just “white enough” to be acceptable, to not building walls — and to being informed, and participating in democracy between elections.

Make your life’s work more than a social media profile photo, more than a hashtag, more than a brand, more than a blog post. Devote your voices, your time, your resources, to causes that matter to you, to supporting a dialogue that doesn’t tell people to “go home,” that doesn’t tell people they are just “white enough” to be acceptable, to not building walls — and to being informed, and participating in democracy between elections. We are well on our way to shattering that glass ceiling. We did not do it this week, but there is more to come. There will be more opportunities. Those opportunities lie within you, too. The future is still female. Listen to Hillary’s words this week:

We did not do it this week, but there is more to come. There will be more opportunities. Those opportunities lie within you, too. The future is still female. Listen to Hillary’s words this week: “You are powerful, valuable and deserving of every chance and every opportunity. Never give up on achieving your dreams.”

And this: “Many of you are at the beginning of your professional, public, and political careers — you will have successes and setbacks too. This loss hurts but never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it.”

Feel free to reach out to us with thoughts, questions or just to talk. We are here.