Community resilience is a collective effort. We know many of you are already doing your part to build strong, connected, and resilient communities. This hub is designed to offer ongoing support, including the latest updates, resources, and events, to help guide you through the challenges we face. Together, we can harness our collective power to meet this moment, because democracy isn’t just something we do—it’s who we are, and who we strive to be.
In moments of instability and fear, we must respond with clarity and courage. It is our responsibility to leverage our resources, relationships, and collective power to defend democracy, ensure safety, and build a future where everyone can thrive. Through this hub, we offer guidance and resources on how to take action now, support each other, and build a resilient community that stands firm in the face of uncertainty.
A Checklist for Community Resilience
- The first and most important thing to do is to be in communication with one another. Check in with your people and keep the lines of communication open.
- Draw on lessons from the pandemic to make sure you have effective communications structures and a nimble strategy for how to make decisions together.
- Pay attention to who is coming in and out of the building when your community is gathered and be alert to suspicious packages or phone calls.
- Remember the importance of de-escalation as you take your own measures to support the safety of all the people.
- Make sure you are connected with your regional staff, other local congregations, and experienced organizers in your own neighborhood.
- Have conversations now about whose leadership and analysis you will look to for guidance. The people who will be most equipped to lead in the event of post-election chaos and conflict are those who have lived experiences of the state not being the primary source of their community’s safety.
Community Resilience Checklist Graphics
Community Resilience Checklist Graphics are available for Unitarian Universalists and others to use in congregation and community settings, as well as on social media. These are part of a collection of resources available at the Community Resilience Hub.
Additional Resources
Threats from Without, Care from Within Congregational Safety in Troubled Times
This robust training helps you anticipate and plan responses to violent threats, vandalism, doxxing, and other forms of intimidation and harassment.
Congregational Responses to Growing Fascism
The rising power of illiberal religious and political movements is threatening both religious freedom and democracy. These resources are a starting point to understanding the threat and what our theological response can be.
Building Resilience with Spiritual Grounding and Soul Care
During troubled times, we are called to be prophetic, but we need to ground ourselves to keep our balance and foster resilience.
Leadership and Readiness in Troubled Times
A changing, troubled world calls for prepared leaders. With advance preparation, you can meet moments of crisis with more confidence and less anxiety.