A Brief Post-Election Message

To each of you who participated in our nation’s election yesterday – thank you.  Regardless of who you voted for, whether it was early, by absentee, or yesterday, it was so wonderful to see the “I Voted” stickers and the amazing turnout at the polls around the country.

While votes in many races are still being tallied, billions have been spent in this election cycle, and the popular vote was very close, we now know that President Obama has been re-elected, the Democrats retained control of the Senate and the Republicans have retained control of the House.  Lots of political pundits are issuing opinions about what this says about the country and lessons learned.  NYLC has its own political pundit coming to the board meeting on Friday so I’ll defer to him on the broader implications, but I’d like to share my initial thoughts on what I see in the election results:

1)      NYLC’s focus and strong commitment to bipartisan outreach in our public policy efforts continues to be the right strategy;

2)      That young people who increased their participation in this election over 2008 show that they are raising their voices and being heard (as we advocate for);

3)      With  Maryland voting in support of the Dream Act and same-sex marriage, and Minnesota voting against defining marriage as solely between a man and woman for example, offers not only a of sense of increased tolerance in this country but also hope that we can successfully address long-standing civil rights issues; and

4)      That the groundwork NYLC has laid this past year in Congress and in several federal agencies to increase opportunities for positive youth outcomes through service-learning has a chance to move forward with this administration.   

It is not a true comparison by any stretch, but I can’t help but see an analogy between being on the campaign trail, and our own challenge of aligning vision with resources, managing day-to-day deliverables, and needing everyone to pull together for a common goal.  A decision has been made.  We know the reward is in sight and character is shaped by the challenges we overcome.  Like President Obama, I too return to the office today more determined and more inspired than ever about the work there is to do and the future that lies ahead. 

Thanks for indulging me in sharing some thoughts and for all of your confidence that we can continue on this path as we move forward.

With appreciation,

Kelita