It ain’t over til it’s over

It is November 4, a day after the presidential election, and as expected, a significant number of votes across the nation have not yet been counted. In a representative democracy, that is the fact that matters — not any candidate’s attempt at  self-coronation.

For nonprofit leaders, the still-to-be-determined outcome of the election doesn’t change the need to work for justice, access and equity.

Elicia Gonzales.

“People who call [our] Help Line have not been able to access the abortion care they need, no matter who has been in the office of the president,” said Elicia Gonzales, the executive director of the Women’s Medical Fund. “Abortion funds were born for this, and will continue working hard day in and day out to ensure that anyone can get an abortion regardless of their zip code, income, age, or stage of pregnancy.”

Bishop Dwayne Royster, the executive director of POWER Interfaith, told Generocity that members of his group are working on a clergy letter to send to Gov. Tom Wolf, as well as state representatives, letting them know that POWER Interfaith expects every vote to be counted and that democracy be protected.

Bishop Royster.

“We are preparing our people right now,” he said. “We’re training people for nonviolent direct action. We want to make a very clear statement that we believe in life, liberty, and democracy — that every vote counts.”

But organizing and activism for people’s rights was always a part of POWER Interfaith’s DNA, not just the recent election.  Bishop Royster stressed that they will continue to fight for the voices of Black, brown, low-income, and working-class families in a year-long campaign.

Vanessa Briggs.

Vanessa Briggs, the president and CEO of the Brandywine Health Foundation in Chester County, said the one outcome that is certain — even before officials stop counting the votes cast — is a powerful one.

“The record-breaking voter participation this election cycle is a clear indication that Americans are more invested than ever in having their voices heard,” she said.

“My hope,” Briggs added. “Is that many will remain engaged and choose to focus that energy on becoming advocates for local, state and national policies that prioritize health and economic equality for all.”