Thoughts on Post-Election Safety
by Jasmine Lee, Ph.D.
Director of Inclusive Excellence and Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Division of Student Affairs
I woke up this morning thinking about the election and thinking about safety. The “Election” took place on Tuesday evening, but it took us days to determine the final outcome. So many of us were anxiously checking the count and religiously reviewing credible sources, as we worked to get our heads wrapped around what our “tomorrow” would look like.
I am positive that we have all likely been anxious to some degree leading up to this year’s Presidential election. No matter what political leaning we each may have, which candidate we support, or which issues are important to us, the road to this year’s presidential election has been long and trying. Not just the election, but all that we’ve lived through in 2020 – uprisings in response to historical and present day racial injustice, natural disasters impacted by changes to our climate, and a global pandemic – has brought all of us to this same exact moment. What I also know is that the outcome of this election will impact each of us differently, and some of us disproportionately. Some of us are considering the outcome as connected to our political ideology, community values, and thoughts on government involvement, while others are thinking about the outcome as connected to our daily ability to safely live whole, full, and free lives. More than just the outcome of the final vote count, many of us are thinking about safety in the days ahead.
At UMBC we value our diverse community and diverse perspectives. We also know that because we are a global community, guaranteeing safety for all can be challenging, unless we all commit to supporting one another. Acknowledging the inability to guarantee safety should not be a cause for concern, but an acknowledgement that we each experience the world differently, and that we should think proactively about engaging in self- and community-care. Safety as I’m talking about it here falls into three different categories:
- Psychological safety is being able to show and employ one's self without fear of negative consequences to self-image, status or career. It can be defined as a shared belief that the community is safe for interpersonal risk taking. If you have not already done so, begin thinking about your psychological safety. Develop a list of people in your work space, home, friend, or allied community, you talk to when you’re feeling nervous about sharing your opinions or thoughts at work, at your internship, or in your organization meeting. I absolutely encourage dialogue and discourse across difference, but NOT when it places you in psychological harm. Saying no, or choosing not to engage in dialogue is an act of radical self-care.
- Emotional safety refers to an emotional state achieved in communal relationships wherein each individual is open and vulnerable, and feels free to be so. Over the next few weeks, you or folks in your community may experience a number of reactions. Emotional reactions are normal and expected. On many occasions emotional aftershocks or stress reactions appear immediately and some may appear in a few hours or several days/weeks after. If and when this happens, I encourage you to reach out to talk to someone. It may be helpful to talk to someone who is not experiencing the same feelings as you. Our Counseling Center staff are here to help. In addition to talking to someone, consider making plans to surround yourself with affirming peers, to listen to music or talks that nourish your soul, or to simply press pause on media outlets when you feel overwhelmed.
- Physical safety is the absence of harm or injury that can be experienced by any person from a physical object or practices that include a physical object. Physical safety is also about protecting yourself and others. Between now and the inauguration, there could be any number of celebrations, demonstrations, uprisings, protests, or counter-protests for different reasons. I encourage all UMBC community members to participate in activism and civic engagement in any way that best fits your needs. Planning around safety should include following COVID-19 protocols, having emergency contact numbers readily available, and sharing your safety plan with loved ones in advance. If you plan to engage in protests or demonstrations, here are some tips you may want to keep in mind:
- Be aware of the behavior of those around you and report suspicious behavior.
- Monitor traffic reports, weather reports, and emergency notifications.
- Dress for the weather and your comfort and consider wearing layers of clothing.
- Let someone who is not going with your group know your plan.
- Stay with your group. Have a predetermined plan on where to meet if you get separated.
- Stay hydrated and bring snacks/food with you as many businesses may close.
- Have a secondary communication plan in case cell phone signals are limited.
- More things to consider safety in protesting.
As you are thinking about your own plan for safety in the days ahead, consider some of the recommendations provided by the Women’s Center and University Health Services. Would you like help developing a safety plan? Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion & Belonging (i3b) is here to help (i3b@umbc.edu)!
No matter what, know that you are not alone. We are not all in the same boat … but we are certainly all weathering the same storm. What makes UMBC unique is our ability to keep our shared values and connected relationships at the center of all that we do - even weathering a challenging 2020 Presidential Election. As a UMBC student, faculty, staff member, or alum, you can find support from our community. There are a number of ways to engage in listening and dialogue with one another in the coming weeks ahead. As you weigh your capacity to engage with our community, your own family/friends, or even strangers from the internet, always make sure your safety (psychological, emotional, and/or physical) is your top priority. In the days ahead, commit to spending some time to think about how you will engage in self-care, community-care, and safety planning.
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by Jasmine Lee, Ph.D. Director of Inclusive Excellence and Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, and Belonging Division of Student Affairs I woke up this morning thinking about the election...
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Tips for Difficult Classroom Discussions about Politics
by Laura S. Hussey, Ph.D.
Director, Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program
Associate Professor, Department of Political Science
Some nervousness about discussing the election in class is understandable. But chances are that if you are a UMBC professor (because this is how we are!) you have already developed healthy relationships with your students that have shown them that you care for them and respect them as people, and you have established a classroom culture that encourages others to do the same. If this is the case, you are already a good part of the way to having a productive discussion on a difficult topic.
Getting Started
Spend some time as you prepare for the discussion thinking about the range of perspectives that you know (or might imagine) to be represented by the students in your class.
Challenge yourself to try to view the election as they might view it.
What are they likely to see as most at stake for themselves and the important people in their lives?
What are the aspects of their identities and life stories that might have contributed to their political preference?
What emotions are they likely to be experiencing?
What is the experience of discussing the election in your classroom likely to feel like for them?
Spend extra time in this empathy exercise on students whose identities or political views are most distant from your own.
Keep in mind that our political institutions are designed in a way that virtually forces people to choose between just two viable candidate options, but, based on public opinion data, most people:
Are more complex in their motivations than popular caricatures of liberals and conservatives might have us believe.
Have views that are less extreme than those of political elites and social media activists.
Have policy and other views that don’t line up perfectly with those of the Democratic or Republican candidate.
Creating a Productive Discussion Space
Set (tentative) goals for the discussion.
Think about your own goals for your class, as well as what your students might be seeking from the discussion.
Consider either before or early in the discussion asking the students what they would like to accomplish there.
Collaborate with the students to write and agree on ground rules for the discussion. If you did this already at the start of the semester, bring a copy of the rules to refresh everyone’s memory.
In my experience, students do an excellent job of proposing their own ground rules. But if you are looking for some concrete ideas to come in with, consider ones like these.
You may wish to give everyone space for emotional expression, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but I also recommend coming prepared with a more analytical learning objective related to the subject matter of your course.
Some students seem to be more comfortable speaking up in discussions of this nature, and some might be feeling emotionally overloaded from the election while still intellectually curious.
An analytical topic could serve a useful cooling-off purpose, if needed, and might also provide a way of modeling how people can discuss political matters productively in spite of their personal differences.
For example, in the first session of my class on the public policy-making process that I taught after the 2016 election, an analytical question I brought with me was one that solicited students’ predictions about how public policy would change (or not) as a result of Donald Trump’s election.
It was a rich discussion because of what we had already covered over the semester about the large variety of factors that can facilitate or, perhaps more likely, frustrate policy change.
Consider taking your students’ emotional pulse at the start of a discussion, to see how they are feeling about the prospect of the discussion and/or about the election itself.
I like to anonymize this as best as I can.
For a few years now I have been using the polling tool, PollEverywhere, which can be used for instant polling from students’ smartphones or computers via text or web browser. Keep in mind that the free version of it limits you to 25 responses per question.
I take emotional pulses with a word cloud question; the resulting picture of emotional words—sometimes with a few nonsense words thrown in—often makes for an interesting conversation starter.
Don’t be afraid to, quoting my friends at UMBC’s Center for Democracy and Civic Life, “show up as a human being” by speaking frankly about your own anxieties, hopes, or other emotions in relation to the discussion. I find this freeing.
It’s also a good idea to be transparent with your students about the values or teaching philosophy that you are bringing into the discussion. If this is something you already do at the start of a semester, which is my approach, a reminder of the most important and relevant ones might be reassuring.
Ensuring Productive, Respectful Civic Discourse
My own view, though I acknowledge those who respectfully disagree, is that judgment of a position should not be conflated with judgment of a person.
While I rarely find this to be a problem, I stay ready as a discussion proceeds to redirect the framing should criticism start to get personal.
“Why might somebody believe that?” is a question I sometimes find useful.
This strategy reflects my great hopefulness about the power of positive personal relationships and a seek-to-understand approach to be conduits for long-term social change as well as short-term harmony, but again, I acknowledge those who respectfully disagree.
Various generic guidelines for healthy communication also apply to difficult classroom discussions.
These include demonstrating with your eye contact, vocal tone, facial expression, and other body language that you are authentically interested in and listening to what another has to say, and being attuned to the signals others are sending through such means.
Sometimes if I am not sure that I understand the point someone is trying to make, I will put it into my own words and ask the person to correct me if I am wrong before I proceed to respond or to invite others to respond.
In practice, I have found that discussions about politics in my classes rarely turn out to be difficult. Maybe this means I am doing something wrong. To some extent, it may reflect that my students tend to share a lot of political common ground. But I think our UMBC values are a big part of it, too, along with the desire that I think most of us have deep down to connect with and get along with each other as people.
Contact the author, Laura Hussey, at lhussey@umbc.edu.
Together Beyond November: (Re)building Community after Election 2020 is a series of inclusive post-election conversations hosted by UMBC departments and organizations. Their purpose is to help members of the UMBC community renew their connections and support each other in this challenging time. The Center for Democracy and Civic Life, Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, and Belonging (I3B), the Counseling Center, and leading campus educators in the use of restorative practices have trained student, faculty, and staff facilitators to guide these conversations, as a part of the Cast Your Whole Vote campaign.
This is an unprecedented election year in which all of us are experiencing overlapping crises, including a global pandemic. Tensions are high even as people crave the feeling of connection. Members of our UMBC community may feel isolated, uncertain, or uncomfortable sharing their honest views. These healing, empowering conversations can help us navigate the post-election period together.
See below for a list of upcoming Together Beyond November conversations that are open to any member of the UMBC community. We will update this list as new conversations are scheduled.
November 4, 12-1 p.m.: After the Election: A Community Gathering, hosted by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life
November 4, 5:30-7 p.m.: Together Beyond November: Post-Election Dialogue Centering the Election, COVID, Injustice & Radical Self-Care, hosted by Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, and Belonging
November 5, 1-2 p.m.: Together Beyond November: (Re)building Community After the 2020 Election, hosted by Political Science and Global Studies
November 5, 4-5:30 p.m.: Together Beyond November: (Re)building Community after Election 2020, hosted by the Student Government Association & Campus Life
November 6, 5-6:30 p.m.: Together Beyond November: (Re)building Community after Election 2020, hosted by the Student Government Association & Campus Life
November 9, 5:10-6:10 p.m.: A Post-Election Conversation: A Bi-Partisan Look at Moving Forward, hosted by the Adjunct Faculty Advisory Committee
November 10, 12-1 p.m.: Together Beyond November: Our Commitment to Building Community, hosted by the Graduate Student Association
November 10, 5-6 p.m.: A Post-Election Facilitated Listening Session with Dr. Kate, hosted by WILL+
November 10, 6-7:15 p.m.: Post-Election Dialogue, hosted by the Women’s Center
In addition, the following departments and organizations are hosting Together Beyond November gatherings for staff and members:
College of Engineering and Information Technology (hosted by the Center for Women in Technology)
Grand Challenges Scholars Program
Office of Sustainability
PLACE Project Fellows
Residential Life
(seb) Student Events Board
Sherman Scholars Program
Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program
It is safe to say that the year 2020 has been unlike any other year.
Many people have pondered the questions: Will outside officially open again? What will our new normal be? What will it take to fix our social climate? Who will be the President of the United States of America?
The outcome of this year’s election is surrounded by increased stress, anxiety, and tension across political parties. This election is also impacting all of us in ways that we may not have expected.
So one thing you shouldn’t question in these moments is caring for yourself.
There will be an outcome of the election. It could end with the candidate that you were hoping for named as the next President. It could end with the candidate that you were not in favor of being declared the winner.
No matter the outcome of the election, decide now to take care of you.
What does taking care of you look like after Election Day:
Develop a safety plan in advance
Consider who your emergency contacts are. Contact in advance the people you want to check and who you want to check on you, let them know you are counting on them. Write out the necessary phone numbers and have them handy.
In the event that you do not feel comfortable leaving your home, ensure that you already have food, water, prescriptions, and other household items readily available.
If you plan to protest or participate in any community demonstrations, be sure to consider COVID protocols (i.e. masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, etc.).
Take a break from the news cycle
As a result of technology, we are constantly encountering news and imagery, which can cause us to feel increased amounts of stress and anxiety. Consider turning off your news alerts and social media notifications to give yourself a break.
Allow yourself to feel
No matter the outcome, you may have an emotional experience. It is okay.Acknowledge your feelings. Consider processing your feelings through journaling, art, or other creative means.
Safely connect with friends and family
COVID-19 is still a part of our global community so find ways to safely connect with friends and family. Consider using a virtual space. Try not to isolate, especially if you are having a strong emotional response to the outcome. Connecting safely also includes connecting emotionally. Connect with others who will allow you to safely express and process your emotions.
Do something that brings you joy
Offer a listening ear to others
You and some of your friends and family may have differing political opinions. So being understanding of your family and friend’s emotions related to the outcome of the election reminds us that we are all human, despite our political affiliation, and we all deserve care.
Getting support from a counselor or professional
If you are in regular care, you may consider discussing your reaction to the election outcome with your therapist. If you are interested in speaking to a counselor, please call the Counseling Center at 410-455-2472 to schedule an appointment.
We all have the ability to give and receive care.
Consider attending one of the following events after the election:
Center for Democracy and Civic Life
After the Election: A Community Gathering (RSVP required)
November 4 - noon to 1 p.m.
Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, and Belonging (i3b)
Together Beyond November: Post-Election Dialogue Centering the Election, COVID, Injustice & Radical Self-Care
November 4 - 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Counseling Center
Let’s Meditate @ UMBC
November 4 - noon to 12:30 p.m.
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It is safe to say that the year 2020 has been unlike any other year. Many people have pondered the questions: Will outside officially open again? What will our new normal be? What will it take...
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Election 2020: In Community
Dear Members of the UMBC Community,
On this Election Day, we see the importance of using our voices and taking action toward a safer and more just America. The vast majority of Americans agree that voting is one of our most important civic responsibilities. Participating in elections can unite rather than divide us.
During these extraordinarily challenging times, we are inspired by members of our UMBC community, including some ineligible to vote themselves, who have worked on behalf of candidates and causes and promoted civic engagement through the Center for Democracy and Civic Life and their own organizations and networks. It is heartening to see people who are passionate about the direction of our nation and communities encouraging everyone, including those with whom they disagree, to “cast [their] whole vote.” On behalf of the Center staff, we want to thank all of the individuals, departments, and campus organizations collaborating with us on Election 2020 events and programs.
If you are voting today, this message from the Governor of Maryland notes options for in-person voting at one of the voting centers that are open across the state. Detailed information about voting is available at elections.maryland.gov/2020.
This unusually divisive election season coincides with a pandemic, economic uncertainty, new reminders of the prevalence and legacies of institutional racism, and violence and unrest around the world. The consequences of the election outcomes will affect each of us differently, in part because we are not equally vulnerable to the repercussions of public officials’ decisions and actions. These differences can weigh heavily on us and easily pull us apart.
We know we may face more challenges in the days ahead as the process of determining the election’s outcome is likely to extend beyond Election Night. It is important that every vote be counted. It is also more important than ever that all of us care for ourselves and one another, engage in civil dialogue, practice the art of listening, and—even with our differences—find ways to weather this time together. We are an inclusive community of inquiring minds, and we will continue to be a community after the election.
In that spirit, we hope students, faculty, staff, and alumni will join us for the following events:
- Tonight, 7 p.m. – midnight: Election Night Extravaganza, a UMBC tradition that brings together members of our community to watch and discuss election results in real time. RSVP here.
- November 4, noon – 1 p.m.: After the Election: A Community Gathering, to reflect on the challenging months leading up to the 2020 election, discuss the status of the election results, and envision the road ahead. RSVP here.
In addition, a number of UMBC departments and organizations will host Together Beyond November events in the coming days. These will be small group conversations facilitated by UMBC community members to support participants in renewing connections, reflecting on the election and its aftermath, and helping each other through challenging times. Keep an eye out for details and invitations.
David Hoffman, Director, Center for Democracy and Civic Life
Romy Hübler, Assistant Director, Center for Democracy and Civic Life
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Dear Members of the UMBC Community, On this Election Day, we see the importance of using our voices and taking action toward a safer and more just America. The vast majority of Americans agree...
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How the Election Outcomes will Shape Thinking about Aging
Special Erickson School Program - November 4th, Noon - 1pm
Join UMBC's
Erickson School of Aging Studies as Bob Blancato, national aging policy expert, explores how the outcome of the Presidential Election will shape the future and our thinking of aging. A question to be addressed, how do we reframe our perception and act upon who is old or older in society? While policies designed to address the invisibility of age are associated with age discrimination, our post-election era gives us an opportunity to explore how future policy could extend to health, wellness, and the pursuit of a life well lived.
Read more about the program and register
here.
Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is a five-day virtual immersive learning experience in which participants explore the systemic and human dimensions of complex social issues in Baltimore. Participants build connections with local leaders, organizations, and policy makers and develop a sophisticated understanding of available resources and challenges. The program helps participants identify pathways to long-term community engagement.
ASB 2021 group topics will focus on:
- Transformative Justice and Decarceration (led by Wendy Zhang and Rehman Liaqat)
- Food Justice (led by Mokeira Nyakoe and Faith Davis)
ASB 2021 will take place from March 15-19, 2021. You can find more information, including in-depth topic descriptions, on the application form: here. The application is due November 23, 2020 by 11:59 p.m.
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Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is a five-day virtual immersive learning experience in which participants explore the systemic and human dimensions of complex social issues in Baltimore....
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Mon, 02 Nov 2020 17:00:39 -0500
Wed, 18 Nov 2020 09:34:43 -0500
STRiVE 2021 Applications due SUNDAY 11/15 at 11:59 PM
UMBC’s student leadership for social impact retreat
UMBC’s annual STRiVE retreat has inspired hundreds of undergraduate students in the past 12 years. Now it's your turn. Spend five days building community and developing skills while exploring leadership for social impact. You will emerge with greater clarity and confidence about the contributions you want to make.
This year’s STRiVE retreat will take place virtually from January 11-15, 2021. STRiVE participants develop friendships; discover their strengths and values, learn how to work more effectively in groups; envision contributions they could make at UMBC; engage issues relating to identity, privilege, and systemic oppression; and tackle both simulated and real leadership and social change challenges. Past STRiVE participants have gotten deeply involved in campus organizations and initiatives, and have made phenomenal contributions. More than 700 students have completed the program and have given it outstanding reviews.
To apply for a spot in STRiVE 2021, complete this form by Sunday, November 15, 2020.
UMBC’s Center for Democracy and Civic Life hosts STRiVE in partnership with the Student Government Association, with support from PNC Bank. More information on this program is available below.
“It has been an experience of enlightenment. I’ve been on similar retreats, but they didn’t have the same impact as STRiVE. I loved every second of it, even the hard moments.”
— STRiVE 2020 participant
______________________________________________________
STRiVE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I have to be an “involved” student to attend STRiVE?
Absolutely not. STRiVE will be helpful to any student regardless of previous involvement or leadership experience. No prior experience is necessary. We are looking for a diverse group of students committed to developing their leadership skills and applying them to create positive change in the campus community. The application asks about campus involvement only to give the STRiVE planning team a sense of the different perspectives participants will bring to the retreat.
When is STRiVE?
STRiVE takes place in January during UMBC’s Winter Break. STRiVE 2021 will take place January 11-15, 2021.
Where will STRiVE take place?
STRiVE 2021 will take place virtually.
How much does it cost to participate?
UMBC covers most of the cost of each participant’s attendance. Participants pay a $25 fee that helps cover some of the cost of materials. However, we do not intend that this fee be a barrier to participation. Every participant will have the opportunity to request financial assistance.
When is the application due?
Sunday, November 15, 2020. Click here to apply.
When will accepted applicants be informed?
Applicants will receive an email in late November with additional details about participating in STRiVE.
How can I find out more information about STRiVE?
Please contact UMBC's Center for Democracy and Civic Life by sending an email to civiclife@umbc.edu.
“I’ve learned that a simple conversation can lead me to meet amazing people, and we’re a step away from building connection and a sense of belonging.”
— STRiVE 2020 participant
All Hallows’ Eve Upon Us!
Halloween is just a day away. Every Halloween, millions of people transform themselves for one night into whoever or whatever they choose. Costumes, candy, treats, and friends are a staple to an awesome Halloween celebration.
The 2020 edition of Halloween will look a bit different from years past but it can still have all the fun while playing it safe.
Here are a couple of tips and tricks to having a ghoulish 2020 Halloween!
Skip the big parties this year.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still a part of our global community. To help slow the spread of COVID-19, keep a 6-foot distance between you and others if you are choosing to attend a small gathering.
For this year, ditch the big parties and opt for a small outdoor gathering of no more than 5 people OR have the biggest virtual Halloween party that Google Hangouts can hold.
Try hosting a virtual scary Netflix movie night, a virtual pumpkin decorating contest, or a drive-by costume parade.
Dress up and decorate to get in the Halloween spirit.
Find or make a costume that really shows your creative spirit.
There are tons of costume ideas you can use. Remember that someone’s culture is not your costume.
Some of your costumes may come with a mask. However, you should still wear a face covering under your costume mask. The mask should cover your mouth and nose. That’s right, wear both!
Have a sober Halloween
Consuming alcohol or other drugs, such as marijuana, can impact your ability to practice COVID-19 prevention actions such as staying physically distant or keeping your face covering on.
Having a sober Halloween also supports your friends, family members, and fellow Retrievers who may be in recovery.
Drink responsibly
If you are of age (21 years or older) and choose to drink this Halloween, remember to:
Pace your drinking (one drink every other hour).
Have a designated driver or call a ride share service.
If you see something suspicious or creepy, make sure to call 911 or Campus Police (410-455-5555).
Check out the UMBC Events page for your 2020 Halloween one-stop-shop!
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All Hallows’ Eve Upon Us! Halloween is just a day away. Every Halloween, millions of people transform themselves for one night into whoever or whatever they choose. Costumes, candy, treats,...
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Thu, 29 Oct 2020 17:12:45 -0400
Thu, 29 Oct 2020 17:17:45 -0400
Wes Moore's "Critical Conversations" feat. Dr. Hrabowski
We Need to Vote Like Our Future Depends on It (10/29 @ 6pm)
Join Wes Moore for a Critical Conversation about the stakes of this election, the generational and historic consequences of this moment, the history behind who can vote and who has fought hard to protect this right, and the urgency and responsibility we have to vote.
The event features Dr. Freeman Hrabowski among others.
This Wes Moore Critical Conversation will take place on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 6:00pm.
Register here.
