Dear USF Community,
The hope and determination to strengthen our democracy were vividly demonstrated yesterday as millions of Americans exercised their fundamental right to vote. From coast to coast, voters made their voices heard, affirming the principle that our elected leaders should reflect the values and the priorities of the people they serve. Notably, we saw young voters participate in record numbers, whether voting in person, mailing ballots, or empowering others to engage in this critical election.
We owe immense gratitude to the essential workers of democracy –– postal workers, local election officials, and the hundreds of thousands who served as poll workers. In the face of challenges, these dedicated individuals ensured that voting was safe, accessible, and secure for all.
The peaceful transfer of power, a hallmark of American democracy, is fundamental to our nation’s stability. Even in moments of tension or uncertainty, we are committed to this principle. As always, peaceful protest and civic engagement are vital to a healthy, diverse democracy, and we encourage constructive dialogue and action.
Election cycles can be opportunities to deepen community engagement, sharpen narratives, and clarify organizational and movement values. As we find ourselves in a moment of heightened tensions at the national level, it’s increasingly important to work proactively to prevent political and election-related violence.
How can we prepare ourselves as individuals and as an institution to play the right roles, respond quickly to unfolding events, and strengthen our connections and partnerships? As a community, it’s important to give ourselves time and space to heal, process, and converse. This election impacts us all differently, and whether that is individually, in one-on-ones, in small groups, or in collective spaces, we want to hold space to have difficult, sensitive, and necessary conversations.
Across the university, staff, faculty, administrators, and students have organized spaces for dialogue and election support resources:
- The Leo T. McCarthy Center will host a post-election processing space in partnership with other campus offices Thursday, Nov. 7, from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. in Lone Mountain 100
- Access a calendar of post-election dialogue spaces and resources for support across the university
- Explore the USFVotes Post-Election Toolkit with messaging guides to prepare for post-election discussions
- Join the Cultural Centers for various post-election processing and programming for identity-specific constituencies
- Refer to the CAPS Election Self-Care Kit or schedule a CAPS individual consultation
- Post-Election Spiritual Care Check-Ins with University Ministry
- Inform yourself using resources from Gleeson Library to spot misinformation and fake news and learn how to have productive civil discourse on contentious topics
- If you plan to organize and/or demonstrate refer to the Department of Public Safety's Free Expression and Demonstration Tips to stay safe
- Find post-election support for faculty and staff through Concern EAP
As a university, we assert our desire for elected leadership that is humanizing, compassionate, and inclusive. We value critical thinking, challenging conversations, and active work to build and support the community while analyzing how the distribution of power impacts both individuals and systems. In the coming days and weeks, we encourage everyone to set aside time for hope and healing and to continue the work of advancing justice.
Onward,
USFVotes Campus Team
Leo T. McCarthy Center