No One is Coming to Save Us: The Role of Leaders in Times of Concern

This is not a moment for panic. Yes, we are living in a time of heightened concern, but it is also a time for clarity, focus, and intentional action. In this moment, leaders have a responsibility not to rush toward quick fixes or reactive measures but to pause, breathe, and engage deeply with the people we serve. We must recognize this time for what it truly is, a call to organize, actively listen, and build trust.

Remembering the Power of Community

No one is coming to save us. That truth is not a statement of despair, but one of empowerment. It reminds us that we are each other's medicine. The solutions to our most pressing challenges already exist within our communities, within the trust, brilliance, and energy of the people. As leaders, our role is not to impose our priorities but to uncover, amplify, and organize around the priorities of the people.

This moment demands that we re-center our work around the basic needs of the people, needs that are often the foundation of success and wellness. Food security, safe housing, equitable education, accessible healthcare, and economic opportunity are not optional; they are essential. Policies and programs will only succeed if they emerge from a deep understanding of these priorities.

When Anchor Institutions Froze, Communities Responded

This moment is not without precedent. In times of crisis, history has shown us that communities have always stepped forward to protect and serve themselves when larger institutions faltered or froze. During moments when anchor institutions, the entities we often rely on for stability and leadership, were paralyzed by uncertainty, fear, or bureaucracy, we witnessed rapid, community-led responses rise to fill the void.

This is the essence of the Radical Welcome Engagement Restoration Model (RWERM). By presuming welcome, extending compassion, and creating spaces for authenticity and belonging, communities have consistently demonstrated their ability to heal, rebuild, and lead in the face of adversity. Through RWERM, we’ve seen how welcoming environments and co-created solutions become the foundation for resilience.

Today is no different. Amid federal cease-and-desist orders, funding freezes, and programmatic delays, our communities remain resilient. Leadership in this moment is about acknowledging these realities with honesty, refusing to succumb to hysteria, and crafting solutions to overcome the obstacles before us.

Leadership is Not Panic; It’s Purpose

Leadership is not defined by panic and hysteria during a crisis. It is defined by purpose, clarity, and a steady hand. True leaders confront challenges with honesty, even when the realities are daunting. They do not sugarcoat the situation, but neither do they catastrophize it. Instead, they focus on solutions, solutions that are grounded in the lived experiences of the people and that leverage the collective power of the community.

This approach aligns with the principles of T.R.E.E. (Trauma-Informed Care, Restorative Practices, Emotional Intelligence, and Equity). Leaders who embrace T.R.E.E. cultivate environments where individuals feel seen, valued, and equipped to contribute meaningfully. By addressing trauma, fostering restorative connections, and prioritizing equity, we create spaces where both individuals and communities can thrive.

Active Listening and Trust Building

Leadership in this time is about more than strategy and decision-making. It is about actively listening, not just to words, but to stories, fears, hopes, and aspirations. It is about engaging in conversations that invite vulnerability and truth. Trust is not given; it is earned through consistent, authentic action that demonstrates alignment with the people’s needs.

As leaders, we must create spaces where community members feel seen, valued, and heard. RWERM reminds us that presuming welcome and extending genuine care are foundational to trust building. That trust becomes the groundwork for organizing, problem-solving, and collective action.

Organizing for Solutions

Organizing is not just about gathering people; it is about aligning around shared values and priorities. It is about building a collective vision of success and wellness that reflects the lived experiences of the people. This requires humility, patience, and a willingness to co-create rather than control.

Leaders must understand that the most effective solutions are rarely top-down. They are born from collaboration, from bringing people to the table and allowing their insights to shape the outcomes. RWERM and T.R.E.E. both emphasize the importance of inclusive processes, where everyone has a role in shaping the path forward. This is the time to let go of ego and embrace collective wisdom.

Moving Beyond Concern to Action

Concern without action leads to stagnation. This is a moment to prepare for policy and programmatic responses that are rooted in equity and justice. But preparation must begin with understanding. As we organize and learn from the people, we must also ensure that our actions are aligned with their realities.

Leaders must invest in long-term solutions while addressing immediate needs. This dual approach requires balancing urgency with intentionality, and it demands that we never lose sight of the humanity behind the policies we create.

Building a Culture of Care and Accountability

This is not just about what leaders can do, but how we do it. We must foster a culture of care and accountability within our organizations and communities. That means prioritizing wellness, not just for the people we serve, but for ourselves and our teams. Rest, reflection, and self-care are revolutionary acts in times of stress and uncertainty.

The T.R.E.E. model provides actionable tools to navigate this balance, ensuring that leaders maintain emotional intelligence and equity-centered practices even during challenging times.

The Path Forward

This moment is a reminder that leadership is not a title; it is a practice. It requires us to show up authentically, to engage fully, and to act boldly. It demands that we breathe, organize, listen, and build together.

No one is coming to save us, but together, we can save ourselves. We are each other's medicine. When we listen to and trust one another, we unlock the brilliance and energy needed to create lasting solutions.

Through RWERM, we understand that healing begins with welcome and belonging. Through T.R.E.E., we recognize the tools necessary to sustain that healing with equity, care, and restorative practices. Let us rise to this moment with courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the people.

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