October 31, 2018

Taking Care and Action in Troubled Times

Violent current events can easily lead to feelings of powerlessness and despair. Divisive political and social rhetoric can further these feelings. But there are ways to take care and action.

On Monday night, over 100 members of the Lewis & Clark community came together in a candlelight vigil in honor of the 11 people killed in the hate crime at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. We also mourned the many others who have been the victims of recent hate crimes, and expressed solidarity with people throughout the world who suffer from oppression, forced migration, hunger, and violence.  

Violent current events can easily lead to feelings of powerlessness and despair. Divisive political and social rhetoric can further these feelings. But there are ways to take care and action.

We have a voice in our democracy, and the November 6 general election is less than a week away. If you haven’t already done so, I urge you to vote. If you’re registered in Oregon, you can learn more here about candidates and measures on your ballot: sos.oregon.gov/voting/Pages/student-voters.aspx.

I also want to remind you that there are resources available for you to process your thoughts and feelings.

Employees: Please see the options available with our Employee Assistance Program.

Students: Please see the options with the Counseling Service, Health Service, Case Management, and Health Promotion and Wellness,

Other confidential resources for everyone on campus include the Ombuds Office and the Office of Spiritual Life.

Self-care is a necessity for everyone. But in addition to individual self-care, the actions we take every day to build and maintain our community–here on campus, in our city and state, nationally and internationally, heal us and empower us. I wish you the best for the remainder of the fall semester.

Sincerely,

Wim Wiewel

President