Letter from the Editor: Choosing connection after the election

It’s been three weeks since the election, and I’ve been feeling something in the air—and no, it’s not just November’s chill that has seemingly settled in for a gray winter. Some of the conversations I’ve been hearing are heavy with grief, worry and concern. In some cases, there’s a sense of relief or excitement. But beneath the heaviness that comes with unknowns or conflict, there’s an undercurrent of something else: community organizing, togetherness in a time of division, a renewed hyperlocal focus and a shared desire to learn more, care more and show up in ways we might have been neglecting as we’ve focused on “bigger” issues.

Even though all I wanted to do after a long election season was unplug, I scrolled through social media the next day. And to my happy surprise, between posts about the presidential election, I noticed a growing chorus calling for community aid, community building, community issues – community. There were people who I only knew peripherally, inviting their local followers to join them for a shared meal. Local shops posted that their stores were open for anyone looking for a place to escape the loneliness – no purchase necessary. Some shared posts spreading local mutual aid resources, while others posted calls to start organizing for more community aid. 

Despite the discomfort of impending change, Grand Rapidians told each other, “Don’t be discouraged – I’m here.”

In big and small ways, people are prioritizing local issues and recognizing the importance of getting involved right where they live. For me, staying focused on local matters during this election season has kept me calm during a time that typically feels anything but. It’s grounded me in what’s real—because I see it, I feel it, and I talk about it with my friends and neighbors every day.

Focusing on the hyperlocal has also opened my eyes to bright spots in local, nonpartisan races that better reflect our community. Our incoming City Commission will welcome the first openly LGBTQ+ and first Gen-Z commissioner and the first female commissioner to represent the First Ward. These are not just victories for individual candidates, but they represent a shift towards inclusivity and representation that we all know our community thrives on. 

This moment is about Grand Rapids; about what we choose to do next. It’s about how we engage with the issues that shape our daily lives and work together to create a community we all want to be a part of. 

At The Rapidian, that’s what drives us: uplifting the voices of our community, empowering neighbors to tell the stories they know matter most and focusing on what’s happening right here, where we live. There is so much going on in Grand Rapids that will both rattle you and motivate you, but without your ear to the ground, you might miss it. 

Let’s not underestimate the power of showing up, whether it’s at the next City Commission meeting, volunteering for a local cause or even sharing a cup of coffee with a neighbor to check in on each other. 

Regardless of how you feel post-election, you’ve got a home at The Rapidian, if that’s the route to local you choose to take. If you take another path, loop me in – I’d love to support where I can. 

Grateful to be in community and in this moment of uncomfortable change with you,

Allison R. Donahue
Program Manager, The Rapidian