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
Do you or your family need a Thanksgiving meal? Sign up for a free holiday meal bag using the link. Sign up will go until Monday, November 16th. Your order will be filled between 11/23 and 11/25 and will be available for pickup at the Campus Police Station. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you cannot pick up your Thanksgiving Bag for any reason, please email retrieveressentials@umbc.edu.
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
Experiencing joy has been linked to reducing stress and pain. Do one or two positive things that bring 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)
November 4 - 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Counseling Center
November 4 - noon to 12:30 p.m.
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.
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.______________________________________________________
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
