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.

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)

Together Beyond November: Post-Election Dialogue Centering the Election, COVID, Injustice & Radical Self-Care

November 4 - 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Counseling Center 

Let’s Meditate @ UMBC

November 4 - noon to 12:30 p.m.

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.