Community Work in Times of Crisis

For so many young people, national politics show up in local, everyday ways. This moment has real consequences for their lives and their communities. Still, these Carnegie Young Leaders are finding ways to care for others and stay connected. Hear what they have to say below.

Fear is constant, and people are worn down

“Many people are feeling overwhelmed and fatigued by the actions of the current administration. The lack of guaranteed safety in this political climate is what people are so afraid of.”
— The Melting Pot: Unsilencing Immigrant Voices Team, Haymarket, VA

“In my community, I’m hearing a lot of fear and anxiety right now. People are worried about what policies and enforcement actions could mean for their families and their futures.”
— Azeemah Sadiq, Team Lead, Generation Vote Alief, Alief, TX

“We’re hearing a mix of resilience and exhaustion. Many people are trying to stay hopeful and focused on day-to-day responsibilities such as work, school, family, while also carrying a lot of quiet worry.”
—The Second Pulse Team, Irvine, CA

Silence is often about safety

“Fear often shows up as hesitation or silence. While some student groups feel empowered to organize, speak out, and advocate within their schools, many others choose to stay quiet out of concern for how their words might be received or whether speaking up could have unintended consequences for themselves or their families.”
—The Second Pulse Team, Irvine, CA

“People I know who are normally outspoken advocates are being more cautious because they’re worried about being targeted or putting themselves or their families at risk. Some are pulling back from public engagement, even when they care deeply about the issues.”
— Azeemah Sadiq, Team Lead, Generation Vote Alief, Alief, TX

“At a recent event at our local speakeasy, where community members were invited to share their immigration stories, one person who had planned to speak decided not to at the last minute because they feared for their safety in sharing their story.”
— The Voces Del Rio Team, White Salmon, WA

“Fear shows up in every immigrant household, with legal citizens scared to leave the country or advocate for anything for fear of repercussion.”
— The Melting Pot: Unsilencing Immigrant Voices Team, Haymarket, VA

 Daily life continues

“Immigrant communities are deeply resilient and aren’t defined by crisis during these times. Many are dealing with constant stress, all while contributing economically and socially, working hard for the country.”
— The Melting Pot: Unsilencing Immigrant Voices Team, Haymarket, VA

“What is often described as “resilience” is frequently survival.”
—The Second Pulse Team, Irvine, CA

“Even when people are not directly affected, the emotional weight spreads across the community – in schools, places of worship, and neighborhoods. Young people, especially, are carrying stress while still trying to focus on their education and future.”
— Azeemah Sadiq, Team Lead, Generation Vote Alief, Alief, TX

There’s no single immigrant experience

“I wish more people understood that immigrant communities are not a monolith. Many families are navigating complex systems in a language that isn’t their first, balancing multiple responsibilities, and caring for loved ones both locally and across borders.”
—The Second Pulse Team, Irvine, CA

“I wish more people understood that immigrants are human beings first. They deserve dignity, respect, and basic decency regardless of immigration status.”
— Azeemah Sadiq, Generation Vote Alief, Alief, TX

“I wish more people understood just how much immigrants give to our country and communities not only through the culture, but through their presence, labor, and care.”
— The Voces Del Rio Team, White Salmon, WA

Community keeps people going

“This moment has highlighted how important local solidarity is. When the community gets together for a shared cause, it makes sure people aren’t disengaged.”
— The Melting Pot: Unsilencing Immigrant Voices Team, Haymarket, VA

“There have been protests and community gatherings where people are showing up for each other and making it clear that people are not alone.”
— Azeemah Sadiq, Team Lead, Generation Vote Alief, Alief, TX

“We have noticed tremendous strength as people come together to support and protect one another.”
— The Voces Del Rio Team, White Salmon, WA

Information, trust, and being listened to matter

“Clear and accessible information being shared about current events would make a big difference. Hearing others’ stories through word-of-mouth in their community would make people feel more grounded.”
— The Melting Pot: Unsilencing Immigrant Voices Team, Haymarket, VA

“What helps most is community support and trusted information networks.”
— Azeemah Sadiq, Team Lead, Generation Vote Alief, Alief, TX

“What communities need most right now isn’t sympathy, but partnership: being listened to, protected when they speak, and trusted as leaders and experts of their own experiences.”
— The Second Pulse Team, Irvine, CA

This moment is heavy, but people are still showing up for each other

“These past few weeks have been pretty chaotic for us and for our community. Right now, our biggest focus is making sure people in our community do not feel alone.”
— The Voces Del Rio Team, White Salmon, WA

“It’s a difficult time, but it’s also showing how strong community support can really be.”
— Azeemah Sadiq, Team Lead, Generation Vote Alief, Alief, TX