After the Election: How REDI Leaders Can Prepare Emotionally & Strategically
The election may be over, but for REDI leaders, the real work is just beginning.
No matter who wins or how the results unfold, one thing is clear: the fight for issues of race, equity, diversity, and inclusion doesn’t stop. In a highly polarized environment, REDI leaders stay ready. We must not only stay the course but also find ways to deepen our resilience—both emotionally and strategically. The post-election landscape is not just a test of political will, but of personal resilience and the strength of the communities we’re building.
As a REDI leader, how can you prepare yourself for what’s next? How do you keep your teams motivated, your mission on track, and your own well-being intact, no matter the outcome?
Emotional Resilience: More Critical Now Than Ever
Elections can stir intense emotions, uncertainty, and anxiety. As REDI leaders, our emotional resilience is the foundation for our strategic responses. So how do we ensure we’re emotionally prepared for what’s to come?
First, tap into your support systems and find safe spaces to express your fears, frustrations, and hopes. Nobody can do this work alone—we need community to recharge and reflect.
Having people who understand the nuances and challenges of your work can be a lifeline. These networks not only provide emotional strength but also serve as a space for collective brainstorming and collaborating around next steps.
Second, ground yourself in long-term vision. Your work didn’t start with this election, and it certainly won’t end with it. Now is the time to reconnect with your "why." Why did you get into this work in the first place?
Keep your focus on the long game of equity and justice, understanding that true progress is a marathon, not a sprint. The journey may be nonlinear, with setbacks and shifts along the way, but the commitment to your values remains steady. Political landscapes may change, but the work continues, driven by a vision of lasting transformation and resilience.
Finally, prioritize self-care and rest. The push to "do more" can feel relentless, but it’s critical to remember that burnout benefits no one. Take intentional time for rest and reflection. A well-rested leader is far more effective than one who is constantly on the edge of exhaustion. Your ability to show up for your community depends on showing up for yourself first.
How to Strategically Plan for the Unknown
Strategic preparation isn’t just about creating a roadmap for best-case scenarios—it’s about building the capacity to pivot when things don’t go as expected. Whether the election outcome is positive, negative, or somewhere in between, REDI leaders must remain agile, forward-thinking, and ready to adapt to whatever political shifts lie ahead. Here are some key strategies to help you strategically prepare for what lies ahead.
Build in Flexibility with Contingency Plans
Regardless of who is in office, the fight for equity continues. Plan for all possible outcomes by developing contingencies for each scenario. What does your organization need to prioritize if civil rights are rolled back? What happens if DEI efforts continue to come under attack in policy or in the workplace?
Prepare your organization to respond swiftly by aligning with key partners and reinforcing your core values. Build a plan that allows you to pivot as needed, without compromising your mission.
Stay Proactive, Not Reactive
Don’t wait for the results to dictate your next steps—keep pushing forward. The most effective leaders don’t sit idle, waiting to see what happens next. They are already taking steps to protect their communities, fortify their organizations, and plan for the future.
This is the work.
Whether we’re facing political headwinds or tailwinds, the work for equity, diversity, and inclusion continues.
Engage in Coalition Building
In the wake of any election, one of your greatest strengths as a leader is your ability to build and sustain coalitions. Aligning with like-minded organizations, advocacy groups, and leaders creates a safety net of support that can resist political pressures and sustain long-term progress. The 2024 election cycle has shown us the importance of affinity groups and coalitions in mobilizing for change. Let’s learn from that and continue building power together.
Handling Setbacks: Emotional and Strategic Resilience in Action
For many REDI leaders, the outcome of an election can feel like a referendum on social justice progress. A win might bring a sense of relief, but it can also bring heightened expectations. A loss, on the other hand, can feel like a devastating setback. But here’s what you need to remember: progress is never linear, and setbacks are to be expected.
No matter what the 2024 election brings, the work for equity, diversity, and inclusion remains essential. As a REDI leader, your role is to both sustain the momentum for change and inspire those around you to keep moving forward—even when the path is unclear. By staying grounded in your values, building strong coalitions, and taking care of yourself and your community, you will be ready for whatever challenges or opportunities arise.
The election is just one moment. Our fight for justice is forever.
Preparing emotionally and strategically for the long game is something The Equity Lab does in all of our engagements. Whether it’s through our Seeding Disruption Fellowship, Nexus Fellowship or custom engagements with organizations, this preparation is an important part of the work.
Want to learn more about how we could help build resilience and prepare for the inevitable peaks and valleys your organization will face on your path to building an organization that tackles issues of race, equity, diversity and inclusion? Connect with our team and let’s talk about what we can do together.
