We are living in a moment of never-seen-before crisis. Not only are we all exhausted, we are also continuously overwhelmed and tired of pretending that business as usual can rise to meet the challenges that have plagued the world in the last year and a half. These challenging times require new and creative ways of building and sustaining ourselves, our work, and our lives. Business as usual is no longer enough.
FRIDA’s feminist funding priorities dictates that we continue to catalyse young feminist organizing in powerful ways to ensure that they are strengthened, sustained and nourished to do their job of fighting oppressive forces. In valuing this mission and in keeping with the present circumstances, starting this month, FRIDA has officially moved into Core Operations Mode (COM).
The pandemic has put us in a tough spot as we fight high tides, stormy weather and difficult terrains. It has required us to restructure, reassess and rest, differently. One thing is clear, we can only navigate this storm, with the help of our community, and the knowledge that we are held as much as we hold.
The incredible designer Vidushi has captured the essence of what we are going through beautifully in the above image. In it, you see a bunch of women and non binary folks fixing, polishing, and mending the boat in order to face the high tides that await us outside. If we are to face rough weather, we have to be strong and sturdy and do it together, as a collective.
We want to reassure our wider FRIDA community that COM doesn’t mean that we will not be present; it just means that, for now, the FRIDA team has to be present differently and with new boundaries. We are so thankful for your belief and trust in us, as feminist funders and movement enablers. We are also deeply grateful to our donor community for allowing us to redefine ways in which we navigate the present circumstances.
As we embark on this restorative journey, we hope to bring you with us. It’s our firm belief that rest is an integral part of movement and that business unusual, is what these trying times require of us.
