What’s on my mind:
- The number of social enterprises (nonprofits) in some sort of financial crisis due to massive funding shifts. And the extent to which we rely upon them in this region without reassessing their capacity. The mental health of their leaders as they try to manage unreasonable expectations…
- The season of storm threats (late August/ early September) and all that individuals and households need to be doing to be ready. I want you to prepare as if you knew a Cat 4 was definitely coming our way in August. Work. Not worry. Please. Thats what I’m doing at work – acting as if… and so are my colleagues. As my son says “time to handle up!”
- Recently shifting circumstances which will impact any Gulf Coast response should we have a big event. They are:
- Changing federal landscape of response. Meaning we reevaluated what we expect to do versus what help may come. I reassess every day. And those of us who are charged with planning have tightened up all response plans. Clear eyed.
- The fact that the heartbreak and response to Central Texas will be ongoing and many state resources have been deployed there – quite rightly.
- Forgetfulness about wind, water and when we run, versus when we hunker down. And the need in some areas to prepare for both It’s been a long time since we had to manage any form of evacuation. And while I trust our elected officials and career emergency managers to know what to advise, I am not certain people are prepared to accept guidance and follow the guidance for the greater good. I hope we can count on people to respond instead of reacting.
Era of Upheaval
As I scan the landscape each week and assess what we face together, I look around me and see people trying to deal with all manner of uncertainty while still trying to carve out a measure of peaceful “normal”.
I tell you this. We are the equal of whatever comes. We descend from those who navigated all manner of hardship and horror. We got this. But let’s not make anything harder than it has to be.
Now go buy some supplies and make a “stay shelf” and a “go bag”. And help someone else do it, too.
Love
Angela
