Post-election, many in our community are feeling anger and fear about what the future holds for their loved ones, their communities, and themselves. Along with the GPS faculty and staff, I want to acknowledge the challenges this moment brings. I also want to share some thoughts that have been on my mind.
Kamala Harris’s campaign slogan, “Not Going Back,” raises a key question: Back from what, and to where? As sustainability professionals and a GPS community, how we answer this shapes our path forward.
In the past 25 years, we’ve seen real progress: Solar power is now cheaper than fossil fuels, gay marriage is legal nationwide, and businesses are increasingly adopting sustainability practices. Social movements have shifted public consciousness, and the UN has embraced a roadmap for a sustainable future. These shifts may take decades to fully transform society, but they are happening.
That said, progress is never linear. Challenges like climate change, inequality, and social injustice persist. And while we face setbacks—such as the erosion of reproductive rights and climate policy—progress will continue within many states, cities, and mission-driven organizations. True equality and liberty will take generations, and we remain committed to the work ahead.
As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Whether or not we see this justice unfold in our lifetime, we in the GPS community are committed to moving forward, together, with purpose and meaning.
My profound gratitude for the good work you are all doing, and will do, in the years ahead. We need leaders like you who will approach challenges thoughtfully, carry forward the torch for equity, and stand up for the values we hold dear.
No matter the results or individual perspectives, the shared experience of the election season often leaves a need for a space to process and reflect. These feelings of anxiety and uncertainty may linger. If you would like the space to discuss these feelings, please feel free to reach out.
Best for the work ahead,
Eban Goodstein
Director, Bard GPS