“We were built for these times.” Those words echoed through my mind as I woke up the morning after the election, buoyed by HEFN’s Annual Meeting the week before. This year’s meeting was a powerful reminder of the resilience, creativity, and solidarity that define this community. In a moment of profound uncertainty, with the election casting long shadows and rays of hope, we came together—not just to strategize but to connect, reflect, and remember why we do this work.
This year’s Annual Meeting was unforgettable. We honored the indomitable Naeema Muhammad, a beloved environmental justice elder from North Carolina, whose leadership has inspired so many. We were uplifted by Grammy-nominated artists Nnenna and Pierce Freelon, whose spoken word and song reminded us that joy and grief are inextricably linked—that our health, our spirits, and the Earth are interconnected. And together, on the eve of the election, we fortified ourselves with deep relationships and renewed purpose.
If you missed it, you missed something special, but it’s not too late to join us. HEFN is a space where powerful ideas and enduring connections are born, and we need every voice in this community as we navigate what comes next.
The election delivered a clear signal for change—one that evoked a spectrum of emotions across our network. In our post-election decompression call, we held space for vigilance, grief, rage, and joy. These emotions are not weaknesses but strengths, pointing us toward what matters most. Grief reveals what we value. Vigilance inspires us to protect those we love. Rage shows us where systems fail and why we must fight for a healthier future for all.
As we look ahead, the roadmaps being laid out by incoming leaders are stark. As webinars earlier this year taught us, Project 2025 and other reports from the incoming Congress signal profound challenges to protecting the health of our most vulnerable Americans from environmental harm. But we also know this: we have been preparing for this moment. The relationships we’ve built, the strategies we’ve honed, and the vision we’ve nurtured are exactly what we need to meet these threats head-on.
Our movements were born out of the fight, but we’ve also built the muscle to dream and create. We’ve seen that in the billions invested in healthier infrastructure, environmental justice, and community-driven solutions. These wins remind us of what’s possible when we lead with courage and clarity.
Now is the time to lean on one another and deepen our commitment. Whether you’re ready to act or need a moment to rest, this community has your back. Each of us brings unique gifts—be it funding, legal expertise, or organizational support—and all of these contributions are vital. Together, we will defend what we’ve achieved and lay the groundwork for a future that sustains all life.
The road ahead won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to step in, it’s now. Let’s lean on the relationships we’ve built and forge new ones like links in the chain. Together, we are stronger. Together, we will thrive. Together, we will rise to meet this moment of change—because we were built for these times.
We have appreciated seeing our members and partners post-election reflections and analysis. You can find a round-up of some of them here.