We can all lead with hope over fear

Our local and national newspapers have been full of headlines about police shootings and police officers themselves becoming targets of violence. From Ferguson to Albuquerque to Baton Rouge to Dallas to Milwaukee, the wave of killings has escalated, seemingly without end.

These killings have left all of us wondering how to move forward.

We at the Albuquerque Community Foundation cannot remain silent when people are being killed right here at home and around the country. Yet our history shows that, in the face of crisis, we can find reasons for hope.

In spite of anguish and uncertainty, ideas, inspiration and action abound.

That’s why the Ford Foundation and others distributed print ads in The New York Times, Washington Post, and other national and local newspapers on July 31 with the signatures of the presidents of 39 community foundations, including the Albuquerque Community Foundation. We all also posted, and continue to post, on social media a call for our communities to find and share their reasons for hope, using the hashtag #ReasonsForHope.

We are joined in this campaign by policymakers, the media and the White House.

Only a week after the campaign started, the #ReasonsForHope hashtag had received over 30 million impressions to nearly five million individuals. Already, this campaign has given voice to thousands of stories of optimism from every corner of the country.

And since the launch of this initiative, more foundations have joined in getting out the message of hope.

What started with 39 organizations now represents more than 100, illustrating the variety and diversity of this country — in sizes and type, in cities large and small, urban and rural. What brings us to together is our shared history of community action — an upward arc toward dignity, equality and justice.

Today, our nation needs more bridges of dialogue and fewer barriers of division. Here in Albuquerque, we at the Community Foundation find hope in the amazing work of our grantees.

In their pursuit of racial and gender equity, and economic and social opportunity, which you can read more about on our website, www.albuquerquefoundation.org. These brave organizations lead with hope over fear and we join with them by supporting their efforts.

As leaders, each of us has the unique ability to create action within our community. Please share your own reasons for hope using #ReasonsForHope on social media.

By highlighting positive action instead of despair and fear, we all have #ReasonsForHope.