Solidarity in Action

We at studioELL write this as colleagues, friends and as individuals who care deeply about the future we all share. Our country stands at a perilous juncture with an intensifying rightward shift and looming threats from authoritarianism. This moment demands grassroots engagement and a reawakening of civic action. We cannot rely on political parties that prioritize corporate contributions, media consulting and incremental gains to protect us; these strategies have repeatedly failed to address the deepening crises that affect us all. Real change starts from the ground up, driven by those who see firsthand the impact of inaction on our communities.

Decades of choices that prioritize corporate donors and sideline grassroots voices have left us with leaders disconnected from the urgent needs of ordinary people. We cannot wait for solutions from those whose priorities lie with the powerful. Now more than ever, we must show up for one another — standing firm to protect and uplift those most at risk.

At studioELL, we see our communities as offering a unique opportunity to build coalitions across the political spectrum on issues that resonate with us all — including artists, faculty, staff and students, irrespective of immigration or residency status. Together, we can work to end forever wars, redirecting defense spending toward investments in our own communities. As the US empire declines and wealth inequality continues to widen, we must challenge corporate power and greed, which drive this imbalance, and instead prioritize the needs of our communities. This means tackling rising rents, ensuring universal healthcare, protecting personal freedoms, securing workers’ rights and confronting the climate breakdown that continues to wreak havoc and strain our communities. These are not partisan issues; they are essential to building a fair, equitable society that serves everyone, not just the powerful few.

We must also confront the rampant, predatory capitalism that fuels today’s growing inequality, empowered by prominent public figures who elevate authoritarian leaders and amplify divisive rhetoric. This unchecked capitalism emboldens racism, misogyny and nativism, drawing out the most corrosive impulses in society. Through unchecked influence and vast resources, these forces exploit social divisions and reinforce hierarchies that serve the few at the expense of the many. We cannot let these forces go unchallenged; confronting them is essential to building a fair and just society.

At studioELL, we recognize that our work is rooted in solidarity, and this extends beyond the confines of our physical and virtual classrooms. True solidarity requires us to stand together in our communities, organizing face-to-face with those most at risk. Digital signatures, open letters and social media alone will not suffice — we need people power, standing together in person and supporting one another. From this foundation, we can build meaningful connections across all our networks, amplifying our impact and creating a stronger, more equitable institution and society from the ground up.

This is not a time for defeatism or resignation. We need leaders and movements that fight relentlessly for the rights of the people. We must prepare for what lies ahead, ready to resist with every tool at our disposal, because what is coming will be nothing short of destructive. We must never back down. We must never give up. Now is the time for courage, resilience and collective action. We build power when we stand together in solidarity and act decisively. Let us stand ready, together, for whatever comes next — to face it with courage, unity and unwavering resolve.