The Skillman Foundation

Hello. 

Have you, or someone you know, been having a hard time answering the question, “How are you doing?” 

If so, you are not alone.  

Gobs of anecdotal evidence have shown the “how are you?” customary greeting no longer leads to a simple exchange of well-worn pleasantries. Instead, this question is creating a spate of prolonged pauses, crinkled brows, and extended sky gazing searching for answers. This epidemic is spreading across the land, from small towns to big cities, from church aisles to backyard barbecues. 

While some may feel fine or even very good about the way the country is progressing as we pass the 100-day mark of a new presidential term, there are others who are squarely in the crosshairs of the new federal administration. Many of those most impacted are here in Michigan, from young people in an already underfunded public education system, to teachers who just lost all of their professional development dollars to deepen their ability to teach our youngest, to seniors who rely on social programs and stock investments, to pregnant moms and the one million children reliant on Medicaid. Some are veterans who served our country, seeing our country no longer serves them. Some are immigrants who have been paying taxes and working tirelessly to become full citizens, now under threat of being targeted and deported to a foreign prison known for inhumane conditions. And untold as of yet are all the Michiganders who higher prices and uncertain employment will impact due to new, expansive tariffs.  

So, instead of asking, “How are you doing?” let’s switch to asking, “So, what are WE doing?” 

I’ll go first. 

At The Skillman Foundation, we are doing some concrete things these days that are helping us to make meaning and plans. 

1. Being in community together.

We are spending time with nonprofit and foundation leaders, civic leaders, business leaders, and more. Being Michigan strong means leading with common sense and a sense of common purpose. Leaning in is critical. And so is learning, from many others, gaining a holistic perspective and understanding. 

2. Preparing communications plans and statements.

We are thoughtfully preparing our statements about the value of the work done by the nonprofit and philanthropic sector now, ready to react to new executive orders, regulatory actions, or laws that could do harm. We are also identifying the audiences we want to connect with and how we will connect with them. We are preparing to talk about our work, our mission, our partners, and our legal standing.  

We are preparing to explain to a very wide range of folks in very clear language, not just what The Skillman Foundation does, but what the nonprofit sector does; who our neighbors are and what they contribute to our society; what it means to practice mutual aid, to have a community care for each other; and why we must invest dollars in ways we believe will have the greatest positive impact for children in Detroit and beyond.   

We are preparing to talk about the defining American tenets around freedom of speech and celebrating diverse voices, religions, racial and ethnic backgrounds. About the “we” in “We The People.” What is your story and how does it tie to America, to the Constitution, to your legal rights, and to your impact? Having these ready to go to many audiences on many platforms right now is crucial.  

3. Moving to action.

We are not just preparing, we are acting. We are already reaching out to our colleagues, our partners, and to centers of influence. We know it is better to build alliances in advance rather than to reach out in the midst of urgency.  

4. Building validators.

Here is where we, in a purple state, dig into our purpleness. Every one of us has friends and colleagues with different faiths and beliefs, who live in different communities, and who work in different sectors. Who can attest to your work and your importance? Reach out, and after avoiding the “how are you?” dilemma, dive into seeing how you might be mutual validators, now and in the future. 

5. Finding legal resources.

Not everyone can afford legal counsel. There are organizations like ACLU Michigan, Legal Aid, the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, and more that are dedicated to helping you through the sharing of important legal guidance (most being shared widely on websites and on social platforms by these orgs) or through pro-bono services.  

6. Strengthening security.

This is something we at The Skillman Foundation have been doing prior to this current moment, knowing people are struggling and angry, and healthy outlets for processing trauma are hard sometimes to come by. Invest in creating physical security plans. We’ve heard that some funders are looking at offering cybersecurity funding soon. When we learn more, we will share with all.  

7. Investing in nourishment.

Everybody drinking lots of water? Go on, get outside for a walk and make sure not to be on the phone. Man, oh man, Detroit is stunning in the springtime. Get sleep. Compliment strangers. Read books that bring joy. Share your joy with others. 

8. Keeping things in perspective.

You are changing lives every single day. Remember all those beautiful blooms you saw on that walk you just took? Let them remind you that we always make it through winter, we always bloom brighter, we are in cycles of life, and the world is opening up with you to bear witness and to plan what YOU get to do to keep making a difference.  

So, what are we doing? Comment below. 

Wishing you magnolias in full bloom, 

Angelique