I was recently asked whether ICH takes a stance on political issues, since as evaluators and researchers we strive to be neutral lest our personal beliefs impact our work. Though we don’t typically take political stances, some basic beliefs underpin the work we do, and these beliefs inform our approach to improving the health and wellbeing of communities. Today seems like a good time to recenter ourselves on these principles as we consider how to move forward together:

-ICH stands against all forms of hatred, racism, bigotry, sexism, and gender-based oppression

-ICH believes that all people, regardless of identity, deserve dignity and respect

-ICH believes that health and wellbeing should be within reach for every single person 

-ICH is committed to standing in allyship with organizations working to ensure these principles are put into action in their communities

Four years ago, our colleague and friend Leah Zallman was killed in an accident on her way home from voting. Though she didn’t live to see the results of that election, we took solace in the idea that she would have been proud of our country at that time. She did not get to see the progress and the decline that has characterized our country’s journey in the years since, and I find myself wishing I had her guidance on how to lead an organization that is suddenly working in opposition to the prevailing sentiments in our population. She was a shining example of how to live our principles in words and actions, and ICH’s Leah Zallman Center is a space where we honor her example. 

I don’t know what the future holds for our country. I don’t know how to combat the hatred and dehumanization that have taken hold, except to create an alternative path that centers love, connection, and tolerance. The work of bringing people together will be extremely difficult, and all of us will be challenged to act in ways we never thought necessary. Our power lies in the strength of our commitment to our principles and the knowledge that we are all connected as humans, regardless of our circumstances.