As I sat down to write this week’s Leadership newsletter, I thought I’d gotten out of having to grapple with the election, because it’s today. But—it’s today. 

What to say?

NPQ strives to cover not just the nonprofit sector but the (even) broader topic of civil society—the institutions, outside the government, that represent the will and interests of the people. There’s no question that today represents a challenge to the bedrock of civil society here in the United States, and likely around the globe. 

Whatever the outcome of today’s election, the work of nonprofits and institutions of civil society—your work—will continue.

This week, we review some reminders of the importance of, and ongoing dangers to, civil society. First, a new report from the global civil society advocacy group Civicus paints a bleak picture of the erosion of civil society around the world, especially in the growing number of regions deeply affected by conflict. Next, we take a look at the efforts by the Movement for Black Lives to engage Black voters in this election season. We then take a look back at Project 2025, the ultra-conservative agenda that will not be going away anytime soon—regardless of the outcome of the election. Finally, we invite you to our upcoming free webinar, “Youth Speak: What Young Climate Justice Leaders Need Now,” tomorrow, November 6 at 1:00 pm ET.

As always, the Leadership desk would love to hear from you and we welcome new article pitches. Email [email protected]. And please try to take care of yourself and those around you. 

—Isaiah Thompson, Leadership Editor, NPQ