SPOTLIGHT ON THE VALUE OF COMMUNITY
Cultivating Connection, Belonging, and Hope at AMSA
Written by Nikitha Balaji, AMSA National President and Donya Ahmadian, AMSA Legislative Affairs Director
In the last several months, we have thought deeply about what we love so much about our AMSA community and the ways we can continue to nurture meaningful connections with you. This is of course important always, and especially in this current moment, as the very nature of what we hold dear can feel at risk. As we lean into the holiday season, it is especially important that we consider the value of coming together and to create spaces where this connection can flourish.
As this year has evolved, we have witnessed increasing attempts to deny us all our fundamental human rights. In the face of this, we know that it is an especially hard time to be a student, and, moreso, a difficult time to exist in our full personhood. Between the rigor of our lives as students and the deeply troubling times we are living in, it is easy to feel disconnected, disjointed, and fragmented from a sense of community and this world. That is where the safe harbor that we have built together can stand tall- a place where we can rest and return to ourselves. At times such as these, AMSA endeavors to provide structured support and companionship in equal measure, as we find the courage within ourselves and in others to call for a more just version of medicine, medical education, and our world.
In the fight for universal human rights and health justice for all, we at AMSA want to affirm that hope is a verb. We enact hope when we tell our stories, organize for collective action, and gather together to make a difference. This important work is made possible when we are empowered to connect with one another as a practice of Love, and in doing so, we open ourselves up to the experience of joy in manifesting Beloved Community. Whether you are feeling energized, exhausted, hopeful, heavy-hearted, or a mix of these and so many more- as we often are- this space is for you.
With hope is a verb in mind we invite you to join us in slowing down together as we draw the year to a close with our first Community Building Holiday Happy Hour, December 21st at 5:00 PM ET. This virtual gathering will be the first of many that has been intentionally designed with you in mind- a place to rest our hearts, minds, and spirits. There is still time to sign-up and we would love to practice this art of stillness together. Our original invitation can be found below.
