On November 8, at 10:00 a.m., I voted for the first female president of the United States. By 10 p.m. that night, I was crying myself to sleep. Then I cried myself awake. Confusion, frustration, apoplexy—you know the emotional loop by now. This wasn’t supposed to happen. But you can only suspend disbelief for so long. Donald Trump is our new president. And we need to figure out how to exist in this reality.
GOOD has always been about looking to the future—finding solutions in the face of an imperfect world. In that spirit, we set out to create an issue providing for other people what we sought for ourselves: understanding, guidance, and inspiration to maintain the progress that’s been made during the past 10 years. Maybe even enhance it.
I confess that I’m still shaken, and genuinely concerned about what may happen in the political, cultural, economic, and social landscape over the next four years. We don’t claim to have all of the answers—no one does—but we offer a few ideas with honesty, humor, integrity, and humility in hopes that you engage more, freak out less.
But this issue also encourages a broader view, with rich stories to remind you that the world doesn’t rise and fall depending on one man or one administration, but is instead driven by the millions of people who are more dedicated to doing good than ever. Politicians make policy. Citizens make progress. We’ve always been here—and will continue to be—as both champion and watchdog. GOOD’s most important role now is to arm you with the information you need so you can make your world better. We need you in this fight.
Onwards,
Nancy Miller
Editor in Chief
