As we head into a season of national decision-making, we might look to history for insights into how people have navigated contentious periods and found a path forward. Historically, times of upheaval have provided opportunities for transformation, often born out of individuals coming together to foster positive change.

Consider the challenges faced during the later years of the Roman Empire. The pressures were intense, with factors like economic instability, migration crises, changes in climate and social divides playing key roles. But even in the face of such monumental hardships, people found ways to preserve and pass on knowledge, laying a foundation for future generations. Later periods, such as the Renaissance, illustrate how communities rallied together to rebuild and innovate in art, science and culture, ultimately enriching society.

More recent history also provides many examples of resilience through unity. From the Civil Rights movement in the United States to the 1913 Suffrage Parade that supported women’s right to vote, working together helped foster progress. These are reminders of the power of unity in tackling seemingly insurmountable challenges, with groups of people embracing collaboration to bring about societal shifts.

Even smaller, quieter triumphs reflect this pattern. In Lexington Park, Maryland, community-driven efforts led to exceptional advancements in STEM education, elevating the local economy and creating new opportunities. In Tamarac, local leaders invested in entrepreneurial support and public infrastructure, making valuable resources accessible to all. Through such efforts, communities created lasting benefits for residents, driven by a shared commitment to growth and improvement.

The concept of “Communities of Practice,” originating in the educational sector in the 1990s, exemplifies how people can come together to address shared challenges. These communities foster collaboration, mutual learning, and problem-solving, extending beyond education into the workplace and other areas. Today, Communities of Practice can be a valuable framework for addressing broader social and political divides, providing a means to bring people together despite differences.

No matter the outcome of the upcoming election, it is inevitable that some people will feel disappointment. But it is also a moment for us to consider how we can work through our differences, learn from each other, and grow stronger as a result. In reflecting on history, we see that communities have often emerged from adversity not just intact but more resilient, with a renewed sense of purpose and unity.

At its core, education and the exchange of ideas drive both personal and community growth, giving each new generation the skills to thrive. History demonstrates that we can overcome even the most daunting challenges when we focus on working together. This season, as we look to the future, may we find common ground in the belief that by supporting each other, we build stronger, more resilient communities.

Jennifer Vigne is president and CEO of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. 

Photo courtesy Pixabay.

Disasters have a way of bringing out the best in people. From those who distribute food and water to those who enter flooded streets to help rescue their stranded neighbors, many are inclined to put on their capes and help those in need. 

This heroism was on full display after Hurricanes Helene and Milton battered our region in a historic one-two punch. Ordinary people were supercharged with extraordinary energy and compassion to help in vital ways. 

Our challenge now, though, is to keep that goodwill and intention to help sustainable, especially when we’re tired or challenged with the scope of the recovery before us. So much attention is given during the immediate aftermath of a hurricane that resources are often drained by the time the important, and typically unseen, work of recovery begins. According to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, 82% of all philanthropic dollars contributed to disaster response go to immediate response and relief, while less than 5% are typically donated toward recovery and reconstruction. 

The trend is unsettling, as long-term disaster recovery—the work that begins once relief efforts have concluded—is an essential part of making communities whole and reducing inequities, which tend to be exacerbated after a natural disaster rolls through. In communities like ours, with a rating of 98.41 (out of 100) on FEMA’s Environmental Hazard National Risk Index Score, which measures expected annual loss (from disaster), social vulnerability and community resilience to determine how at risk a community is, expertise in recovery is paramount. 

Fortunately, in our community, there is a reliable resource for long-term recovery – the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund. Initiated as a response to Hurricane Ian in 2022, the fund is designed to  help restore services that are vital to communities, like accessible childcare, human services, and mental health counseling, so that the lasting scars of a disaster can be less pronounced. Dollars from this fund provide legal aid to people floundering in the maze of insurance technicalities. These dollars make our communities whole again when the long-term needs have been identified, which can be anywhere from six to 18 months after an initial disaster. 

In the wake of the double dose of destruction delivered by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, The Patterson Foundation, philanthropic partner to the Community Foundation, provided a $1 million matching opportunity, matching every gift up to $50,000 dollar-for-dollar. For those who want to help our communities fully recover and safeguard our deeply held beliefs about preserving opportunities for all who call our area home, this is a great opportunity. A dollar-for-dollar match empowers each of us to make a real impact.  

Beyond grantmaking, since its activation, the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund has been key to convening organizations active in disaster recovery to amplify their impact through collaboration, and it’s also fostered innovative approaches to dealing with the frequent and more severe storms that are the reality of climate change.

To preserve our community’s stability and security, thoughtful and evidence-based approaches will be vital. The Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund, which is gaining national attention for its unique and effective grantmaking, is central to safeguarding all that we hold dear in our community: namely that all who live here should have the opportunity to thrive. This is only achieved when people have a safe place to live and a lifeline to programs and services that support individual and family well-being. 

Roxie Jerde is president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. 

Photo courtesy Sarasota Parks.

As I’ve mentioned before, members of the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange (GCBX) build hospitals, schools, the places you go to work, parks, fire stations and police stations. We also build the places you, your family and visitors enjoy — Mote Marine Aquarium, Selby Gardens, the Pirates and Braves Stadiums and the Bishop Museum, just to name a few! We proudly represent the Commercial Contracting industry and have done so since 1952. Same name, same great members doing great work in the community!

GCBX members believe in building with more than brick and mortar, we believe in building strong communities. That is why GCBX has always supported the Manatee and Sarasota County School Systems and we continue that support by endorsing the referendums that appear on Tuesday’s ballot in both counties. Both referendums highlight how the business community can come together to build stronger communities that help all of us as residents. The effort in Sarasota spearheaded by Argus and supported by most of the members of the Coalition of Business Associations shows that business leaders realize a strong school system is essential for a strong economy and a strong sustainable workforce. We strongly encourage everyone to VOTE YES on these referendums.

Our region has taken a hit in the recent storms, but we are resilient and we will come back and come back stronger as long as we stick together!

At GCBX we are proud when we see the legacy of GCBX members in the community from recent projects such as the St. Regis on Longboat Key, Selby Gardens, the new Mote Aquarium to ongoing projects such as Sarasota Memorial Hospital and its new South Campus. We are proud of the public safety structures in Wellen Park and the new schools that serve new families in the area.

While these structures are tangible examples of the work of GCBX members, they are also strong drivers for the region’s economy. Countless numbers of workers were employed during the construction of these buildings and because these are local contractors that money stays in this community. It doesn’t get sent out of town. It stimulates our local economy and supports local families. That’s the whole idea of doing business locally. 

This is an important concept particularly with projects funded through tax dollars, and throughout the local economy. As we recover from the Summer/Fall of 2024, we have to focus on supporting local businesses. You will see initiatives by the Sarasota and Manatee EDC’s reminding all of us of the importance of doing business with local businesses. As we come into the holiday season we must remember how important it is to spend our money locally to support our neighbors and our communities. It is also a time to set aside any political differences, rise above those differences and join together for the future of our community and the benefit of all!

Additionally, I’m proud of GCBX members who are continually giving back to the community as major sponsors at any and all of the charitable events you may attend. They understand the significance of a strong local community and a strong local economy.

Giving back is in our DNA at GCBX. We support our schools, we support local charities and we support local businesses. That makes us GCBX Strong and makes all of us stronger!

Mary Dougherty is executive director of Gulf Coast Builders Exchange. 

Photo courtesy GCBX.