I don’t know about the rest of you, but a lot of the time it feels like I’m just running on fumes. I have moments when things feel so heavy, when the tough news keeps piling up, and my to-do list has gotten out of control. This week was one of those tough times, and it is in times like these that being together really matters. Sometimes we need a good cheer and festivities, sometimes we need large, organized events, and sometimes we just need a chill moment to connect and refill our cup.
We all need ways to be together that actually hold us up, help us get through. I’m talking about more than just working together as one, being together, side by side. Taking time to just check in. Sharing what we have, even if what we have is just time, patience, and a cozy cup of tea.
So we hope you’ll join us for a new drop-in “Tea Time,” where we’ll gather once a month on each campus to simply be together. No scripts or speeches, just a welcome time and place to spill a little tea, connect with other members, and share some solidarity. We plan to gather once a month on each campus starting:
- Wednesday, February 25, 12:30-1:30 PM IU Busy Bean Cafe
- Wednesday, March 11, 12:30-1:30 PM LANS Wilna Thomas Cafe
Solidarity is not just a slogan we pull out for rallies or posters. It is the choice we make to not leave anyone to carry the hard stuff alone. It is mutual support in action. A knowing look across the room that says, “I’ve got your back” without needing to explain. Just being together reminds us that we have been through tough times before and we got through them together.
When we show up for each other, especially in difficult times, we build something sturdier than optimism. We build trust. We build care. We build a sense that even when things are uncertain or unfair, we are not just isolated departments scattered across campuses. We are a community. And together, even on the hard days, we are stronger together than whatever is trying to weigh us down.
Hope to see you there!
Lynelle Yutani (she/they)
ac.ytlucafnusomac@tnediserp
President, Camosun College Faculty Association
Lynelle is a queer, leftist rabble-rouser galvanized to guard the rights of union members and is on a crusade to convince you that you get out of your Union what you put into it. Lynelle serves on Presidents Council of the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators (FPSE) and was elected to FPSE Executive as a Member-at-Large. She is on a number of FPSE affiliate committees, including the 2SLGBTQIA+ and Racialized Workers Caucuses for the BC Fed. Lynelle volunteers for a rooftop community garden, which partners with Harvest & Share Food Aid Society to grow fresh produce for local food banks and community food security programs.
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