Hello!

As I write this from home, about 30 miles from the tragic shooting in Monterey Park, I’m reading about yet another mass shooting in Beverly Park that took place just this weekend. This marks the fourth mass shooting in California this month. Even more, these unthinkable events have brought the national total of mass shootings in January to more than 40 — the highest of any January on record. And, of course, this number doesn’t include other shocking crimes like the brutal murder of Tyree Nichols by Memphis law enforcement officers.

Our indignation, tears, thoughts, and prayers are with the families that are grieving now, as well as the surviving victims who will carry the weight of every horrific moment for the rest of their lives. While there is nothing “simply good” about what’s transpired in the first few weeks of 2023, there is good in finding ways to rally around those suffering from these devastating losses.

In Simply Good below, mass shooting survivor Laurie Works provides ways to administer “mental health first aid” to both primary and secondary victims of these events. She provides an honest glimpse into the long-term effects victims and their families carry, as well as how widespread the effects of these tragedies can be.

Through the support of community, we can help others (and ourselves) find hope, which has the power to evoke change and break down walls. We need to be talking about gun violence and gun control, no matter where we fall on the political spectrum. We must enter these conversations intent on listening, rather than aiming to be the loudest voice in the room. Through respectful, non-politicized discourse, we can find the common ground necessary to do something for the common good.

And while we’re talking about doing something good, February is Black History Month. Are you feeling unprepared for how to honor and observe this celebration in your organization? Check out Simply Diversity for some practical do’s and don’ts for commemorating diversity months respectfully.

One thing you should definitely do is join me virtually at Southern California Edison’s Black History Month Celebration on February 24. Check out What’s Happening for details.

With appreciation,

Stacey Gordon, MBA
Rework Work CEO