Podcast Summary: We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits
Episode: Gather At The Well: When Hate Calls - Lindsey Fuller
Release Date: December 18, 2024
Host/Author: We Are For Good
Introduction
In this deeply personal and instructive episode titled "When Hate Calls," Lindsey Fuller, Executive Director of The Teaching Well, shares her harrowing experience of receiving a hateful and threatening phone call. Hosted by We Are For Good, the podcast aims to equip nonprofit professionals with innovative ideas and tools to navigate complex challenges. Lindsey's narrative not only highlights the emotional toll of hate but also provides a framework for crisis management and personal resilience.
The Incident
At the outset of the episode, Lindsey recounts receiving a harassing voicemail on a Friday morning:
"I received a number I don't know. [At 10:00 AM]... Yeah, I'm calling to get an affinity group. The one I want for my college is whites only and straights only, you effing racist. Effing kill yourself." [09:43]
This unsolicited and aggressive message was not just a verbal attack but a violation that left Lindsey grappling with fear, anxiety, and anger. She emphasizes the importance of addressing such incidents head-on rather than succumbing to fear:
"I could have kept it a secret. I could have let my fear and anxiety dictate my behaviors. But instead, I want to leave some of the baggage at the door." [00:02]
Managing the Crisis: The Continuous Replenishment Cycle (CRC)
Lindsey introduces the concept of the Continuous Replenishment Cycle (CRC), a structured approach to managing crises:
- Attending to Basic Needs: Ensuring physical well-being by addressing hunger, hydration, and safety.
- Engaging in Somatics: Utilizing physical exercises to regain mental clarity and emotional stability.
- Handling Business: Managing organizational responsibilities to maintain functionality.
- Activating Community Support: Seeking appropriate support from trusted individuals and organizations.
She outlines the CRC in detail:
"The CRC starts with attending to your basic needs... The second step is to engage in somatics... There is going to be follow up after any major crisis event. And finally, it's activating community support." [18:30]
Somatic Practices for Emotional Regulation
To help listeners manage their emotions, Lindsey guides them through somatic exercises:
"You might just rock from side to side, front and back... Make little circles with your body... Five audible out breaths, starting in the nose and out the mouth." [15:50]
These exercises are designed to tone the vagus nerve, promoting a state of calm and enabling clearer thinking.
Developing a Crisis Plan
Recognizing that many leaders lack a formal crisis plan, Lindsey emphasizes the necessity of proactive preparation. Her organization, The Teaching Well, has developed a comprehensive Crisis Plan encompassing:
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Prevention Steps: Implementing policies such as providing separate phone lines for high-visibility roles and removing personal contact information from public domains.
"We're now providing the option for high visibility roles like mine to have a second phone paid for by the organization." [35:20]
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Intervention Moves: Immediate notification protocols involving organizational and board leadership, as well as law enforcement agencies.
"Intervention also includes notifying the authorities... Both the police and the FBI have all of the information for this individual." [36:45]
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Postvention Elements: Allocating wellness stipends to support team members' healing and resilience.
"Postvention should not be overlooked after a crisis. It's a part of where the healing lives." [38:10]
Community Support and Emotional Resilience
Lindsey discusses the critical role of community support in the aftermath of a crisis. She highlights the importance of connecting with individuals who possess high emotional regulation and can provide effective co-regulation without overwhelming the person in distress.
"If we're talking about socio-emotional competencies because here are the people you'll meet in reactivity and fear is the thread... you need support that doesn't interrupt your clarity seeking." [27:35]
Lindsey reflects on her experience with her leadership team, who demonstrated exceptional support and understanding:
"They gave me permission to not work and they gave me permission to co regulate and they loved on me too." [33:50]
Personal Reflections and Affirmations
Throughout the episode, Lindsey interweaves personal reflections with practical advice. She shares moments of gratitude, such as her positive interaction with the Oakland Police Department, challenging her previous apprehensions:
"I just had a really powerfully supportive experience with the police, and I'm so grateful for that." [42:15]
She also addresses the heavy burden of rage and the importance of setting it aside in favor of love and constructive action:
"As a woman of faith, I have prayed for this man every day since this event. My task is to be love." [46:00]
Lindsey concludes with affirmations to reinforce safety and support:
"I am safe. I am supported. I am resourced. I can heal." [50:30]
Homework and Actionable Steps
To empower listeners, Lindsey assigns practical homework aimed at preparedness and resilience:
- Identify Supportive Individuals: "Write down one to three names of people in your life who you can access in a crisis moment." [52:10]
- Develop Your CRC: "Write down your continuous replenishment cycle... hydration, somatic practices." [53:45]
- Design Organizational Plans: "Org leaders, begin designing your plan. Keep yourself and your people safe." [55:00]
Conclusion and Takeaways
Lindsey wraps up the episode by emphasizing the power of solidarity and collective healing:
"I know what's possible when we all link up in solidarity and heal this country." [59:20]
Her final message is one of critical hope and unwavering commitment to creating bridges and fostering community despite the challenges posed by hate and adversity.
Key Quotes with Timestamps
- "I could have kept it a secret. I could have let my fear and anxiety dictate my behaviors. But instead, I want to leave some of the baggage at the door." [00:02]
- "The CRC starts with attending to your basic needs... The second step is to engage in somatics... There is going to be follow up after any major crisis event. And finally, it's activating community support." [18:30]
- "We're now providing the option for high visibility roles like mine to have a second phone paid for by the organization." [35:20]
- "If we're talking about socio-emotional competencies because here are the people you'll meet in reactivity and fear is the thread... you need support that doesn't interrupt your clarity seeking." [27:35]
- "I am safe. I am supported. I am resourced. I can heal." [50:30]
- "I know what's possible when we all link up in solidarity and heal this country." [59:20]
Final Thoughts
This episode serves as both a personal testament and a professional guide for nonprofit leaders facing unexpected and hostile challenges. Lindsey Fuller's transparent sharing of her experience, coupled with actionable strategies, provides invaluable insights into crisis management, emotional resilience, and the importance of community support. "When Hate Calls" not only sheds light on the personal impact of hateful actions but also empowers listeners to build robust systems to safeguard and support themselves and their organizations.
For more resources and to connect with the community, visit TheTeachingWell.org and explore additional tools available on their podcast page.