Dear NALEO Members and Colleagues

September 15, 2025

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Washington, DC.- By Erica Bernal-Martinez.- Chief Executive Officer.- NALEO Educational Fund

So much has happened in recent days that weighs heavily on our communities and our democracy. The passing of Charlie Kirk has shaken us all and reminded us of the human cost when violence touches public life. And this is not the first time. Earlier this year, we also endured the devastating murders of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman in their home — another heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life is for those who answer the call to lead.

And while these moments are top of mind now, they echo earlier attacks and a pattern of threats against public leaders — including the fire that destroyed Governor Shapiro’s residence earlier this year and the attempted kidnapping of Governor Whitmer in 2020. Taken together, these incidents underscore the reality that those who choose to serve are carrying out their work under extraordinary strain and significant personal risk.

At the same time, our democracy was tested in another critical way last week — through the courts. On Monday, the Supreme Court issued its decision in Noem v. Perdomo — a ruling that opens the door to racial profiling and the wrongful detention of Latinos (you can read our full statement on the decision here). This decision, combined with the violence directed at public leaders, compounds the fear and mounting pressure that so many of our community are already enduring.

For many of us, the pain of these events has been magnified by the way their aftermath is unfolding on social media among our family, friends, and colleagues. The cruelty, division, and dehumanization we witness online only deepen the hurt and fan the flames of fear and anger in the wake of these tragedies. While difficult, we cannot allow our humanity to be lost in the political noise — and we cannot let ourselves become part of the problem.

We will never be able to control everything that happens around us, but we can always control how we respond. This is a moment for us to lean on civility and compassion — even when it is hard and not easy to do. These are not just aspirations, but ideals we uphold and believe in at NALEO. Through our words and actions, we can show that it is possible to disagree without demeaning, and to debate without dehumanizing. In doing so, we not only support one another but also defend the very foundations of a democracy that is at risk of unraveling.

Disagreements are part of democracy. Bullets are not.

As NALEO members and colleagues, we know you continue to rise above the fray and serve under extraordinary pressure. Please know: we are here to support you. That is why in our upcoming trainings, like the Emergency Preparedness Institute in El Paso later this month, we are incorporating emergency response strategies to help you stay safe in these uncertain times. Just as importantly, we are embedding mental wellness and self-care practices into our programs, because leadership cannot be sustained without care for yourself.

Our democracy is stronger when we see one another fully — not just as political leaders or adversaries, but as people, as parents, as children, as neighbors, as family. At NALEO, we remain committed to upholding the values of civility and compassion, knowing they are essential to both our mission and the future of our democracy. We will continue to stand with you, equipping you with the tools, support, and community you need to lead with both strength and humanity.