Greater Good Events

In case you didn't know where we stand as a business and as business owners, let us be abundantly clear...

What is happening right now in our country is terrifying - masked thugs kidnapping and murdering people regardless of their citizenship or immigration status. As a practice, we seek to consider safety on a community-wide level at events. It's not law enforcement that protects us, it's our community and connections that keep us safe.

And just to note, masked federal agents isn't the first time police have brutalized communities. As long as there has been law enforcement, communities and particularly marginalized folks in those communities, have been harassed, harmed, tortured, tormented and killed. Black folks, Indigenous folks, Trans folks and more have been ringing these alarm bells for a *very long time.* If you're not listening now, I'm not sure what else needs to happen for you to tune in and center yourself in solidarity with the most marginalized and vulnerable in your community (and beyond)

We implore you to take some action to keep your community safe. We've gathered some dispatches from folks in Minnesota (as well as other resources we regularly turn to to learn), we're having some private conversations with partners and pals, we invite you to listen, learn, and take meaningful action to keep each other safe.

If you have resources to share, drop them here or send a DM and we'll add them to our webpage for others to access. https://www.greatergoodevents.co/moments/we-keep-us-safe

The kids are alright.

In 2019 I (Maryam, co-owner of .events) had the pleasure of planning the Gala and in doing so, helping support a cohort of Empower Players - young movers and shakers who were showing that age isn’t a meaningful gauge of your capacity for change.

The class included amazing young people like Mari Copeny (aka ) who, starting at age 8, began campaigning to get clean water to the residents of Flint, MI; Xiuhtezcatl Martinez () a climate activist and artist who at age 9 lobbied to restrict the use of pesticides in his local parks and
won; and Deja Foxx () who  at the age of 17 stood up to Jeff Flake at a town hall meeting to advocate for continued funding for Planned Parenthood.

6 years later all these amazing activists (just a few from the 2019 cohort are named here) are making waves and continuing to advocate for a future that benefits everyone. Now Deja is running for Congress in her home state of Arizona - please consider giving a follow and donating to this incredible young woman’s campaign to be one of (the?) youngest congressional reps ever.

And you might be asking yourself why an event planning company is posting about a local congressional race in AZ? Because this event planning company believes every person deserves access to dignified housing and healthcare; that voices like Deja’s will advance a world that our own children (biological and bonus) will thrive in; and that literally every move we make is political. We are so very proud to work alongside orgs and activists advancing access to healthcare ; safe and equitable housing ; and thoughtful stewardship of the outdoors (amongst others).

As we transition through the winter solstice and into the new year, we sit with conflict… between the joy of celebrating with loved ones; the heartbreak of observing the relentless devastation and dehumanization of lives and livelihoods in Palestine; the privilege of knowing where home is and consistency of knowing we are safe in our spaces; the gratitude for our communities of collaborators, clients, friends and families; the guilt and fury of helplessness and loss…

And even in conflict we hold closely our belief that a better world is possible. We anchor this belief in our witness of persistence and faith we see around communities near and far who use their voices to stand up for better futures. We anchor this belief in an abundance and celebration of gratitude—for the clients who trust us to plan their celebrations and convenings; the vendors who work alongside us in thoughtful collaboration and trust us enough to refer clients our way; the contractors and team members who give their best so our gatherings shine as bright as their hosts; and the extended community, including family and friends, who support us through the ups and downs of each day and year.

So, as this year ends, we bring to all of you a wish for joy that extends beyond borders and barriers, seen and unseen. We look to Audre Lorde who captures our wishes for the new year perfectly - “Tomorrow belongs to those of us who conceive of it as belonging to everyone; who lend the best of ourselves to it, and with joy.”

With hope, gratitude and joy, Happy New Year - Maryam and Justine