As this issue was going to press, our country had just been shaken to its core by the deadliest mass public shooting in U.S. history, reigniting local, national and international discussions about gun violence and gun control; violent religious extremism; and the broader, underlying issues that reside in all forms of intolerance, hatred and bigotry.

Just one week after the horrific event at the Pulse nightclub, in Orlando, emotions are still raw and hearts still ache for all of those that are suffering. For many reasons, this shooting reminds us that something similar could happen anywhere—it could happen to us or our loved ones. It is important to retain these feelings and insights because they inspire our compassion and prompt us to act. We gain hope in action and see the dark cloud’s silver linings in the actions of first responders and volunteers, the generosity of donations, and the solidarity of public vigils and other demonstrations of support.

By the time this issue is released, perhaps we will be digging further into the question of what to do next. Each of us can be part of what arises from the collective sense of shock, grief, goodwill and unity we currently share with Orlando. From the early outcries for big changes, how do we recover, and what steps do we take to continue to progress in the spirit of “One Pulse”?

Those two words alone offer a guide. Reflecting on the one thing that all of us have in common—a shared single pulse of life—reminds us to look beyond our individual wants to our collective need to live safely and happily, without infringing on or endangering others’ abilities to do the same. This is no easy task. When we see or hear things that may hurt others, we are now called to recognize the potential of such harms to affect us all and to stand up against intolerance, bigotry, hatred and violence. We can participate in discussions we haven’t had before, and we can take new, courageous actions. We can remember how vital it is for each of us to participate in shaping the future of our communities and our country. It’s time.

In solidarity,

Gabriella Buchnik, Publisher