Change is Scary, But So Is Staying The Same

Dear Community,

As fall settles in and daylight saving time comes to an end, I realize it’s high time for an update on the recent happenings at 540WMain. It’s hard to believe we’re already down to the last two months of the year. Time has flown, especially as I approach my 39th birthday on December 1st—just a year shy of the big 4-0. This year holds extra meaning as it marks 540WMain’s 8th anniversary, a milestone that’s brought about deep reflection on my life, family, and what we’ve achieved together. Despite these accomplishments, I sometimes feel a lingering sense of “not enough,” reminding me of the dreams I still hold for both myself and 540WMain.

This year has been a time of profound growth and change, both personally and professionally. Now in my second year teaching third grade at the Harley School (and my 15th year as an educator), I’ve also lost over 30 pounds, which has been a rewarding journey. Yet, the biggest shift came back in January when a severe long COVID diagnosis forced me to pause my plans to tour and promote my cookbook—a setback that lasted more than six months and profoundly impacted me. Though I won’t delve into all the details here, you can read more about my experience on my Substack. If anything, long COVID taught me to find the silver lining. While incredibly challenging, it forced me to slow down, reflect deeply on my life and goals, and consider how 540WMain aligns with this vision. In recent months, as I’ve regained my strength, I’ve spent time contemplating these questions alongside supportive board members and mentors, who have helped me brainstorm the best next steps for our organization.

As Election Day approaches, many of us are watching the shifting social landscape. It’s disheartening to witness ongoing attacks on truth, backlash against critical race theory, and the defunding of essential initiatives. At 540WMain, these issues remain at our core. Yet public support has evolved, and change feels inevitable. This has prompted me to think about the organization’s future and where we’re heading. Should I step down as CEO to welcome new leadership? Should 540WMain continue as it is, or is it time for a new direction? These questions have weighed heavily on my mind.

After wrestling with these decisions, I’ve concluded: embracing uncertainty is sometimes the best way forward. Life rarely offers perfect answers, and clarity may only come with time.

In the coming months, I’ll be sharing some significant changes for 540WMain, with more details to come soon. I’ll be giving more insight into the conversations I’ve had with my board of directors, introducing each board member, and highlighting the work of Tyler Pearce, our SUNY Brockport graduate fellow, who’s helping shape this new chapter for us. Your patience, support, and grace have meant everything to me, and I’m so grateful to have your support during this season of change. Change may be daunting, but it’s inevitable. I’m excited to share what’s next.

In solidarity,
Calvin

About Calvin Eaton

(he/his/him) Calvin Eaton is a disabled community educator, content creator, and social entrepreneur, whose area of expertise includes antiracism, equity, justice, instructional design, and program development. In 2016 Mr. Eaton founded 540WMain, Inc. a virtual non-profit organization and antiracist education brand that promotes justice for all.