Dawn McCoy Instagram – Last night, we were so honored to attend the swearing in of Mayor John Erickson in West Hollywood. And we are so proud to have him not only serve on our @LovingWayFoundation Board…but also that we get to have him as our dear, dear friend and fierce advocate. Waylon was a captive audience – listening to every word, song, prayer and public comment for over 2 hours – I think it’s safe to say he’s a big fan of John’s…and it’s no surprise why.🥰 He especially loved the prayers. No surprise there either. John is a natural born-and-made leader, having started out years ago as an intern in the City of West Hollywood to the high point thus far of being sworn in as Mayor last night. I love John not just on a respect level… Or a nonprofit board member level… But on a deeply personal level. I met John back in 2016 when I was invited to be the keynote speaker for West Hollywood Women’s Leadership Conference – and as much as I loved the conference…I loved meeting a kindred soul and leaving with a fast friend even more. Over the years, his friendship hasn’t waned or faded, but only deepened and richened. And during the darkest, most horrific time of my life after Waylon was hurt… with just one call… John ignited a light inside of me that I feared had been extinguished. He said, “You’ve always been one in a million, but now you’re one in a trillion. YOU HAVE TO USE YOUR VOICE. You don’t get to move to a farm and make applesauce.” (Little did he know I had recently re-watched Baby Boom and was entertaining the idea of doing JUST that.) My mom will tell you how much that call meant to both of us – she had me repeat every word – because John gave me HOPE in a hopeless time. And this is what he does. He… Gives us hope in hopeless times… Inspires communities… Lights people up… Reminds us that we can use our voices… And loves his people – and ALL people – fiercely. West Hollywood is SO lucky to have him as Mayor and we are so lucky to get to be in his beautiful orbit. Congratulations, Mayor Dr. John Erickson! Thank you for all of your advocacy and service… But thank you especially for fighting for the safety and joy of of our children, child abuse survivors and crime victims. West Hollywood, California