Building Bridges

As increasing sociopolitical tensions pull people to further extremes, the hope for common ground between us fades, creating seemingly unbridgeable chasms. Going back in time is not an option, nor should we want to, but our way forward, our common goal, has yet to be defined. This is where you come in.

“We, the people” is not an exclusive club. “We” are you, me, and all of our neighbors, near and far. Together, we are our democracy, and the task of finding common ground and electing representatives who embrace our values falls on us. Although our government’s influence spans locally to globally, exercising democracy happens neighbor to neighbor in our communities. A vibrant representative democracy thrives when it is a grassroots participative process.

Every day, news of the tumultuous work of the U.S. President and his administration draws people to television screens, computer monitors, and virtual spaces like moths to a flame. Being informed is one of the most important things we can do in a democracy and although venting our distress in virtual spaces may be therapeutic, connecting our neighbors with information about our representation, the upcoming election, our candidates, and the importance of their vote is transformative. Meeting people where they are begins the process of reaching common ground. Please join me and others like me in strengthening and transforming our democracy by engaging people in grassroots precinct level activity.

We are building the bridge while crossing it.

Yours in democracy,

Flora

Action Item: Are you active in your precinct? If not, contact me or Cheryl Harris and we will connect you with your Precinct Chair and resources to support their organizing efforts.