Will you join us?

Beloved TV Host Fred Rogers said that in turbulent times, we should look for the helpers. I would ask you to go a step further and become the helpers. After a divisive election, we need all the help we can get.

• The US was downgraded from a “full democracy” to a “flawed democracy” in 2016 due to a lack of trust in the government. Since then, it has continued to slip in rankings because of the gridlock caused by our political culture and division.*?
• In 2016, 1 out of 6 Americans stopped talking to friends and family because of the election and in 2018, 15% of Republicans and 20% of Democrats said the country would be better off if large parts of the opposing party “just died.” *

The election has come and gone and we are left to find our way back to each other after intense campaigning, hopes, and disappointments. We can no longer afford to view each other as enemies. Our country needs to find a better way forward.

(*Cited sources: Economic Intelligence Unit, 2023; Reuters/IPSOS, 2017; Kalamoe & Mason, 2018)

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In the months leading up to the election, our Program Director, Annie Caplan and I were on our own campaign trail of sorts. We traveled more than 20,000 miles speaking to people about the importance of connection and understanding. ?

This work doesn’t end with Election Day. Whether your candidate won or lost, we can all respond to our pressing collective need to keep our communities and relationships intact.

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We need your help. We want to heal the rifts that have been pulling us apart by massively expanding our work to meet the current need.?

• Will you donate $50 to fund our campaign of bringing Americans together? As a thank-you gift, all donations through the end of the year will get our Friends and Family Resource Guide to help you navigate relationships approaching the holiday season.
• Will you connect us to other people or organizations who would find this work essential??

We dream of a society where we can care for each other even when we disagree and we each have a role in making that a reality.

From one helper to another- thank you!

Becca | Executive Director