Necessary and noble repair work

Not yet united

As the new administration unveils its agenda and policies, this is a time of relief and renewed hope for many Americans. We could not be more pleased for our neighbors from all walks of life — students, Dreamers, LGBTQ folks, families in ICE detention, and many more. Those who care about democracy, recovering from the pandemic, and seeing liberty’s light shining on all are heartened.

At the same time, we acknowledge Americans who are cautiously optimistic, reserving judgment based on history’s unfulfilled promises. Some Americans can’t pay attention because they’re struggling to pay rent, buy food, find work, and survive during the pandemic. Other Americans do not trust the integrity of the 2020 election — despite it being the most secure in history. In short, we are not yet a nation united.

Progress and past

Our latest edition of the Americans of Conscience Checklist is full of heartening news for equality, truth, and democracy. Many of the issues we’ve been agitating for for nearly four years have been resolved with the stroke of a pen. Many celebrations represent decades of advocacy finally coming to fruition.

As we celebrate these changes, we are mindful that America’s brush with dictatorship and an attempted coup have left our nation weaker. It will take effort to mend the cracks and strengthen our imperfect democracy. At AoCC, we will continue to the lift the voices of those our nation would overlook and advocate for a democracy for all. In the words of poet and writer, Amanda Gorman:

It’s because being American is more than a pride we inherit,
it’s the past we step into
and how we repair it.

The unexpected blessing of the past four years is that the work of repair is growing. This is because you and so many people learned to speak up, show up, and get involved. You put into action the idea that we are connected so that in lifting up one, we lift all. It is not hyperbole to say that you are the reason that democracy has prevailed thus far.

All of us together

On the journey ahead, we’re here for the necessary and noble repair work. Let us proceed with love for the people of our nation and hope for a kind and thriving future. We can do it — together.

Onward!
— Jen Hofmann and the AoCC team

P.S. Join us in speaking up for accountability and justice using our latest Americans of Conscience Checklist.