A special Election Day message from United Way Blackhawk Region President & CEO Mary Fanning-Penny.
Rest assured, United Way will be here regardless of the 2020 election results.
The months leading up to Election Day have wrought division and polarization in our communities, on top of the challenges so many are facing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It appears unlikely that the collective angst we’ve been experiencing is going to dissipate overnight or whenever the election results become clear.
Yet no matter the election outcome, United Ways across our beautiful country and right here at home have an important role to play in affecting positive change. As a nonpartisan organization focused on building stronger communities, we seek to bridge divides galvanizing diverse partners to solve our most intractable problems. Longstanding problems like poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, family and sexual violence, illiteracy and other crises that prevent our neighbors and local families from thriving.
United, we will continue to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in the Blackhawk Region. We remain committed to our values of diversity, equity and inclusion, and our unequivocal opposition to division, hate, systemic racism and violence.
Today, we take a moment to reflect on democracy in action.
We tip our hats to the election clerks and staff for careful planning to accommodate safety precautions and civil engagement. We extend a virtual high-five to the grassroots organizers and poll volunteers for your commitment to the democratic process. We applaud our fellow Americans for taking to the polls early and in record numbers, filling out mail-in ballots by the millions to ensure votes are counted and voices are heard
People on both sides of the political divide have been willing to endure physical discomfort and inconvenience to exercise the franchise that so many fought and died for — fueling what is expected to be a historic voter turnout.
Tomorrow, we continue the work we’ve been doing for more than 130 years – fighting for a stronger community.
Thankfully we do not do this work alone and implore you to please join us. Whether you elect to give, advocate or volunteer … United Way Blackhawk Region is proud to LIVE UNITED with you.
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