“My dear friends: Your vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union.” – John Lewis (1940-2020)

What comes to mind when you think of hope?

Force For Good founder, Jonathan Sprout, shares his thoughts: 

Hope stands in contrast to fear. Fear feeds on hate, dysfunction and powerlessness. Hope embodies love, patience and empathy. Fear looks down in anger. Hope looks up with optimism.

Hope and education are linked: Education fuels hope. The more we understand science, history and the workings of the world, the more empowered we are to change things for the better.

This election season, many of us define ourselves by who and what we hate, by what we fear or are opposed to. However, when we focus on what we don’t want, we actually encourage more of it. You get what you focus on. Instead, we can define ourselves by who and what we love; focus on what we stand for, not what we stand against.

To enact hope, vote. Build democracy. It is every American’s responsibility. Vote for the candidate with the greatest character. Who is more honest, caring, intelligent, selfless, generous and courageous? Vote for leaders who understand their duty to serve constituents and the greater good.

The current crises in health, human rights, environmental justice and climate change are awakening us. Together we are reinventing ourselves into better caretakers of each other and our planet. This November, rise to the occasion. Vote with hope for hope.

For more inspiration, view Force For Good’s music video, Hope.

—Hillary Black, Editor