First name / Hello,, 

I've been contemplating quite heavily what to say to my community about the state of our country and the decisions to be made on the ballot in the coming days. 

 

No matter what part of the country you call home there, this week marks one of the most important moments that I think we will ever have the privilege to live through and the opportunity to make our values known by how we vote in the upcoming election. 

 

While much of the energy and emphasis from a media and marketing perspective has been placed at the top of the ticket, I encourage you to look down your ballot and ensure that this week, you are voting with your values to protect the people and causes you care about most. 

 

In this election season, I am focusing on the issues that affect those that I love. Whether it's education reform, trans rights and the protection of the LGBTQ+ community, access to affordable housing and healthcare, equal protection under the law for women and people of color, or equal economic resourcing, I want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to get a fair shot at the American dream, no matter where they come from. 

 

For my team, there is a whole host of personal, local, and national issues that come into play that define their beliefs and how they’re showing up in their states this election week.

 

They have been kind enough to share as part of this email the diverse issues that matter to them based on their own identities, and to me, that is the beauty of the constellation of communities and people that make up this country, and why it feels so pressing to do our part to protect what matters most to each of us individually and collectively.

 

There is so much on the line this election season, and I feel like there is also so much at stake. While I have done my best to keep myself positive and informed while also keeping my head out of the sand, it has been hard and harsh to witness the rhetoric that our country has come to. 

 

My greatest hope this week is that before you cast your ballot, you look around at the community you come from and those that you care about and recognize that your voice and your votes have the power to decide the future that this country is headed toward. 

 

Even if your fundamental rights are not on the line, I know without a doubt that someone you love has theirs on the ballot this election season. 

 

That is why I and the Fearless Foundry team will continue to stand up and shout from the rooftops about the importance of protecting the bodily autonomy of all women, access to affordable childcare, equal pay, and equal protection under the law for LGBTQ+ people and our friends and folks that come from communities other minority communities, and protections for those that have immigrated to this country seeking asylum and a better way of life. 

 

Regardless of whether we share the same beliefs and values, it is my greatest hope that we all aspire to be great Americans, and it is in that that I believe that the highest duty and form of patriotism we could have within our current democracy is to exercise our right to vote and to embody the values of being a good neighbor and citizen within this country.

 

Sending you so much love, hope, and support as you make your way to the ballot box this week.

 

Madeline & The Fearless Foundry Team