We the People are the true Founders. We always have been, even when deemed invisible under the law. We have the power to realize a nation rooted in racial, economic, and gender equity—deserving of the generations to come. It is ours to build together.
We know that the Founding Fathers’ vision for the United States didn’t include all of us when they penned the words “We the People.” But we, the people of our multiracial democracy, have always believed in more.
THE OPEN LETTER
From PolicyLink President and CEO, Michael McAfee
Imagine: our families are safe, we have everything we need, our communities are thriving, we all belong, we honor and respect each other’s humanity, we are all free, and there is enough for everyone. This is not a fairy tale, but a glimpse at the future we can create together.
At this moment in our country’s history, a powerful few are working to erode our democracy, using the Constitution as both shield and fuel, attempting to mislead us into retreat. Contestation of a fully inclusive democracy should not initiate retreat. Instead, we must double down on projecting and protecting our vision. We know it’s our birthright to advance a more just and fair vision that includes all.
We are powerful, grounded in a clear vision, and undeterred by the long and fraught arc of transformation. We the People of today’s United States are the Founders—we won’t cede that to anyone.
THE INVITATION
In the United States, democracy has only ever been made real by the people—families, neighbors, and communities—working together for change.
Over the coming weeks, months, and years, let us not be deterred by efforts to take us backward. The headwinds must be our fuel to create the nation of our dreams. Throughout history, countless people have devoted their lives to making today’s rights and freedoms possible—rights we must exercise to design a nation that works for all. This is our opportunity to honor those who came before us.
EXERCISING OUR POWER
No matter who you are, where you live, or what you do, you have the power to strengthen our union, perfect our democracy, and renounce acts of exclusion. If you’ve accepted the invitation, you’ll be among the first to learn of the ways we can exercise our power together in the future. Below you can find resources to support you today.
