Waging Love to Protect Democracy

Dear Friends,

As we enter 2025, facing both new challenges and persistent injustices, Everyday Democracy is reaffirming our commitment to waging love to implement the demands of justice. When we say love, we do not mean sentimental affection—we mean, as bell hooks writes, “a love ethic [that] presupposes that everyone has the right to be free, to live fully and well.” This love ethic demands policies that promote justice and equity, rooted in democratic processes that honor everyone’s participation. By leading with love, we choose fellowship over fear, inclusion over isolation, and dedication to community over division. At Everyday Democracy, we are using the essential levers of people power, civil society, and arts and culture to protect democracy, uplift our communities, and correct everything that stands against love.

We are inspired by the quote below from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and moved to take up his call.

“Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.” 

—Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  

As we prepare for the year ahead, we reflect with gratitude on our work in 2024. Thank you for your partnership and for continuing this journey with us in 2025. 

Yours,

Merle McGee, President & CEO

Aicher Impact Award

Everyday Democracy’s Aicher Impact Award celebrated organizations across the country who exemplify our values of equity, accountability, curiosity, and learning. Two winners —Hella Good Deeds and San Francisco Village—each received a $5,000 cash prize, a physical award, and a digital badge for their website.

Everyday Leaders Training 

Everyday Democracy launched the Everyday Leaders program in Hartford, CT with a multiracial and intergenerational cohort who gained new tools, knowledge, and skills to address community problems through collaboration and equity in their leadership, decision-making, and community engagement practices. 

PlayFULL Podcast

Everyday Democracy President & CEO Merle McGee joined host Kristine Michie for three episodes of the PlayFULL podcast, focused on The Promise, Practice, and Purpose of Everyday Democracy; Rest, Resilience, and Joy in Tough Times; and bringing fun to the serious work of changing the world.

Read the full story of our 2024 impact in our Annual Report!