Hey friends,

I know it feels rough right now. Everything seems like it's shifting, and all our hard work is hanging by a thread. But here’s the thing: our power doesn't come from promises or guarantees. It comes from the fact that we keep going, even when it’s tough. What we do matters, even if we don’t see instant results. Every small action we take, every conversation we have, every effort we make—it all adds up. And we’re not alone. We’re part of a long line of people who have fought for change. Our persistence is what keeps that spirit alive.

People have faced hard times before, when change seemed totally out of reach. But they kept showing up. They stood up, over and over, against the folks trying to hold them back. Our strength isn’t just in policies or laws. It’s in the community we build, the friendships we make, and the values we hold close. It’s in how we lift each other up and push forward, even when things get rough.

When big challenges come our way, we still have choices. We can be there for each other, support groups that share our values, and keep making those small moves that add up over time. Every step we take, every message we send, every moment we come together, it chips away at hopelessness. Our combined efforts have the power to tip the scales. Reaching out, helping others, refusing to stay quiet—all of that makes a real difference, even if we can't see it right away.

Sometimes, despair tries to tell us our voices don’t matter. But history tells a different story: our voices are powerful, especially when we use them together. So let’s not give up on each other, or on ourselves. This is a tough chapter, but it’s not the end of the story. We have so much more to do, and as long as we keep trying, we are making a difference. The challenges we face now are real, but they aren’t impossible. We’ve faced hard stuff before, and we’ve come out stronger.

Some might call this kind of optimism “hopium”—like it’s just fake hope ignoring all the real problems. But that’s not it. This isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff. It’s about knowing exactly what we’re up against and still deciding to fight. Because giving up guarantees nothing will change. Real hope isn’t about wishful thinking. It’s about action, about facing the tough stuff, and refusing to let setbacks define us.

We are so much stronger together. I’m so grateful for each of you who keeps showing up, no matter how hard it gets. Your courage, your passion, your commitment—it all gives me hope. Let’s keep moving forward, one small step at a time. Together, we’ve got this, and together, we can create the change we want to see.