Sisters,

The threats to our voting rights and the uncertainty about what lies ahead are real. It can feel like a 900-pound elephant in the room. Something we know we must face, even when we’re not sure how.

But how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

We can turn concern into action one conversation, one letter, and one vote at a time. WE CAN make a difference together.

We start by choosing leaders who will work for all of us. I may sound like a broken record when I talk about voting, but I’ll stay on this soapbox because voting in every election matters. So does understanding the issues affecting our communities, helping shape practical solutions, and holding elected officials accountable for carrying them out—with us.

Too many people stayed home in 2024. We cannot afford to let that happen again. Every vote helps show leaders what we want for our communities and from our government.

We also need to be clear about what we expect from the people we elect. The Highland Project’s recent poll, The Fulfillment Gap: What Black Women Voters Are Building—and Where Investment Still Falls Short, offers a powerful picture of what Black women say a good life requires. Among 700 registered Black women surveyed, 94% said time to focus on mental health matters to a joyful life; 92% named having enough money; 91% named loving relationships; and 87% named a rewarding job. The poll also found an average 5.7-point gap between the importance women place on their needs and how well they believe leaders and institutions are meeting them. Those needs include voting rights, health care, mental health, good jobs and wages, education, safety, and justice.

For too long, our needs have been put on the back burner. For our consistent support, we expect candidates to work WITH us to address what matters to us.

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So, for today’s Mobilize Monday, take this challenge: reach at least five voters and encourage them to vote on November 3rd.

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One way to get started is to write to registered voters who may need an extra nudge. Join WE CAN and our co-sponsor, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter, on Friday, October 16th, for a Power Hour writing to voters in multiple states. We’ll share the letters and instructions, then write together online. As you register, set a goal to write at least five letters to voters.

You can also reach out to friends, family, and neighbors and encourage them to make a voting plan. Check your own registration and make your plan, too, at WE CAN’s Vote411 partner page. Election Day is November 3rd.

Stacey Abrams reminds us: “Voting is not only our right, it is our proof that perseverance and resilience works—but only if we protect our rights by exercising them.” Read the full speech here.

The work is in our hands again. Let’s take the next step, bring someone with us, and keep going—one bite at a time.

In solidarity,

Dr. Stephanie, WE CAN Founder