Happy Giving Tuesday! Today is a day dedicated to generosity and giving back. On this special occasion, we would like to share a moving story about someone who is making our democracy work — Tonya Wichman, director of elections in Defiance County, Ohio.
Tonya, an avid baseball fan and doting grandmother to five grandchildren, is a real-life hero in our book. Last November, Tonya faced a daunting experience at a polling location that left her feeling undervalued and threatened. Yet, she was committed to ensuring that the voices of voters in Defiance County were heard.
Tonya's story is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do at Issue One. As part of our Faces of Democracy program, she exemplifies the spirit of public servants who work tirelessly to ensure our elections remain free, fair, secure, and accessible.
From now until December 31, every donation of $100 or more will be matched by a fellow supporter, up to $100,000 — doubling your impact!Your gift will support our advocacy, research, and education on urgent democracy reforms. When you donate to Issue One, you become a vital part of this critical movement.
We can't do this alone, and that’s why we need your help. Your gift will help us build a democracy where our elections are protected, facts outweigh falsehoods, and institutions serve their citizens.
By standing with us this Giving Tuesday, you're standing with Tonya and for democracy. Your gift is more than just a donation — it's an investment in the future of our country.
Stand with Tonya. Stand with us. Stand with our democracy.
With gratitude and onward, for democracy,
Nick Penniman Founder and CEO, Issue One
P.S. In addition to monetary donations, you can also contribute non-cash assets, such as stocks, donor-advised funds, and QCDs. Every gift makes a difference!
Issue One is the leading crosspartisan political reform group in Washington. We unite Republicans, Democrats, and independents in the movement to fix our broken political system.
