Dear John,
On the heels of International Democracy Day, we write to you amid a challenging time for democratic institutions across the Americas. From El Salvador's authoritarian drift to concerning trends in the United States and beyond, we're witnessing democratic erosion that threatens the very foundations of human rights and civil liberties our region has fought so hard to build.
Yet in these difficult moments, we also witness extraordinary courage. Individuals and organizations continue to resist authoritarianism, defend democratic values, and fight for justice—often at great personal cost. Their work reminds us that democracy is not a guarantee, but a daily choice that requires constant vigilance and action.
This year, instead of our traditional in-person gala, we're doing something different and exciting. We're pleased to announce WOLA's 2025 Human Rights Awards Month—a full month dedicated to celebrating and learning from those who refuse to let democracy die.
Throughout October, we'll honor our awardees through an engaging array of content designed to inspire and educate, including exclusive video profiles showcasing their courage and impact, in-depth podcast conversations exploring their work and insights, expert commentaries on the state of democracy in the Americas, and interactive content highlighting lessons for defenders everywhere.
We're proud to recognize Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia for his unwavering commitment to human rights and democracy, both domestically and internationally, and his leadership on critical issues affecting the Americas, and MOVIR (Movimiento de Víctimas del Regimen) for their courageous work supporting victims of state repression in El Salvador and their tireless advocacy for justice and accountability.
Our month-long celebration will culminate in a special virtual awards ceremony on October 29 at 1:00 PM ET, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Steven Levitsky, co-author of "How Democracies Die." Dr. Levitsky will share crucial insights about the threats facing democratic institutions and the path forward for defenders of democracy across our hemisphere.
This month-long celebration is our opportunity to amplify their voices, share their insights, and connect their experiences to the broader struggle for human rights and democracy across our hemisphere.
Mark your calendars for October and watch for our special content throughout the month. We'll be launching a dedicated landing page where you can stay up to date on all the latest content as it's released. Follow us on social media and visit our website for the latest updates on events and how you can engage with this important work.
We have exciting plans ahead and can't wait to share them with you - stay tuned!
