Friend, 

I give a lot of thought to the importance of belonging – how much it matters to us all, and how much the character of our politics is related to people’s sense of where they fit in the story of this country.

Those in charge in Washington today define belonging based on who they can exclude. Of course, there’s a better way to establish belonging: rooted in the civic creed of our nation, made good closer to home through community, service, and the power of the local. Belonging is best cultivated offline, in places we actually share.

We know the dangers that fill the vacuum when people can’t find a healthy sense of belonging – extremism, bigotry, and the worst kind of politics. We also know that some of the institutions that once held up well against these forces, now show their weaknesses.

The answer is not to give in. The answer is to rebuild – not back to what we had, but toward something stronger, at once more modern and more true to our origins as a nation.

That’s why the work we’re doing together matters. Your support helps us lift up leaders who believe in service, strengthen the social fabric of communities, and reimagine what our civic life can look like. It helps us focus on long-term renewal instead of short-term noise.

If you’re able, I’d be grateful if you’d chip in today. Your contribution helps build the kind of politics that brings people in rather than shutting them out.

Thank you,

Pete