Friend,

From the moment rioters breached the Capitol Building one year ago, it was clear we had crossed into unchartered territory. And but for a few fleeting moments in its immediate aftermath, a day that should have served as a sober reminder our experiment in self-governance isn’t guaranteed, has been warped into just one more partisan cudgel. Now, as we mark its first anniversary, Americans seem no closer to unity.

Make no mistake, the January 6 insurrection was both a direct assault on our democratic process and an ominous warning of the broader crisis eroding democracy, here and around the globe. I founded New Politics seven years ago because I saw how the lack of civility and political will in our government had eroded trust in our institutions. Our mission was lofty and long-term: revitalize American democracy, a project that would call on servant leaders from across the ideological spectrum to again step up in service of their country. It would require courage and perseverance.

We are a nation born from the novel concept that the power leaders wield is conferred to them not by bloodline or bloodshed, but by we, the people. And that intrinsic to that power are rights so universal and undeniable they are self-evident. That simple notion has ignited the flame of purpose that has served as our North Star since our founding; and the courage to reinvent ourselves, has been the fuel powering us forward.

Now is the time to summon that courage. If the dysfunction of the last several years has shown us anything, it’s that trust in our institutions is broken. To restore it, we need leaders with the courage to act. Leaders willing to call on that bold and audacious spirit that has inspired generations of transformative changemakers to set aside self-interest for the good of the whole – servant leaders. That’s why I have hope. Because the selfless individuals we work with every day know what it means to truly put country over party, and have demonstrated the courage to foster a new politics for a new era of American Democracy.

In service,

Emily Cherniack Founder & Executive Director