Dear Fellow County Chairs and Friends,

I hope this message finds you and yours healthy.

This month has been difficult. Whether it is the increased politicization of the pandemic, the uncertainly of the economic future, or the continued dismantling of our democracy, it has been a rough month at every level. As if that wasn’t enough, pile on another viral video of a young Black man getting shot just for being a young Black man, and knowing the only reason the killers were charged was not because the local police saw the video, but because we saw the video. Finally, add the ease at which a conspiracy video full of lies and half-truths about the virus spread across the internet. It is a wonder we can get out of bed!

Some of us are feeling so overwhelmed that we are disengaging and shutting down, thinking that ignoring or not responding to these outrages is somehow taking the high road. Now is not just the time to take the high road, it is the time to drive a union American-made Mack truck at breakneck speed down the right road. As we barrel down the right road, we need to grab our folks, activate their enery, and drive them to restore our democracy.

It is vital that all Americans who call themselves Democrats become Active Democrats. This means spending your time, talent, and money to support the IDCCA and your local county Party. Many of you who are reading this are already Active Democrats, but I challenge you to do more. Here are some ways to be an Active Democrat:

This Republican Administration and this pandemic have shown us with clarity the cracks and deep divisions in our country. You can set it right. Everything you can do to grow the Party and elect Democrats between now and November will matter and will make a difference up and down the ballot.

We can see past Trump and the Republicans politicization of this crisis, many others see it too, including Republicans. We must not let up on the gas to vote him and those who support him out.

Democrats will continue to look to and follow facts and science to address this pandemic. Follow Governor Pritzker’s daily briefings here. Push back on false viral posts because, as Tara Haelle with Forbes writes, “Conspiracy theories like those in this video are actively, directly harmful and dangerous. They can influence people’s behavior in ways that harm those people and public health—including you personally—in general. We can’t afford to let these ideas run unchecked.” Here is how.

As I mentioned in April’s President’s Message, elections have consequences and this crisis has made it clear Democrats are leading. Democratic candidates and electeds are working tirelessly to help their constituents and others as well. For example, Representatives like Stephanie Kifowit (ILHD84) and her staff have been providing constituent services to whomever has been in need.

Our history shows us that in times of crisis, Americans come together. We are coming together, despite him, in large and in small ways. Find feel good examples at Some Good News. My family and I watch this together and draw inspiration. We also look to our community as well. So many social media posts from local communities are filled with great stories of people helping each other. My own community is a good example with stories posted about food drives or even the simple neighborly replacement of damaged mailbox. Take a walk and watch for hopeful chalk messages written in driveways or All In Illinois signs posted on front room windows.

With you, the IDCCA will stay focused driving forward to victory and for the betterment of Illinois and our nation.

I hope you and yours remain healthy. Thank you for being an Active Democrat.