Voting Vibes

The election is on my mind. Pretty much non-stop. My guess is it’s on your mind, too.

Do you remember the first time you voted? Maybe it felt empowering, overwhelming, or even routine. But beneath it all, voting is an incredible privilege — one that allows us to shape the direction of our country and contribute to the building of our democracy. How lucky are we, that we get to have a voice in something so much bigger than ourselves?

Yet, at the same time, it's impossible to ignore how polarized we've become. Division feels like it's everywhere — on the news, in conversations with friends, even within families.

But we can't let that define us.

We have the power to choose something better.

The beauty of democracy is that it can serve as a bridge, not a wall. It can be a way to connect with others, even those we may disagree with, and find shared ground in our hopes for the future.

As we approach this election, I encourage you to vote not just for the issues that matter to you, but with a sense of optimism that we can heal, rebuild, and belong together. Our differences don’t have to divide us — they can strengthen our understanding and expand our empathy.

I’m holding hope in my heart and I hope you are, too.

Here’s to voting for a more inclusive, just, and united future.

With love and appreciation,

Sarah

First time reading this newsletter? Subscribe here for a regular roundup of things I’m thinking about.

👩‍🚀WANT TO TRACK THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION?

The International Space Station (ISS) is a multi-nation laboratory, orbiting 248 miles above our heads. Did you know you could track it?!

Yep, NASA has a Spot the Station widget, where you can quickly find out upcoming ISS viewing opportunities. According to NASA, “The International Space Station’s trajectory passes over more than 90% of Earth’s population.” (Um, wow!)

Enter your location here and receive alert messages from NASA telling you when the ISS will pass over you.

🥇RECORD-BREAKING RUN IN THE WINDY CITY

I am officially nerding out: Kenyan runner Ruth Chepngetich absolutely demolished the women’s marathon world record last Sunday in Chicago. She finished with a time of 2:09:56, slashing almost two minutes off the previous world record, set by Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia at the 2023 Berlin Marathon.

In running sub 2:10, Chepngetich broke a barrier many thought would never be broken by women.

And her pace per mile? 4:57.4. Mind = blown.

p.s. - She is self-coached!

🗳️2024 TAPROOT NONPROFIT RESILIENCY SURVEY

Taproot Foundation is conducting a nonprofit sector survey this fall to understand the hurdles nonprofit leaders are experiencing in accessing and managing resources that could fuel their missions.

Survey insights will be shared broadly as a tool for the field and will inform the development of Taproot resources and programs geared toward building nonprofit resiliency.

Nonprofits, check out the 10-minute survey here. And for everyone else, please forward along to your nonprofit partners and friends.

(Btw, Taproot is an awesome organization that facilitates HR, finance, marketing, and strategy projects that help nonprofits achieve their missions. You can sign up to be one of Taproot’s fabulous skilled volunteers here.)

💘NONPROFIT LOVE

Created by Michelle Obama in 2018, When We All Vote brings together individuals, institutions, brands, and organizations to change the culture around voting and to increase participation in each and every election by helping to close the race and age gap.

When We All Vote, a nonpartisan organization, seeks to register new voters across the U.S. and advance civic education for the entire family and voters of every age to build an informed and engaged electorate.

This year, When We All Vote set a goal to register at least 500,000 Americans to vote — and reach and mobilize five million voters to cast their ballots. (I know they can do it!)

Keep a lookout for When We All Vote’s “Party at the Polls” initiative, which aims to transform the voting experience into a vibrant community celebration, making the act of voting more accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone. “Party at the Polls” will feature more than 500 early voting events across the country.

To learn more and take action, click here.