Freedom Together in the News: Defending Democracy and Honoring Everyday Courage

Dear friends,

This moment in history demands both a sober reckoning with the existential challenges facing our democracy and a resolute commitment to the people working every day to protect and strengthen it. This month, we’re proud to share two recent highlights that reflect our commitments.

Preparing for a New Era of Election Protection

In a new Guardian op-ed, Freedom Together’s Daniel Altschuler and democracy scholar Javier Corrales write that the serious threats facing the upcoming elections require a fundamentally different approach to election protection than in previous years. Drawing on lessons from countries that have experienced democratic backsliding, they explain how authoritarian leaders gradually weaken the institutions, norms, and public confidence that make free and fair elections possible.

The authors argue that democracy advocates must adapt accordingly. Alongside essential work to expand voter participation and protect election administration, they call for advance scenario planning, stronger coordination across civil society, partnerships between civic organizations and public officials committed to democratic norms, and broad-based coalitions prepared to respond if democratic red lines are crossed. Their message is clear: protecting free and fair elections requires preparing not only for Election Day, but for the months before and after it. Read the full op-ed in The Guardian. 

Celebrating Courage at the Washington National Cathedral

Earlier this month, the Courage Project was honored to help inspire an interfaith service at the Washington National Cathedral commemorating the 250th anniversary of our nation. The moving event brought together faith leaders, civic leaders, and communities from across the country to reflect on our history while looking ahead to the work of re-envisioning our democracy for all.

The service wove together prayers from different faith traditions, awe-inspiring music, and readings from foundational historical texts and firsthand accounts of the last 250 years, including Frederick Douglass’s What to the Slave Is The Fourth of July and Mary Tsukamoto’s letter from an internment camp. The service also featured reflections from Courage Project awardees, whose work embodies civic courage today. Dr. Brent Ringo, superintendent of the Kerrville Independent School District, reflected on the devastating floods in Texas last year and how 14 school bus drivers volunteered to rescue more than 900 campers and counselors trapped by rising waters. Bri Stensrud, Director of Women of Welcome, shared stories of evangelical women caring for immigrant families. “I have witnessed remarkable courage,” she said. “I have witnessed Women of Welcome members become legal guardians for children, host baby showers for mothers whose husbands have been detained or deported, help families pay rent…In quiet, courageous ways, these women have chosen to enter places of pain where hope is so desperately needed.”

By bringing together stories of past and present, the service reminded us that every era has been shaped by ordinary people who chose courage over fear and action over silence. Watch the full service at the National Cathedral.

Thank you for following our work and for being part of a growing community committed to building a stronger multi-racial democracy.

The Freedom Together Team