Happy Birthday, America!

This week we celebrate the USA’s 241st birthday. The United States of America has long been a special place in the world. It’s a place where people from all sorts of backgrounds come together to take on the challenges of the day and work to make things better.
Making a democracy function smoothly is never easy. At times, the political process can be loud and contentious.  And that’s certainly been the case these last few months. But one of the great freedoms of America is that we have the right to participate in our government. We have the right and obligation to make sure our government is truly a reflection of the people.
Amidst the chaos and stress of this last year and the last election, we have seen some positive change. More people than ever before are starting to involve themselves in the political process and are speaking out about the things important to them. This advocacy is exactly the medicine our country needs.
Whether your concern is for health care or more funding for those government programs most important to you, it is your right as an American citizen to petition your elected officials and make sure they know exactly where you stand on these different issues. Not only is it you right, but this is one of the many ways you can contribute to a healthy and vibrant democracy.
As you pause this week to celebrate and remember the meaning of July 4^th, we at the Goodwill Industries International’s Government Relations office invite you to embrace your freedoms as an American. Get involved. Attend town hall or city council meetings. Run for office yourselves. Advocate! And most importantly, vote.
Happy 4th of July!