adVOcaTE: Join Me in Making Election Day a “Day On” to Keep U.S. Democracy Resilient

We have a responsibility as leaders to give our teams space to engage in critical moments to keep our democracy resilient. Dare I say, one of the most important moments is coming our way:  the upcoming U.S. federal, state and local elections. I have a core civic duty—and one of the most fundamental rights in America—to vote. And I hope my friends and colleagues will join me. With the office of president of the United States and 470 seats in the U.S. Congress—35 Senate seats and all 435 House seats—being contested, November 3, 2020 will be a momentous day for the United States. As citizens, Americans have the opportunity to have their voices heard and participate in this foundational exercise of democracy to shape the future of the country.

We must be active participants in our democracy—not just on Election Day, but as a constant priority. This means, for those of us that can take the day off on Election Day, making it a “Day On” to fulfill our civic duties and helping those around us to do so as well. APCO is a signatory of “Time to Vote”—a nonpartisan, business-led initiative to help ensure employees across America don’t have to choose between voting and earning a paycheck—and all APCO employees in North America will be able to take the day off on Election Day every two years.

That’s why I am delighted to introduce “adVOcaTE,” a campaign consisting of internal and external education and engagement efforts designed to help APCO employees prepare to cast purposeful votes, share their voices and continue their efforts fighting for what they believe in, during and beyond election year. In the next few months, you’ll hear from my colleagues sharing their stories about why they’re voting, what they’re voting for and how they plan on continuing to be an adVOcaTE beyond Election Day and year.

To be an adVOcaTE, at its core, is a chance to show the humanity of democracy and to be a part of something greater than ourselves—keeping our democracy resilient. As a collective process, democracy needs civic participation by all citizens—not just the wealthy or the powerful—to thrive and be healthy.

It is a time to celebrate what makes our country great while holding it accountable for its shortcomings. It’s a time to exercise our civic duty and carry the obligation which comes with being part of a democracy. And above all, it’s about ensuring that the road we’re on now will lead to a history we all can be proud of. A destination we—truly everyone—aimed for. A future in which our children, regardless of their identities or points of view, will one day truly believe that they are meant to be heard and not merely seen.