Indivisible Manatee: Lessons Learned

We have been involved with Indivisible Manatee since its inception in 2017 and have learned some lessons that we wish to share with your readers. First, as Americans, we all love this country. Regardless of your political affiliation, you are a part of the American experiment and want to see it succeed.

Second, despite the issues that divide us, we actually agree on many of the important ones. Perhaps the most important one at this juncture in our history is our right to vote, to elect the people who will represent us, to have free and fair elections. But in order for that right to be protected, we must all participate in the process.

Indivisible Manatee is one of almost 3000 Indivisible chapters in all 50 states that are affiliated with Indivisible national, a non-profit, non-partisan organization that attracts people from all political persuasions and all walks of life. Through peaceful events, we have succeeded in energizing thousands of voters to understand the importance of being engaged. Have we made a difference? We don’t know, but we fervently believe that we have made a significant contribution to impacting the future of Manatee County, the State of Florida and Washington DC.

Election Day is about to happen, and we are excited that millions of Americans have already cast their ballots. Protecting our right to participate in that process is essential for our country to survive. Whether we vote by mail, vote early, or vote in person, we all must have the right to do so safely and securely. Indivisible Manatee will continue its mission beyond Election Day to educate our neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family on their Constitutional right to vote.

Karen Curlin & Phyllis Myers are co-founders of Indivisible Manatee.