How to strengthen the democracy!

 You can strengthen democracy by practicing the culture of democracy: 

1. You must Use Your Voice.

Your voice matters. Recognize your own agency by speaking up for the causes and people you care about and enlisting allies in the fight. 
 

2. You Must Embrace Human Connection.
Don’t shy away from cultural differences, create space for them. There is so much more that unites us than divides us, and it’s the best way to strengthen a democratic culture. 

3. You Must Verify Facts Before Forwarding Any Message.
Be mindful of the messages and information you consume. Examine sources, think before you share, and help others in your life be critical thinkers who can separate opinion from fact. The divisions that can exist within our democracies aren’t going away any time soon, but the information we choose to consume can encourage the better angels of our nature. 

4. You Must Participate In Voting, Polls and Keep Your Leaders Accountable for What They Promise in Electioneering.
Engage in the democratic process by voting, holding your leaders accountable, and working toward diverse and inclusive institutions. The future depends on how we act today. 

Bonds of Friendship

It’s a compilation of the messages I received from time to time from my friends in their messages, to reiterate their bonds:

"Friends are like Peanut Butter ... it sticks to the roof of your mouth, like a friend, stick to you.... and it feels as if they never go away.!"

"True friendship, unlike love, always lasts forever."

Sent by Chatterbox

"To the world you are someone, but to someone, you are the world."

Sent by Lisa

"A friend will be there for you when things are good...but a TRUE friend will be there for you when things are good and also when things are very bad...and just when it feels like you will never smile again...she can put a smile on your face with just with a hug!"

Sent by Kathrine

"A real friend is not one who only entertains you, but one who cares about you, one who will be there when you cry"

Sent by David

"Best friends are better than boyfriends."

- Sent by Mavis Jukes

"As I reach a time of complete uncertainty, friends are my most precious asset."

Sent by Joslyn

"There is no distance too great between friends, for love gives wings to the heart."

Sent by Elizabeth E. Koehler

"Where there is love there is life."

"A friend will strengthen you with her prayers, bless you with her love, and encourage you with her hope."

" I'd like to be the sort of friend that you have been to me. . . I'd like to be the help you've always been glad to be; I'd like to mean as much to you each minute of the day, as you have meant, an old friend of mine, to me along the way."

Sent by Jenny Mcgehee

"A friend is like a rainbow. They brighten your life when you've been through a storm."

Sent by Jenna Palmer

"A friend in kindergarten is the one who sat next to you and let you have the pretty red crayon when only the ugly black one was left."

Sent by Liz

"True friendship lasts even though one friend's sole has left this earth"

Sent by Jennifer

"A reassuring presence, A LIGHT when times are dark, A hand reaching out, Is what friendship is about."

Author Unknown - Sent by Laure Schnackenberg

"We always thought we'd look back on our tears and laugh, but we never thought we'd look back on our laughter and cry."

-Author Unkown, submitted by Amanda

When I'm asked what one happy thought is I always say knowing that no matter how big the fight is I will always have a best friend.

- Smitten_Kitten

"Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow~ don't walk behind me I may not lead~ just walk beside me and be my friend."

"Love is blind, but friendship closes its eyes."

"I believe in Angels, the ones that heaven sends

I believe in Angels, but I call them my best friends"

-Sent in by Micaela K

"Friendship is like a popsicle on two sticks, when the friendship breaks, so do the popsicle, making everything a mess"

-Sent in by Paul