Democracy, the River, and You: A Call to Vote from our Executive Director

Dear River Citizens,

As guardians and caretakers of the Mississippi River, you already know what it means to care about something. You care about our rivers, and you take simple actions to mitigate your concern throughout the year, working towards a healthier system.

Confluence Trash Bash volunteers hauling in litter by the ton! (St. Louis Post Dispatch photo)

Thanks to long-time River Citizen Mike Schwenker for the amazing photo.

I think about this and how it ties into our responsibility as citizens of the United States to participate in democracy to show that we care for our communities, our state, our country. And in just a few short days, we have the opportunity to be active in part of the show of democracy, a major election.

Please vote. 

Vote in this election because it is one way to make your voice heard; to cast a ballot that reflects the values you hold dear. Values; like caring for clean water and investing in communities. But don’t stop there with voting. Voting is one important action that all eligible voters should take and the real work of our democratic system happens in the less glamorous events.

Painting by John Ruskey. Image courtesy of John Ruskey at Quapaw Canoe Company.

It is the daily effort and work that propels us forward in our democracy; it is the everyday actions that can clean up waterways and figure out solutions to lessen the impacts of flooding; it the daily fight for better that eventually leads to justice for people and communities forgotten.

Vote in this election and make your voice heard. And then roll up your sleeves and get to work towards a future that works for us all. I’ll be there side-by-side, working with you.

-Kelly McGinnis

Executive Director, Mississippi River Network

Can the River count on you?

Become a River Citizen today!