Democracy Wins: Four Stories That Boost Faith in America
It's easy to focus on all that is wrong, cruel, and harmful—especially this week, when headlines seem determined to remind us of humanity's capacity for division and destruction. But noticing the good things isn't just feel-good fluff; it's essential for our mental health and our democracy. Research shows that celebrating small wins helps maintain motivation and momentum toward larger goals, while creating positive feedback loops that build confidence and resilience for future challenges.¹
This past week delivered a powerful reminder that beneath the continued attacks to basic services for our most vulnerable citizens, and upsetting headlines about the stunning cruelty of “alligator alcatraz” opening, Americans are still doing what we do best: taking care of each other, fighting for justice, and building the future we want to see. From Wisconsin's highest court defending reproductive rights to Florida neighborhoods rallying around a hardworking ice cream vendor, these stories reveal the threads that still bind us together as a community.
The wins span the deeply political and the deeply personal. We see courts defending fundamental freedoms while neighbors recognize neighbors in need. We witness young people inspired to reach for the stars while voters select experienced leadership. Each story operates on a different scale, but they share common themes: institutions working as they should to protect people's rights, communities investing in their future, and individual acts of kindness amplified into movements of mutual aid.
"Why Celebrating Small Wins Matters." Harvard Summer School, accessed July 3, 2025. https://summer.harvard.edu/blog/why-celebrating-small-wins-matters/
This Week's Wins Highlights
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