Recently I read a report from the Pew Research Center that 15% of people they surveyed said they don’t vote because they feel that their vote is just a drop in the bucket and doesn’t make a difference.
I’ve heard the same thing from people who were concerned about their small donation to a nonprofit. But all of us in fundraising know that that’s not true at any time, and especially now.
In fact, small donations are incredibly important. At a time when the leaders of 30% of nonprofits are reporting to CAF America that they don’t know if they’re going to be open a year from now, those small donations are absolutely critical to keeping the lights on. It’s not hyperbole to say that, for some nonprofits, those “drops in the bucket” are going to be the difference between providing services and closing for good.
Other small drops have incredible power.
A speck of dirt or a wayward eyelash can cause a surprising amount of irritation. That drop of eye wash packs a wallop of relief, doesn’t it?
A little drop of polio vaccine on a child’s tongue can make the difference between a normal life and an iron lung.
A tiny drop of the nerve agent Novichok on a water bottle was all it took to send Russian dissident Alexei Navalny into a life-threatening coma.
Small drops are powerful. So is one vote.
Did you know that in 2018 Rep. DJ Johnson won his seat in the Kentucky House of Representatives by one vote? It’s true.
The same thing happened – in the same year! – in the Alaska House of Representatives: Bart LeBon defeated Kathryn Dodge by one. little. vote.
One vote can make a huge difference. Your vote.
If you haven’t yet voted…
Check to see if early voting is available in your area. More information can be found at https://makeaplan.com/. Go to your town hall or wherever your voting location is tomorrow and vote.
If early voting is not an option for you, please vote on election day, next Tuesday November 3rd.
If you’ve voted but you know someone who hasn’t yet, please contact them and urge them to do it.
Thanks.
