Over 800 people die a day from poverty making poverty the fourth leading cause of death, the federal minimum wage is a sinful $7.25 hourly making it impossible for many working people to escape the crush of poverty, the war economy is in high gear, voter suppression and LGBTQ hate are at an all-time high, climate destruction continues unabated, billionaire wealth is rising at an alarming rate, our democracy continues to be threatened, exorbitant housing costs, racism and division continue, women’s rights are at risk, access to health care, justice for all indigenous nations and on and on. It’s almost enough to make me want to give up, as if I am alone.

However, I have found hope. The power of low-income, low propensity voters is a sleeping giant that has the power to change the small margin of victory across the ballot making real change possible — our votes are demands. I want my voice to be heard, to demand that peace, love, community is possible, that there is enough for all to fully live, not just survive but to thrive. It is why I am going to Washington, D.C. on June 29 with the Massachusetts Poor People’s Campaign to join others across the country. Please, if you care about justice in all its forms, join us. For more information on transportation to Washington D.C. on June 29th please go to www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/mm24

Judy Schiavone

Greenfield