Advancing Economic Justice Beyond the Ballot Box: A Message from CFR
Dear CFR community,
Voting is one of the most powerful actions we can take individually to advance democracy, but when we engage collectively, our impact deepens and extends beyond the ballot box. Recognizing the interconnection between economic justice, voting, and civic engagement, CFR proudly provides our team with a paid day off on Election Day to participate fully in this process. This past Tuesday, CFR staff honored and thanked poll workers by delivering cookies to polling sites, while others volunteered with nonprofits sharing our mission for a fairer society. These small acts reflect our enduring commitment to a democracy that is inclusive and just—one where every voice matters.
As the election’s outcome settles in, I find myself reflecting on what this new political landscape means for the communities we serve. Our communities have weathered crisis after crisis, from the uneven toll of the pandemic to relentless inflation, all while supports that once served as lifelines continue to erode. Our mission is to uplift people, especially those who have been left behind by a system designed to favor the few. But today, it feels as though that mission has become even harder.
A renewed Trump administration brings a wave of policy changes that may deepen the challenges already faced by low-wealth families and communities of color. We see the potential rollback of hard-won protections: affordable housing access may shrink, consumer rights could weaken, financial regulation might be gutted, and the safety net that so many rely on hangs in jeopardy. This moment feels precarious, and the road toward financial security and equity looks steeper than ever.
Yet, even as we navigate this disappointment, I am not without hope. Our mission—to build pathways to economic justice—has never felt more urgent, nor our work more necessary. For every roadblock that may stand in our way, we are prepared to find new routes forward. If this year has shown us anything, it’s that adversity only strengthens our resolve. When faced with challenges, we do not retreat. Instead, we adapt, innovate, and press on with an even fiercer commitment to those we serve.
To our partners, allies, and supporters: we will keep pushing forward, guided by our unwavering belief that justice, dignity, and opportunity are not privileges but rights that should be accessible to all—regardless of who is in office. Together, we will continue this fight, driven by a shared vision of a just and equitable future, resilient in the face of any setbacks that may come our way.
In solidarity,
Parisa Esmaili
