Last week, we asked Bend the Arc supporters to submit their hopes for 5781. Because even in what feels like a nightmare, we have to find a way to dream. Tonight, as I watch the debate, I’m holding close your answers:

I choose to believe we are a seed that has been planted. It is dark all around and we can’t breathe because we are deep in the soil. The pain and destruction is the complete undoing of the seed as we grow into a new society that will be kind and equitable. Finally.
— Jordanna

Our community and our shared vision are our power. Trump wants us to despair as he spreads lies and cheats through an election (and on his taxes). But we know he is weak and desperate.

It’s why Bend the Arc is making a campaign ad with your messages of hope: it’s part of our strategy to mobilize Jewish voters in swing states to turn out in massive numbers to kick white nationalists out of power.

Before the debate tonight, join us to spread hope for what we can build when we win: Donate $18 to fund our campaign ad and creative rapid response election work.

Here’s another response that made me realize how much is possible if we remove Trump and white nationalists from office:

My biggest hope for a year from now is that we have a strong woman of color as vice president, who has a Jewish husband, and that it is the most normal thing in the world. I want my young Jewish/Asian-American children to grow up in a country where being Jewish and a person of color is normal, and okay, and just as American as apple pie and hot dogs. Those are my biggest hopes beyond hope.
— Eric

I want Eric’s children to feel absolutely cherished and loved in a thriving multiracial democracy — where all of us are safe, no matter what we look like or where we come from.

And I want as many Americans as possible to see our dreams for 5781.

With your help, we can make and distribute this ad just as swing voters begin casting their ballots in states like Florida and Georgia.

Donate $18 to fund this visionary campaign ad and our innovative creative strategy for this critical election season.

I’ll close with this submission because it captures why Bend the Arc exists:

A year from now, I hope our country has decisively turned to some very Jewish values: Community, hope, solidarity, justice.
— Jeremy

Every day, our staff, leaders, volunteers, and donors are moving this country toward a multiracial democracy where all of us are safe and free. I believe that we will win, and I hope you do too.

In solidarity,

Stosh Cotler
CEO, Bend the Arc

PS: You can still submit your answer to “What’s your hope for America in 5781?” here.