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Dear Neighbor,

I know that your inbox is flooded with emails about the election and we sincerely hope you voted early — or plan to vote on Tuesday before the polls close — in recognition of our hard-fought rights in this flawed, but beautiful American democracy. Rocky Mountain Public Media isn't going to tell you how to vote. We don't make endorsements. But we also won't pretend like we have no stake in the outcome of the election.

You and me both are part of a community of caring so much larger than we even realize. We are all united by a deep investment in our collective health and well-being and how it is or isn't reflected in our politics — regardless of whether or not we voted the same way.

Many of us grew up believing in the importance of institutions like our legal and education systems. Of course, we were always debating how they can and should be better, but our fundamental need for these institutions was never in question, let alone under serious threat.

For others, you may never have experienced first-hand these same institutions operating in a way that made your life any better and as a result it's only logical to wonder why we ever put so much faith in them to begin with.

These differing perspectives should be hard to wrestle with because they are both true. But far too often, the institution of our free press doesn't delve into these complexities in ways that bring us together through empathy and shared connection. Our own institution of media is at record low levels of trust because too often we wield our power to separate us all along tribal partisan lines in an effort to make money.

Since January, we've personally connected with over 60,000 of you face-to-face at events across Colorado and thousands more have taken time to call us or send us messages on social media or email as part of our Above the Noise initiative that is working to bring people together across political and geographic divides. Without exception, we heard stories from folks who no longer speak to beloved family members because they can't see past each other's political differences. These stories are often told through tears because people want to be together as a family, and as a community, and none of us want to feel alone, misunderstood, or judged by those we need and love.

When we asked you if our work made a difference, the majority shared that you are more likely to trust your local news source after attending one of our events. You are more likely to continue conversations with your neighbors with whom you disagree on important issues. Some of you even pledged to try again to reconnect with estranged family members before the holidays.

Next week, and the weeks leading up to the certification of the vote on January 6 are likely to be difficult for us all. Our levels of anxiety and fear will be high, and our levels of control will feel low — no matter who you voted for and what you consider to be a successful outcome.

Together we can reject the voices of anyone who tries to isolate and divide us from each other.

We can all work together and in different ways to ensure our families feel safe and have what they need to thrive.

And we can strengthen — and even rebuild where necessary — the institutions we must rely on for a healthy democracy.

Please visit our website for regular updates based on your feedback to us. We're committed to working alongside you to ensure you get what you need in the days and months ahead. We're also asking you to share with us your feedback and questions so we can stay in close contact.

Please take good care of yourself and each other and know that you will never be alone as long as you're part of the RMPM community.

Warmly,

Amanda Mountain, President & CEO