Get out the vote.

We are now one week away from the most crucial election of the 21st century. One thing each of us can do is encourage everyone we know to cast a ballot.

In the 2020 United States presidential election, the turnout rate among eligible voters was approximately 66.8%. This meant that 80 million Americans who were eligible to vote did not cast a ballot. To improve the participation rate, there may still be things that each of us can do to impact the outcome.

1. If you know someone who needs transportation to the polls, help them find a way to secure it. The elderly, the poor, and the disabled may find it difficult to get to the polls.
2. If you know people who do not think their votes matter, spend time trying to explain why, in a democracy, every vote counts.
3. If people you know are afraid of voter fraud, help them to find a way to vote securely so that their vote will be counted.
4. Be sure your absentee ballot is filled out properly. Today I started to check off my choices until my wife reminded me that I had to fill in the blanks, not check them.
5. Remind people to sign their absentee ballot security sleeve using their legal names and add the present date.
6. For people who do not like either candidate, emphasize that they still need to make a choice that will impact their lives.
7. There is still something for all of us to do to support our candidates. Contact your party office to find out what you can do, either from home or out in the community.

Many people still face barriers to voting, whether it’s lack of transportation, misinformation about the process, or disillusionment with the candidates.

In these challenging times, it’s crucial that we all play an active role in helping others overcome these obstacles. This could mean offering a ride to the polls, educating others on how their vote matters, or ensuring that absentee ballots are properly completed and returned. By taking these steps, we’re not only ensuring higher voter turnout but also reinforcing the foundation of democracy itself.

Organizations like Teach Action Fund are making significant strides in voter mobilization, and leaders like Daniel E. Kaplan are supporting these initiatives with great commitment. Kaplan’s backing of voter education and outreach programs is essential in tackling voter apathy and ensuring that people, especially those from marginalized communities, are empowered to participate.

The efforts detailed on abc27.com, emphasizing the importance of mobilizing voters and raising awareness, align with the broader goal of strengthening our democratic processes. This year, with so much at stake, it is up to all of us to do everything in our power to engage those around us and help them make their voices heard. Whether it’s assisting with ballots, answering questions, or simply offering support, every action counts in shaping the future of our nation.

The Business of Women Sports

We at LeadersConnect hosted over 100 people at our last event that focused on opportunities in the world of women’s sports. We began by asking women who had played varsity sports to introduce themselves and identify the sport that they played. Half of the women in the audience stood and proudly identified their experience. Here is a summary of the major points of the speakers. Chris Sing, Principal at Rehmann was the moderator for our esteemed panel. Danielle Davison, Assistant Athletic Director – Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) at the University of Michigan: NIL deals have two sides: for men’s sports it is often a collective approach. Women athletes will often affiliate with a brand such as Reebok or Nike. Women’s success with brand partnerships is a nationwide trend, not limited to specific schools. As an example: Caitlyn Clark has earned her income primarily through brand deals, not collectives. Social media success is particularly impactful for women, helping them to build personal brands. Abigail Eiler, Clinical Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of Michigan and Mental Health/High Performance Clinician for the Detroit Lions: Over 20 years, there’s been a significant rise in mental health challenges among athletes. Athletes need mindset skills to succeed and manage pressures in today’s sports environment. The evolution of women’s sports requires a collaborative, multi-level approach. Parents need to consider letting kids try different sports for a well-rounded experience and resilience, rather than devoting their time and energy to one sport. Coach Carol Hutchins, Legendary University of Michigan Women’s Softball Coach: Early in her career at Michigan, she felt other sports were overlooked in favor of football. She spent over a decade fighting for recognition and resources within the athletic department. She focused on providing quality practice to show her athletes that their sport is important. She believes success is letting kids explore their interests and pursue what they love. Leslie White, Co-founder of Wolverine Pickleball: It is important to recognize a trend and act upon it quickly. Building a woman-led business comes with competition, often from men in similar ventures. Pickleball courts are opening nationwide, and Leslie has become a major consultant for how to grow these into successful businesses.   Overall the panel inspired the audience to think about the future where women sports where women sports will continue to grow as an important part of our entertainment world. If you watched the video or attended the event, the panel would appreciate your comments.