Our Community’s Legacy

This Op-Ed Was Published On November 3, 2024

No matter the election results, we should find common ground in Lancaster County.

Elections inevitably shine a spotlight on the things that divide us. This focus on division can fray the threads that bind us together. It can make us forget everything we have in common.

It’s helpful and hopeful to remember that before we are Democrats or Republicans, we are Americans; we are daughters and sons, sisters and brothers, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. And here in our wonderfully diverse community, we are all proud Lancaster County residents.

One of the unique strengths of Lancaster County is that people from different political, religious, racial, social, and economic backgrounds are ready to roll up their sleeves and work collaboratively to get stuff done. Our diversity of perspective is a gift. While we won’t always agree, we owe it to ourselves, our families, and our neighbors to find common ground and work together for a better shared future.

Since 1924, the Community Foundation has been a presence in Lancaster County working alongside visionary and dedicated community members committed to creating positive long-term impacts. As a legacy-building organization, we have observed a common theme through the decades: Working together despite our differences has been one of the keys to our community’s enduring success.

Regardless of the outcome of Tuesday’s election, Lancaster County will still be here for years to come, with distinct challenges and promising possibilities. And just as we look back and learn from our ancestors, people 100 years from now will look back on this period in our country’s history to learn from us. Will they see that we came together to care for each other in the midst of tensions and distractions? What will they say about the choices we’re making and the actions we’re taking today that will affect their lives, their communities, their futures?

While division in the nation may continue to swirl around us, we have an opportunity to strike a different tone here in Lancaster; to treat one another with decency and respect; to approach others in our community with curiosity; to have the courage to invite everyone to the table; and to hold our leaders and ourselves to the highest standards of civility, kindness, and humanity.

We have the power to tap into the Lancaster we know we can be. We have demonstrated time and again that generosity and connection are woven into the DNA of this community. It is still possible to put the common good first, to welcome what each person can contribute, to cheer for each other. Lancaster can continue to be a place that celebrates our unique heritage today and commits to creating a collaborative and thriving community for tomorrow.

Some may continue to shine the spotlight on the things that divide us. But we can encourage each other to remain hopeful, to bridge our differences, and to do the good work of community building. We can choose today to build a future that generations of Lancaster County residents will be proud to celebrate.

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Sam Bressi, President & CEO

Lydia Henry, Board Chair

Tracy Cutler, Executive Vice President