Today's Kindness #491: January 29, 2025
Talking Kindness & Democracy With SOS Jena Griswold
Welcome Back to AKAD for the New Year! We hope you enjoyed the break!
We welcome back the New Year with another AKAD interview!
The political arena is often filled with hostility and divisive rhetoric, making it difficult to find leaders who prioritize respect and integrity. However, some political figures, like Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, demonstrate that kindness can be a powerful leadership trait. By fostering civility and inclusivity, they prove that effective governance is not just about policy but also about the character and compassion behind it.
About SOS Jena Griswold:
Jena Griswold is Colorado's 39th Secretary of State, first elected in 2018 as the youngest Secretary of State in the nation and re-elected in 2022. Throughout her tenure, she has worked to expand voter access and strengthen election security. Under her leadership, Colorado launched statewide ballot tracking, expanded mail ballot drop boxes, and implemented automatic voter registration reforms that have registered hundreds of thousands of eligible voters. She also established a dedicated unit to protect elections from cyber threats, foreign interference, and disinformation. Griswold remains committed to ensuring that every eligible Coloradan, regardless of background, has an equal opportunity to participate in democracy.
Learn More About SOS Griswold here!
1. "With every interview that we do, we always ask, "What is a recent random act of kindness you have read, seen, or experienced?"
"I'm a new mom, and becoming a parent during a big election year with a heightened political climate has really shown me how important it is for parents to have community. I've seen and experienced so many kindnesses from the people in my life – my family, my wonderful husband, my friends – and I'm grateful for that. My son is being raised with support from all over, and that's wonderful."
2. "Your journey as a leader has been inspiring for many young people. What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders about the importance of civic engagement and fostering kindness in their communities?"
"Growing up in rural Colorado, there were times that were tough for my family. We were on and off of food stamps, in and out of food banks. People from my background don't tend to run and win statewide office, but I ran for Secretary of State because I wanted to help every Coloradan. My advice would be this: public service is deeply important, no matter the size of that service. Whether that means serving as an election judge, volunteering with a local non-profit, or running for office – our state is made stronger when people serve their communities. So get involved in whatever way you can!
When I was sworn into office, I was the youngest Secretary of State in the nation, and since then I've led efforts to make Colorado's elections more accessible and secure for all voters by increasing drop boxes by 70%, adding voting centers; guaranteeing voting access on every public university and on tribal land, among other reforms. The most important thing to do to encourage more participation in our democracy is to make it easier to cast a ballot for every eligible person. We've done that in Colorado."
3. "How has kindness influenced your leadership style and the decisions you make as Colorado's Secretary of State?"
"It's so important to remember that the people we serve as elected leaders come from all walks of life. When we act with kindness and consider another person's point of view, we can build bridges and make our state, and our country, a better place to be."
4. "Who has been a role model of kindness in your life, and how have they influenced your approach to leadership and service?"
"I admire my mom so much. Growing up she often worked multiple jobs just to make ends meet. She's a nurse and a like so many frontline workers I have been incredibly inspired by her dedication, empathy, and kindness she has shown throughout her career."
5. "And lastly, what are your favorite things about Colorado?"
"Well the first thing I'll say is our election system! We set the standard for election access and security. Colorado has so much to offer – whether it's rugged mountains or peaceful plains, Colorado has something for everyone. I'm proud to serve Coloradans and make this state an even better place to live, work, and play."
A huge thank you to Secretary of State Jena Griswold for taking the time to answer my questions today!
You can learn more about what the SOS does and the impact of our elections at the Secretary of State's Website.
"What we can do is to live out our lives as best we can with purpose, and love, and joy. We can use each day to show those who are closest to us how much we care about them, and treat others with the kindness and respect that we wish for ourselves. We can learn from our mistakes and grow from our failures. And we can strive at all costs to make a better world."
~ President Barack Obama