The events that occurred at our country’s Capitol earlier this week, including law enforcement’s response to them, are stark indicators of some of the most critical challenges facing our nation — and our democracy. As we enter a new year and look to inaugurate a new president, the events are only the latest reminders of the need to more deeply understand and address the polarization that exists among our citizens, as well as the pervasive racism that is its own plague, harming all it touches and, in doing so, undermining the nation’s health in every sense.

Although many cultures celebrate the passing of the old year and the coming of a new one, we know that a new year does not itself bring renewal for a nation. If we want things to be better, we must all work, individually and collectively, to create the necessary changes. For WestEd, that means redoubling efforts to achieve our longstanding goal of equitable education and the success of every learner, which we see as the foundation for a successful democracy.