COVID-19 cases nationally are on the rise, and it looks like the fall resurgence that has long been feared is fast approaching. After going through so much as a state and as a nation, it’s hard to face the reality of what’s to come.

In times like these, leadership matters. Among the most humbling and inspiring aspects of launching this project has been working with social and political leaders from all across the great state of Vermont. The passion with which they pursue their organizations’ missions and the courage with which they fight for what is good and what is right are essential contributors to Vermont’s community, and I have been so grateful to have the chance to learn from their experience and wisdom.

One leader in particular has been in my mind as national politics around the issue of mask compliance continues to devolve, and that is Gov. Phil Scott. From Masks4Missions earliest weeks as a fledgling project to its current status as a burgeoning grassroots movement, the Governor and his office have been encouraging, supportive, and dedicated to our work. To encourage mask usage these days is unfortunately to walk into a political firestorm, and if the regular negativity we are exposed to in our daily operations is any indication, I can only imagine what blowback the Governor’s Office has received as a result of their endorsement of masks, mask compliance, and Masks4Missions itself.

Governor Scott has been brave and patriotic in his protection of his constituents, and for that, I want to say, simply: “Thank you, Governor Scott. Your leadership matters.”