We are living in a time of crisis that demands real leadership.

Ostensibly democratic institutions are calcified and captured by corporate interests. Our leaders are uninterested or unprepared to address the concurrent interrelated crises we face — climate, housing, Trumpism, and gods knows how many other competing issues.

We have seen institution after institution self-censor and comply in advance. Appeasement did not work in the past and it will not work today. Whether it is greed, cowardice, or outright support for Trump policies – change is imperative.

We are calling on those in leadership positions – politicians, university presidents, museum directors, non-profit board members, and others – to rise to the occasion or resign to make space for the next generation of leaders who are up to this task of defending democratic values.

The past was practice.