In the course of only a few months we find ourselves in a new era of history. Basic rights we've taken to be fundamental in this country are being stripped away - rapidly. In particular, the right to Due Process, one of the cornerstones of a just society, is now being eroded.
Many of us feel powerless as we watch the erosion of democracy unfold in Washington. Or as people are abducted from the streets and incarcerated indefinitely.
While it is true that we are up against powerful forces, there is untapped potential in communities of women in this country. For many of us, our networks of family, friends, colleagues, classmates, fellow parents, athletic organizations, and religious and spiritual communities empower us every day, in so many ways. We keep each other going. We help one another stay strong when things are tough.
Already we know our relationships with each other are exceptionally powerful. It's time to use this power to show the world what American women are made of. Let's remind ourselves and the world that we are not alone, and we are not powerless.
Please donate $20 to the ACLU today (ignore the "suggested donation" amount). We specifically recommend the $20 amount because a) participating in this collective effort should be manageable for almost anyone, b) we need to show strength in numbers, not in individual wealth, and c) this is an increasingly difficult economic environment, and no one should feel burdened by this request.
Please also consider sharing the fundraising link with women you know — particularly those concerned about civil liberties. This campaign relies on women sharing with one another the ways they are making a difference at this time in history. We will all benefit from doing something concrete —something that makes a difference in the lives of those facing danger from our very own government.
We chose to raise funds for the ACLU because of its longstanding role in fighting for justice and civil rights. The ACLU consists of 500 staff attorneys, thousands of volunteer attorneys, and offices throughout the country. It fights government abuse and vigorously defends individual freedoms including speech and religion, a woman’s right to choose, the right to due process, citizens’ rights to privacy and much more. The ACLU is behind many of the lawsuits that aim to weaken efforts at authoritarian control. It is also involved in most of the cases of individuals who have been unlawfully imprisoned or deported. To read about their current cases click here .
Thank you for participating in this initiative. Let this be one of many ways American women use their collective strength to do what we have always done - keep things going in tough times, use our resources to help others, and advocate for the common good.
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