Dear Friends and Colleagues, As we face a public health crisis and economic uncertainty, the challenge is daunting. But we've weathered times of crisis before, and I believe if we build on the core principles that guide the progressive movement, we will come out the other side of this stronger. At AFJ, we have asked our staff to work from home and adjusted our work to respond to the needs of this crisis. Our Bolder Advocacy program, which guides nonprofits and foundations on the complex rules governing advocacy so they can be courageous and aggressive, is busier than ever. We are fielding questions on both the impact of this virus on the upcoming election and 2020 Census, and the ways to advocate to ensure health care access for those who may be affected by COVID-19. We are also developing new resources to help groups navigate virtual advocacy and look forward to sharing those with you. This crisis has also exposed the inadequacies of our nation’s fragile network of medical facilities and care providers. Now, more than ever, we need to strengthen the health care system, not destroy it. Ten years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded health care access to millions, including protections for those with pre-existing conditions. But since the President took office, he has nominated judges eager to dismantle the ACA. In fact, just this past weekend, Trump doubled down on his support of a lawsuit that would completely gut the ACA. We're already straining the limits of our health care system – just imagine the impact of millions more people losing their health insurance. In response, AFJ is intensifying our work with partners in the health care movement to educate the public on the immediate threat posed by the nomination of anti-health care judges and pursuit of this dangerous lawsuit. These are uncertain times, but I am proud of AFJ’s dedication to lifting up the voices of the people on the front lines of health care advocacy and informing the public on the crucial role our courts play in ensuring access to health care for all. Thank you for your commitment to AFJ, particularly during this difficult time in the world. Because of your support, we are able to make the best decisions for the safety and health of our staff, and tailor our work to the moment. I plan to be in touch regularly over the coming weeks to share new resources, update you on our work, and invite you to join us for virtual events that will be timely, informative, and engaging. I hope you and your loved ones are well, and that you're staying socially connected but physically distant. If you'd like to hear more about our plans for the next few months or learn how you can support AFJ, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Warmly, Nan Aron
AFJ President |
