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Dear John:

April 2024 AFJ Insider Prep Document

SUBJECT LINE: April Edition of AFJ Insider: [subheader here]

PREHEADER TEXT: All things justice, nonprofits, and equality for all.

Dear NAME:

By now you have learned that I will be ending my tenure as president of the Alliance for Justice and the Alliance for Justice Action Campaign in order to assume a leadership role at the JPB Foundation. Serving and leading this organization, and partnering with you, the people and partners who power our work, has been an incredible honor. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to grow this organization and expand its ambitions to meet this historic moment.

I would not have made this difficult choice if I didn’t believe in the strength of my leadership team, our programs, our vision and capabilities, and our financial position. With thanks to our supporters, we are financially sound and poised to play an even more critical role in ensuring the strength of our progressive movement and our democracy.

Please read our press release here for more details about the path ahead.

I am utterly confident in this talented staff and ask that you continue to partner with and support this tremendous organization that will never give up on achieving our vision of a democracy that meets our highest constitutional ideals.

With gratitude,

Rakim

Federal Courts

The Biden Administration has announced its 47th slate of judicial nominees, featuring three women, two people of color, and diverse professional backgrounds. Notably, Judge Rebecca Pennell, with extensive public defense experience, has been nominated to the Eastern District of Washington, showcasing her understanding of legal challenges faced by vulnerable communities. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court recently heard arguments on access to mifepristone, with Justices Thomas and Alito hinting at supporting a resurrection of the Comstock Act. AFJ urges swift confirmation for Adeel Mangi, the first Muslim federal appellate judge nominee, amid Islamophobic attacks. Additionally, three district court nominees, Sarah Russell, Mustafa Kasubhai, and Amir Ali, await votes.

State Courts

We are excited to share AFJ Action’s annual report, State of Justice 2024: State Supreme Courts and the Future of Democracy. The report reviews Wisconsin and Pennsylvania’s record-setting 2023 supreme court elections, details the current composition of state supreme courts in all fifty states, and previews this year’s 82 state supreme court elections taking place across 33 states. The report also highlights important recent state supreme cases that our team is closely monitoring. Our state courts hear the vast majority of the nation’s court cases, and their importance and power will only continue to grow. The report details the impact of state judiciaries on the full spectrum of our fundamental rights. To learn more and read the report, click here.

Latest Resources from Bolder Advocacy

Amidst the bustling election season, we're dedicated to supporting nonprofits and advocates alike with invaluable resources and tools to amplify their impact. Our Nonprofit Voter Assistance series, created in partnership with The Democracy Capacity Project, empowers organizations like yours to navigate civic engagement and GOTV programming confidently. By navigating state law restrictions and prioritizing impactful activities that streamline operations, we're fostering a path for bolder, more effective advocacy.

Mark your calendars for two public webinars this April: "Foundations, Election Season Advocacy, and Election Activity Funding" on Wednesday, April 17, and "What Your Nonprofit Needs to Know When Registering Voters and Getting Out the Vote" on Tuesday, April 30. Lastly, don't miss our latest Rules of the Game podcast episodes where we explore the rules and best practices for foundations and public charities engaging in nonpartisan election activities during this pivotal year. Let's make our voices heard!

Advocacy Wins

In advocacy, partnerships are essential. Nonprofit tax compliance, though often overlooked in elections, is crucial for organizations like Faith in Action. At the heart of Faith in Action's mission lies a commitment to grassroots empowerment and global change. With a network spanning 1,000 congregations in over 200 cities worldwide, their nonpartisan approach has been a beacon of hope for communities far and wide.

Instrumental in Faith in Action’s advocacy efforts, Monica Sommerville, Director of Grants Management and Compliance & Federation Coach, reflects on the partnership with Bolder Advocacy: "Bolder Advocacy has been my go-to resource for everything." Navigating the intricate landscape of nonprofit compliance, Faith in Action found a steadfast ally in Bolder Advocacy. From state-specific guidelines to understanding the nuances between c3s and c4s, our support has been pivotal.

The journey towards compliance wasn't just about ticking boxes — it was about fostering a culture of understanding and empowerment within Faith in Action. Monica recounts, "Our advocacy clarity has been super helpful in maximizing our impact." This shift in mindset has catalyzed a new era of collaboration and effectiveness.

Crucially, our partnership empowered Faith in Action to navigate collaborative endeavors with clarity and confidence. Monica emphasizes, "Bolder Advocacy has given us the freedom to know who to collaborate with and how." This clarity has been instrumental in fostering meaningful partnerships and driving tangible change. As Faith in Action continues to champion justice and equality, their journey stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and informed advocacy. In the words of Monica and the entire Faith in Action team, let's continue to stand together in the pursuit of a brighter, more just future.

Our Membership and Outreach Community 

Our spotlighted member for April and May is The Arc. In case you missed it, our Member Spotlight for February and March was Mi Famila Vota.

A Resource for You and Your Future

As we look forward to a just and editable future for all, we invite you to plan for your own future through our partnership with FreeWill. Using their online estate planning tool, you can create a will or revocable living trust 100% for free and protect the people, communities, and causes you care about. Create your free plan today.

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