Dear John,
The coronavirus has turned everyone’s world upside down, including ours. We’ve had to make big changes to our strategy, figuring out how to overcome obstacles we’ve never encountered before. How do we organize mass protests in a digital space? How do we encourage voting for Green New Deal champions when gathering at the polls is unsafe? How do we highlight the important connections between the Green New Deal and the relief so many around the country need right now?

And then the question that can be uncomfortable to tackle: How do we keep Sunrise funded so we can continue to support our movement?

We’re doing some hard work on securing answers to a lot of these questions. Hubs around the country have gotten creative with artwork, signs, and demonstrations that keep participants safe. Our movement has joined calls for states to delay elections and move toward safe, mail-in ballots. And Sunrise members everywhere are sharing stories of the trials our communities are facing and why the Green New Deal is the answer to those struggles.

Fundraising to keep our lights on, though, that’s still an awkward conversation to have.

With more than 20% of the country unemployed, we understand that not everyone is in a position to give. And that’s okay. Because part of being in this together is understanding that everyone contributes in their own way. Some of us are inspiring speakers that can gather large crowds. Some of us are talented artists that make eye-catching signs. And some of us are in a better position than others to help with funding through this crisis. No matter if it’s one dollar or hundreds -- every little bit helps. We ask only that you pitch in what you can. That’s part of what makes Sunrise such a strong community -- no one’s contribution to the movement is too small, no matter what form it takes.

The next year is a critical window of opportunity for our movement. For years we’ve been told our vision for the Green New Deal costs too much or is too radical, but this crisis has totally changed the political landscape. In the coming months, Congress will likely spend trillions more dollars rebuilding our economy. The question that remains is what and who do they prioritize? Our movement needs to do what we’ve always done -- organize in every corner of the country and force politicians to put the needs of working people first, not give massive handouts to corporations and billionaires.

But that task has never been easy. We’re up against some of the most powerful and well-funded interests in the world. And social distancing has only made our work harder. That’s why we need to ask everyone who is able to chip in so we can afford the Zoom accounts, art materials, digital amplification tools, and more that we need to meet this historic moment.

In May, we’ll be launching a big fundraising campaign for Sunrise and partner organizations in our communities that are in desperate need of help. Our goal is to build a strong flow of support to sustain us through the trying months ahead. Monthly contributions are the best way to do that. Our goal is to welcome 1000 new monthly supporters in May. It’s going to be tough during a time when so many are facing uncertainty but, as usual, it’s the people power of the movement that will be our greatest hope of continuing our work.

If you’re able to pitch in, you don’t even have to wait until May. Click here to contribute for the first time or increase your existing gift by a couple dollars a month to help carry us through this crisis so we can keep fighting for the justice everyone deserves. [[link removed]]

Thank you for everything,

Erin Bridges, Fundraising Director
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