Friend,

We are now weeks into social distancing and fighting a global pandemic but the disinformation and hate around COVID-19 show no signs of stopping.

Donate today to help us keep communities connected — and informed with the TRUTH — during this crisis.

Millions of people are now sheltering in place, working from home or keeping us safe on the front lines in hospitals, grocery stores and nursing homes. We are more reliant on up-to-date and reliable information than ever. Children across the country are attempting to learn on screens (if they’re lucky enough to have computers and internet access). And the coronavirus is making the many inequities that were already present in our society all too clear.

Everyone needs to be connected to the internet and able to access quality news and information that will keep them safe. Your donations will help us ensure that government bailouts actually address these issues by funding internet access and protecting fair and accurate local reporting.

The urgency of this information crisis is real. During one of his press conferences just last week, President Trump casually floated the idea of coronavirus patients injecting disinfectants. Afterwards, poison-control centers reported an immediate increase in calls.

Meanwhile, white supremacists are surfacing as key organizers to the protests against local stay-at-home orders. Acts of hate against Asian communities have increased. Coronavirus is disproportionately impacting Black communities in both infection rates and economic effects.

We’ve been fighting back, but this isn’t an easy victory to win and we’ve got to respond on multiple fronts. Powerful tech platforms need to be held accountable for their failures to protect users. Broadcasters should have to answer for the misinformation about the coronavirus they have aired into our homes. And while many local newsrooms are attempting to serve their communities, the economic crisis has led to journalist layoffs across the country.

This moment calls for — and is bringing forth — a massive shift. We have an opportunity right now to change business as usual in the United States. This is our chance to push for the kind of world Free Press has been fighting for over the last 17 years.

Donate NOW and your gift will be put to work right away to fund our multi-pronged approach to fighting against hate and misinformation and for connection and equity during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.

We weren’t ready for a global pandemic, but we are ready for this moment.

We’ve never taken a single penny from business, government or political parties. We rely on the generous support of people like you to fight for everyone’s right to connect and communicate. Donate today and let’s get connected, informed and through this together.

Thanks for all your support,

Candace, Dutch and the rest of the Free Press Action team
freepress.net