Hi John,

Over the past two months you've undoubtedly been inundated with a massive stream of news reports, social media posts, videos, and countless other media about the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on our state's public health and economy. Today we're writing to offer a bit of relief and share with you our COVID-19 priorities document.

Right now, our state is facing two distinct challenges: one of public health and safety, and the other of economic crisis. Knowing this, we're adapting our work to respond to urgent community needs-- while keeping our organization's mission of anti-racist, anti-poverty grassroots organizing front and center. 

Throughout the coming months, Poverty Action is committing to: 

-Fight for what’s right: We’re using our position as one of Washington state’s forefront anti-poverty organizations to push for policies that protect low-income communities and facilitate a just recovery. The health and futures of our hardest-hit communities, as well as communities that have faced historic discriminations, must be at the forefront of policymakers’ plans. Click here to advocate alongside us.

-Uphold community members’ stories: The economic harm of the pandemic will linger long after the stay-at-home orders are eased. It is critical that we elevate community experiences of hardship and resilience, sharing these stories with lawmakers and the media to demonstrate prolonged need for protective community policies. Click here to share your story.

-Keep you informed: With the constant stream of news reports and policy changes, things can be pretty overwhelming. We’re committed to bringing you the facts with our simple and informative fact sheets that cover a wide range of topics from federal stimulus checks to statewide housing protections. Click here to read our fact sheets.

-Build community: We’re growing our statewide network of community advocates— and you’re invited! This summer we’re offering a series of online classes about digital grassroots organizing work, all for free. Click here to register.

-Maintain connection: Our advocacy and organizing work hasn’t stopped— it’s simply shifted location. Through digital advocacy tools such as social media, video calls, emails, and texts, we’re creating a sphere of online advocacy that can be easily accessed throughout the farthest reaches of Washington state. Click here to stay connected.

We are confident that through a unified, statewide commitment to inclusive policies that prioritize the health and economic well-being of all Washington’s communities, we can all move forward toward recovery together. We invite you to join us in our work!