Here's what's encouraging us on this Friday – you're a part of it.

Friend –

This prolonged crisis can be a lot to process at times, but we want you to know what's encouraging us on this Friday. Our lawyers are filing lawsuits across the country, our staff and organizers are monitoring government actions (and inaction) around-the-clock – and people like you are selflessly devoting time and support. Each of us, doing what is needed to defend voting rights, safeguard abortion access, protect vulnerable communities, and uphold our most fundamental freedoms.

We're closing out the week with another recap of our latest work surrounding the pandemic:

* We're urging the Senate to move swiftly on COVID-19 relief. After the HEROES Act passed in the House last week, we're now putting pressure on our senators to build upon this legislation by: mandating and funding vote by mail <[link removed]>, providing for the release of incarcerated people most vulnerable to COVID-19 infection <[link removed]>, making care available to everyone, regardless of immigration status <[link removed]>, and protecting people from eviction and homelessness <[link removed]>, which are acute risks during this crisis, especially within communities of color.

* We're safeguarding the right to vote. We recently won in Missouri when the state legislature, citing our lawsuit, expanded access to vote by mail for all voters during 2020 due to COVID-19. This is progress, but the work continues to make sure all eligible Missouri voters can vote safely. We're also suing to ensure vote by mail is an option for all eligible Tennessee voters during COVID-19, adding to our litigation in seven other states to protect and expand safe voting access during the pandemic.

* We're advocating for vulnerable people in prisons, jails, and immigrant detention. This Wednesday, we sued the Shelby County Sheriff's Office in Tennessee, to seek relief for medically vulnerable people, including incarcerated people with disabilities, who are most at risk to the virus. Additionally, we filed a class-action lawsuit yesterday with our partners, seeking an immediate end to worsening conditions inside the Dallas County jail. The ACLU and affiliates also filed a class-action lawsuit against ICE – asking for the release of 70 vulnerable people from the Wyatt Detention Facility in Rhode Island.

* We're ensuring paid leave is a priority amid pervasive inequities. This week, our McDonald's advocacy campaign <[link removed]> urging for paid sick and family leave for its employees ramped up – with a letter sent to the McDonald's CEO on Tuesday and a virtual rally on Wednesday with partners. This is all leading up to a major shareholder meeting on May 21, to pressure the company to act for the safety of its employees.

* We're protecting our privacy. We continued our efforts to guard against privacy-invading companies and unjustified government overreach this week as we look for safe solutions around COVID-19. Most recently, we issued warnings surrounding the civil liberties issues and inefficiencies of an immunity passport system <[link removed]> and technologies such as temperature screening <[link removed]> and contact tracing. <[link removed]> (Please note: this link takes you to a third-party website, youtube.com)

ACLU Supporter, this is what our collective hard work has accomplished just in the last few weeks. Since the outbreak began, we've filed over 110 legal actions and counting. <[link removed]>

And this is what gives us hope. Because with so much on the line – with critical civil liberties and civil rights challenges exacerbated by the pandemic – we cannot let up.

There are a lot of fights ahead, but we'll face them together. And that's a certainty worth ending the week on. Thank you for being at the heart of all we do.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend,

The ACLU Team

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