Friend,

Like so many of you, I have watched the events unfolding around the country with a sense of anger and deep sorrow.
 

This communal grief has provoked mass protests throughout the country. Throughout our history, at our best, such mobilizations have pushed us toward our highest ideals. Change happens when the people demand it. Right now, that’s what’s happening, and the movement is being led by those communities most affected by the problem of racism in America.
 

I am committed to the fight for racial justice — and right now that means supporting the people putting their lives at risk on the front lines in order to protest the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and so many Black Americans whose lives have been taken by police brutality. And for me right now that also means joining my community in Holyoke on the streets this evening.
 

Our movement is raising money to support the efforts of two bail funds, the Massachusetts Bail Fund and Restoring Justice Bail Fund, that are working to protect protestors from incarceration.
 

If you can afford to, will you split a contribution between these two bail funds to help get protestors out of jail?

If you cannot afford to, that’s okay! Donating is just one of the many ways we can take action in the fight for racial justice. Below are some resources, readings, and actions shared by our friends at Rise Up Western Mass - Indivisible:

• Your Kids Aren't Too Young to Talk About Race: Resource Roundup




• White Supremacy in the Age of Trump – Smith College Course Syllabus with reading links




• Why white silence is deafening — and deadly




• 11 Things To Do Besides Say ‘This Has To Stop’ In The Wake Of Police Brutality




• 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice




• 5 Ways White People Can Take Action in Response to White and State-Sanctioned Violence




• Ways You Can Help

Thank you for being a part of our movement — one that unequivocally declares that Black Lives Matter and will support our fellow Americans in the fight against racism and white supremacy in this country.
 

In solidarity,
 

Alex

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website is continuously updated regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Please access information at cdc.gov

Our campaign has suspended all in-person activity to ensure the safety of our team, volunteers, and community members. We are relying on contributions from emails like these to continue supporting our progressive movement. If you can afford to give, please contribute here.