Friend –

We're on day two of our Systemic Equality Week of Action and it's all about the power of postal banking. Here's what to know and your day's action for making an impact:

Banks across the country are closing branches, or penalizing those who don't have large savings. 64 million Americans – disproportionately Black and Brown people – can't easily access basic financial services and are forced to pay thousands a year in fees for alternatives.

But what if there was an institution represented in every zip code that could already, by law, offer people these basic financial services? That institution is the Post Office – and there's a way to make this accessible vision of postal banking a reality for all of us.

Right now, Congress is considering whether to provide money for the USPS to expand its capabilities for things like check cashing and online bill pay – starting with 10 pilot programs that would bring affordable postal financial services to underbanked communities nationwide. You can make sure this happens by sending a message to your senator today and telling them to support the expansion of postal banking.

ACLU Supporter, postal banking can help millions of unbanked and underbanked people and address the racial wealth gap in this country. In fact, through these pilot programs, local post offices could start to save low-income families nearly $3,000 every year.

Plus, this issue has momentum and real support: Congress and President Biden already appointed new members to the Postal Board of Governors who are on record for their commitment to postal banking – in part because of the activism of ACLU members like you.

So let's keep the pressure up: Send a message to your senators now.

Thanks for taking action,

Rakim Brooks
Pronouns: He, him, his
Senior Campaign Strategist, Systemic Equality Campaign Manager, ACLU

P.S. Your next quick, but meaningful digital action will be in your inbox from us tomorrow – focused on closing the digital divide and fighting for equitable broadband access. Be sure to check back for our email and thanks for taking part in this Systemic Equality Week of Action.