John,

One year ago, a mob violently stormed the Capitol Building in one of the most vicious attacks on American democracy in our nation’s history. They assaulted Capitol Police and threatened elected officials by name. Patriots died. Many officials sworn to protect us abdicated their duties altogether. It’s a hard day to remember. Yet, remember we must.

That day, my predecessor Nan Aron wrote:

“ Democracy is only as strong as the people’s faith in its integrity. Justice is only as strong as the people’s trust in its fairness.”

The Big Lie and the hate it harnessed is frightening precisely because it is an attack on the twin pillars of our democracy — integrity and fairness. And we know now just how unrelenting and sophisticated this war on our democracy is:

Voting restrictions have multiplied exponentially;
Conservatives with even a modicum of integrity have been chased out of the Republican Party (or soon will be);
State judges, secretaries of state, local nonpartisan officials, and anyone else capable of resisting the next attack on our democracy are being threatened and their powers are being limited.

Democracy teeters.

So what will we do?

Our advocacy — your advocacy — matters now more than ever. The January 6th insurrection was an attack on the very foundation of our civil society — the belief that the voice of the people must be heard and respected. We know that, for so many, nonprofits serve as the voice of the otherwise voiceless, and your work is vitally important to the well-functioning of our democracy. In this critical election year, our Bolder Advocacy Program is at the ready to provide you with the tools, resources and guidance to fight for the survival of our democracy.

It feels trite to say that courts matter when everything is on fire. But courts do matter. Our courts are an invaluable tool for defending the sacred trust we all share as citizens. Courts matter because many of the convictions handed down to the January 6th insurrectionists will soon be on appeal before federal appellate judges. Courts matter because conservative jurists have gutted the Voting Rights Act and floated theories that would keep all votes from being counted in future elections.

Going forward, courts will matter because seemingly arcane judicial decisions will either shatter or preserve American democracy. This understanding underscores the urgency of the work we do each day. The Constitution is our inheritance, and the rule of law is our shield. Our work has never been more urgent.

Today, AFJ’s thoughts are with all those harmed and intimidated by insurrectionists one year ago. I hope you’ll join me in donating to the United States Capitol Police Memorial Fund in honor of those who served. It’s the least we could do for those who gave us the privilege of democracy for another year. The most we can do is to persist in our defense and pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness.

Thank you,