Friend –

I'm up early this morning, thinking about what's ahead of us and what's at stake. I'm thinking about our rights as a people – and about the future of democracy.

You see, today, the ACLU is reaching for something important for Giving Tuesday: We're working to unlock a $1 million matching gift opportunity and asking you to help us get there by setting up a monthly donation.

But here's why I'm in your inbox so early: I know emails like this during big fundraising moments can feel far removed from the impact you actually want to make. That's not the case here.

In a fight that is for everyone – a fight for the future for our rights and our lives – I mean it when I say one gift, every month, from you is the ongoing support that our teams need to win.

Because a voter in Georgia should count just as much as a voter in Oregon.

Because no one in Texas should have to cross state lines to access abortion care.

Because parents in Florida should be allowed to get life-saving medical care for their trans children. And students everywhere should be permitted to learn our country's real history.

These are basic rights, ACLU Supporter. But for years, politicians and other public officials have led state-by-state assaults to strip them away from us – emboldened by the hateful and unconstitutional actions of Donald Trump during his presidency. That's where the ACLU comes in. We're on the ground in all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico fighting back – in courtrooms, statehouses, and in the streets.

In states like Oklahoma, we're supporting teachers and students against state censorship laws. In places like Arkansas, our legal team is representing the parents determined to get healthcare for their trans children. Across the nation, we're pushing back state-by-state to ensure abortion access for all. And at every level, we are here and ready to fight anti-democratic forces, including Trump.

We can't do this important work alone though. With 100 years of defending democracy and protecting people's rights – we know you are what will define the strength of our fight.

When we show up together, we win. So this Giving Tuesday, please be one of the first to show up with us for the fight ahead and for the future of our nation: Help us secure our $1 million match by becoming a sustaining member today of the ACLU.

With gratitude for all you do, and all that we will do together,

Anthony D. Romero
Pronouns: He, him, his
Executive Director, ACLU