Dear Friend,

Two weeks ago, we asked you what issues and actions are most important to you as we plan for 2023-2024. Thousands of you spoke up, and I’m excited to report back on what matters to Courage members and what we will do with the power of our 1.4 million strong membership.

• You care about a variety of issues and how they are deeply connected. Climate and environmental justice is a top priority for 64% of you, as well as economic justice and the social safety net (42%), health care (41%), and abortion and reproductive justice (38%). Many of you highlighted the importance of protecting people-powered democracy and holding the powerful accountable, and emphasized how progress on any issue is dependent on progress in all the others.

• >> Courage will unite progressive communities to fight for change on the issues that our members care about. Last year we helped pass historic climate bills, supported worker organizing, and protected abortion in our California constitution with partners around the state and nation. We’ll build on those wins to expand protections for LGBTQ+ communities, counter the powerful influence of oil and other industries to advance a green economy, and protect our social safety net from threatened cuts.

• You are ready to take courageous actions for change. Over 91% of you are likely to sign a petition this year with Courage and 32% would call an elected representative. You continue to organize others into this work by sharing our information and actions.

• >> Courage will equip you with the information and tools you need to take courageous actions. We’ll launch our annual Courage Score in April so you can see how your state legislators voted on key progressive bills and let them know what you think about their votes, help you leverage your power in our government and what you can do to influence the people we elected to office, and develop our Courage Voter Guide for the 2024 election so you can vote for the progressive champions we need and deserve.

Your voice and support are what gives us courage and makes us Courage. Thank you for being a Courage member and part of a larger movement for equity and justice in California and the nation.

Cheers to what we do in 2023!

With gratitude and in solidarity,

–Irene, along with Angela, Annie, Isidra, Lindsay, LisaMarie, Mai, Mai, and Scottie (the Courage team) 

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