This moment exposes the failures of structures of support and the gaps are being filled by those in our communities most impacted by COVID. We see structures outside of the state creating nimble systems that get people’s needs met, keep them safe and build and strengthen relationships. The government has responded to provide small, one-time cash support – support we know will be insufficient to address the precarity people are facing, and support we know those of us who are undocumented, formerly incarcerated and housing unstable won’t be able to access. Some of us are receiving stimulus support who don’t need the extra cushion.
Would you commit to redistributing $1200 or more to Freedom organizations today?
Whether it is because of secure income, savings, family support or otherwise, we have an opportunity to move our portion into the work that is keeping people safe and building long-term organizing power for now and beyond this crisis. Inspired by the #ShareMyCheck campaign (a project of Resource Generation), we are asking Unitarian Universalists: If you are among this group of us who have access to more security and stability in this crisis, will you commit your stimulus check (or an equivalent or greater amount) to Freedom organizations today? Or, if you are someone who won’t receive a stimulus check because your income is above the threshold, will you commit to redistributing $1200 or more to Freedom organizations today?
As Unitarian Universalists, we believe that we are all radically interdependent–and when any of our communities suffer, we all suffer. In this moment, we need the leadership of those who know that while we must protect one another in the present, we must also build toward a future in which all of us are truly free. We’re committed to our congregations and our movement organizations weathering through this storm and today ask you to make a contribution with that in mind. Black and Latinx grassroots organizations are leading us to build in the present in a way that honors our collective futures. We’re inviting you to share your check with organizations rooted in liberation, building power for the long-term – Trans Justice Funding Project, National BailOUT!, Mijente, Highlander Research and Education Center and organizations leading in your own community.
Will you commit your stimulus check to Freedom organizations? If you’re unable to, are there friends and family members you could share this message with and invite to join in and have them #ShareMyCheck?
In solidarity,
The UUA’s Organizing Strategy Team
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