To our ACLU of Oregon community,
Earlier this year, the ACLU of Oregon along with ACLU National and other state affiliates started preparing plans to resist the anti-democracy and anti-freedom attacks of a Trump 2.0 presidency. We are now preparing to implement these plans because vote counts indicate that Donald Trump will be president for a second term. We are ready to lead the resistance again.
During Trump’s first term, the ACLU challenged and blocked his unlawful and destructive actions repeatedly. We filed more than 400 legal actions. We activated millions of supporters and volunteers across the country. And ACLU staff at the National office and affiliates in every state, D.C., and Puerto Rico formed the backbone of the resistance. Democracy is hard work, but it is worth it.
Several days before election day, I was in Missouri supporting the ACLU of Missouri with their ballot measure — Amendment 3. Over four days, I walked miles and knocked on hundreds of doors to educate voters about the measure and get out the vote. Many people supported the measure, some disagreed, others needed information, and several people changed their minds after speaking with me.
Amendment 3 was passed by the people of Missouri. It is the first time that voters have successfully restored abortion rights in a nearly total ban state.
My time with the ACLU of Missouri team reminded me that democracy is hard on the feet and our hearts. It takes immense effort and resolve. The path is not always easy or smooth, and anti-democracy politicians and groups will create obstacles. But democracy is worth the hard work. The next four years will not be easy. But together, we will resist — we will fight.
Trump has shown us who he is with his words and actions: he is a crude fascist, racist, and sexist who values himself above all others. He has threatened to destroy our democracy, come after our freedoms, and harm our most vulnerable communities.
But we will fight to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. We are stronger together — so resist with us.
Your support makes our resistance possible. Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to take action, including two webinars on November 13, 2024, where I will speak about our contingency plans and how we need you involved. For now, take good care of yourselves and communities, because we take care of us.
With resolve and determination,
Sandy Chung
Executive Director
