Imagine everyday people accomplishing extraordinary things together to build a just and nonviolent world — uniting to address systemic racism, poverty, the war economy, and the distorted moral narrative. Imagine a tough, resilient peace and justice organization that is thriving and ready for the next fight in a conservative-dominated, highly-contested region for 43 years.
Because of people like you with a commitment to peace, justice, and human rights who give their time and money to sustain the Peace & Justice Action League of Spokane, this vision is a reality. During these 43 years, we have seen victories and setbacks, yet we remain steadfast with a strong commitment to our values, dedication to the work, solidarity with each other, and the acknowledgment that regardless of who is in office, there is always work to be done.
Of my nine years at PJALS, the past two have been the busiest and most challenging in many ways. More than ever I feel a sense of urgency, fear, and outrage with increased white nationalist rhetoric and violence, attacks on immigrants including separation of families and troops at our border, the Kavanaugh confirmation, and the ever-increasing fervor of imperialism. These are not new issues, but we are experiencing them more intensely. Our work did not begin with the Trump-Pence administration and it will not end there either.
You can make a difference today. In this highly challenging time, we have a great matching challenge. That means your gift before midnight December 31 will be doubled up to $6000! I know you already appreciate the work we do together in our PJALS community, so I hope you’ll take advantage of this opportunity to double the value of your own gift.
Elections are an important part of putting our values into action, though the real work doesn’t stop there. Continually, we build and strengthen the power of everyday people to hold lawmakers accountable, increase the pressure to win progressive policy changes, and amplify our rejection of white supremacy, war & militarism. This year PJALS community members who are directly impacted, and allies worked in coalitions and showed up at actions with community partners to advance protections for immigrant families, reject white nationalism, stand with survivors, support student-led calls for gun reform, and bring our stories to Olympia as part of the Poor People’s Campaign.
Now more than ever, PJALS has been my beacon of hope.
When I feel discouraged or overwhelmed, PJALS members like you remind me that I am not alone. I am surrounded by a community who shares my commitment to fight for justice. I am so very blessed to be able to do this work with all of you during these times. Your commitment to our work inspires me every day.
Instead of letting these challenging times defeat us, we are building beyond the moment. We will come through it stronger together.
Imagine everyday people have shifted the power dynamic of that highly contested region — by uniting to create a more just community where those impacted are leading and winning policy solutions. Now imagine that tough, resilient peace & justice group is still thriving and ready for the next fight 43 years from now. That vision is possible to achieve because of the generosity and commitment of everyday people like you building a just and nonviolent world.
Help us create this vision with your generous gift by December 31. 
I am so grateful to those of you already giving, and I encourage you, in this moment, to dig a little bit deeper during our year-end drive. Resources are a necessity to build beyond this moment because we recognize that our work does not end with any election. Whether digging deep means $20 or $250, I hope you see your gift as an investment in our collective survival.
And right now — every dollar you give by December 31 will be matched up to $6000! When you give $50, we receive $100! When you give $250, we receive $500!
I encourage those of you that are not already to join me as a sustaining member. Giving even $10 a month sustains our programs and actions so that we can spend less time asking and more time doing the work. In addition to being on staff, I’m a sustaining member because it allows me to give more and help to sustain an organization I value. If you commit by December 31 to give $20 monthly, we’ll receive $480!
In love, solidarity, and gratitude,
Shar Lichty, Organizer