Last month we wrote about the importance of continuing the growth of protest turnout at No Kings III. And of giving early in the year to maximize your political investments' impact. We also reported back on our own giving priorities in this critical year to combat authoritarianism and win in the midterms.

This month, we want to:

• Ask you to join in leveraging our collective economic impact on May 1st by not working, not attending school and not spending any money.
• Encourage us all to lean into our own personal meaning when giving – a surefire way to cut through the noise. And,
• Reflect for a moment about the long battle to save our country from unrestrained capitalism.

But first…

Next Friday (5/1): No school or work. No spending.

March 28th's No Kings III was clearly successful. The number of protesters grew substantially. There were hundreds of additional sites, including many in "red states." There was great press, costumes and signage. (One favorite sign we saw "carried" by a 10 month old on the front of their stroller: "I'm not even 1 year old, and I'm too old for this shit.")

Most importantly, together we continued to build the nationwide power to check the audacity of the right wing who will, undoubtedly, again try to steal the election in the Fall. With continued growth, we will have many million more people ready to mobilize to defend the election in November! And, importantly, we showed support for working people and others targeted and tortured daily by this administration.

So, what's the next step? Next Friday (5/1), May Day Strong is a national day of action. Protestors will join labor unions and workers across the country and internationally to protect democracy and protest corporate power. Whether you show up in person or not, you can easily participate.

As those in Minneapolis/St Paul showed on their massive Day of Truth and Freedom, exercising our economic power gets attention, perhaps speaking in the only language corporations and those in power understand.

Help send a clear message: We stand with working families, not billionaires.

It's simple. On Friday, May 1:

• Do not spend a cent.
• Don't work.
• Don't go to school.

Leaning into the Personal in Giving.

When you give to things you care about deeply, it feels good and fuels connection. And it will fuel your hope, something we all need these days.

A couple things happened this month that brought into focus how intensely personal one's giving can be. We found one new organization to support, and we were reminded of why our long-term continuous support to another is so important.

First, the new one. We lost our old college friend Alison Feighan this month. She was an amazing and inspiring person and friend. Read about her work supporting farm working families that inspired us to make a gift. (Also, read this testimonial on Facebook from U of M buddy Lee Winkelman.)

Because of Al's work, we made a gift to the National Ag Families Head Start Association Summer Internship Program. We didn't have them on our radar a month ago. At her memorial service, her friend and long-time client, Cleo Rodriguez, Jr spoke passionately about Al's relentless and dedicated advocacy for these interns, families and children. What better way to honor her? (Donate here if you also want to honor Alison.)

Many people struggle with asking for money, even if they feel deeply about a cause. One of the lessons we've learned: offering someone the opportunity for impact is a gift itself. When we connect people with something they believe in deeply, we are giving them something as well. As donors, by supporting things that resonate with our deepest values and loved ones provides us lasting satisfaction.

We also gave a gift a few months back to the Friends of the BWCA. You may have read about the Republican vote to open up toxic mining in this beloved wilderness area. We first went together to the BWCA more than 40 years ago; Tom back in 1974. We have plans to return in late July for the first time in more than a decade, despite the challenge of even sitting on the ground today (much less paddling and portaging!). Wish us luck. Here we are from 2007, much younger.

Here's the good news: there will be no mining there for a decade or so. Hopefully ever. While the vagaries of the news cycle brings this issue forward at the moment, this is part of a long-fought battle to preserve natural lands. Organizations need us to stay engaged, year in and year out, to build shelter long before the next storm hits.

If you love BWCA, we recommend supporting the 50-year old Friends of the Boundary Waters. It's never been more important, though we suspect their fundraising has had a deserved boost this month!

A Reflection: The Future of Global Capitalism?

Throughout our lives, we've seen Capitalism glorified and Socialism castigated. We grew up when Socialists were routinely lumped in with Communists in the wake of the Cold War. Now, we see the Democratic Socialists of America enjoying historic growth. Bernie's campaign in 2016 took it from about 6,000 to more than 20,000 members. Zohran Mamdani's campaign has catapulted DSA growth; it surpassed 100,000 members earlier this year.

Or, maybe it's just the times? Unregulated capitalism is bringing such disproportionate wealth to so few, we're experiencing historic economic inequality, and opportunity is moving further and further out of the reach of the majority.

But, here's the thing: despite the noise and misinformation, few people believe in totally unregulated capitalism. Individuals and voters generally want fairness. If you want proof, ask anyone whether they think someone making $250,000 per year should be taxed at the same rate as someone making $25,000 per year. Few do.

We have witnessed the steady erosion of the progressive income tax over our lifetime, and the enormous loopholes opened for the very wealthy. And exploited aggressively. Many do it legally, with the best tax advice money can buy. After decades of knee-capping the IRS, there is virtually no enforcement today.

It seems clear that there is "no going back." Nor should there be. Whether you are talking about the distribution of income, education and jobs, voting access or almost anything else, we need something new. Something profound. We have no idea where this country is heading in the decade(s) to come, or what labels will be adopted by those that change our national politics.

Corporate and capital power can, ultimately, be restrained. But it will take a huge sustained updraft of advocacy, protest and voting to level the playing field and make real change.

Whether we are focused on the communities that bear the brunt of injustice in the country, the middle class or our own grandchildren, we know that something new has to come. And it won't happen without fighting for and investing in it.

End of rant. Thanks for reading!

Tom & Julia