I hope this message finds you and yours well. Like so many of us in Washington State responding to Covid-19; I am writing to you from home today, with my children and my husband. At our house, we are talking about how we can practice personal wellness that also helps care for our neighbors. This moment brings an important reminder: even as we adjust to new information that can cause concern, we must continue to center our larger community and show up for one another.

NARAL Pro-choice Washington is adjusting with the moment, and we want to share what you can anticipate. First and foremost: we are continuing our work for reproductive freedom and supporting our members to hold the line for reproductive healthcare and choice. This moment has shown the importance of healthcare access, the resilience of healthcare providers on the frontlines, and the need to prioritize prevention and treatment in equal measure. NARAL stands in solidarity with nurses and healthcare workers during these trying times. Our network is comprised of so many doctors who have risked their lives for years to provide abortions all across the country. Today we stand with health providers as they battle this pandemic.

We also stand with workers who demand living wages and sick leave. The right to choose is inherently connected to the right to live a healthy life with fair and equal pay. With all these intersections in mind, as of March 16th, the NARAL Pro-Choice Washington team is working remotely while Washington State is under Covid-19 wellness guidance. While limiting in-person gathering; NARAL team members are available by email, zoom, and phone for participation in coalition, partner, and advocacy work. We will continue to engage our members and advance our mission as we respond to caring for each other and the greater community at this moment.

Just as it has been for over 50 years, organizing and keeping people connected is what we do best. As we continue to take action as an organization, we will update you on ways you can take action from the comfort of your home. Our team’s innovation and creativity are powered by you, our members; and we will make sure that you don’t have to stop being an activist. We will continue email, social media, and phone actions that make an impact. And continue to send you the information and tools you need to join the fight.

Please reach out, stay connected, keep your circles engaged, and most importantly; keep up the fight. We know with you by our side, we will continue to win and preserve reproductive freedom for all Washingtonians.

Ever forward,

Kirsten Harris-Talley
Interim Executive Director