Updates below include:

• S.A.V.E. America Act
• Petition Season for Primaries
• Immigration and ICE
• And What The Fund is working on

February 20th, 2026

Do you feel overwhelmed by it all? 

Me too. Serious things are happening daily across the country: ICE in our hometowns, proposed legislation that would create a poll tax, millions losing healthcare...on and on and on.  

So how do we manage this long term? Community.  

This Black History Month, it is critical to remember that we are strongest when we are together, working towards the same cause as a community. The 1977 "Combahee River Collective Statement" helped develop understanding around intersecting oppressions (racism, sexism, homophobia, and capitalism.) Understanding how our lives intersect across shared and different identities helps us relate to one another and honor each other for who we are. Recognizing these identities is important for building strong communities. 

To be a good advocates, we must push ourselves beyond what we have previously done even if it is uncomfortable. We need to dig deep into our own self-education. We all have biases and we aren’t always aware of our own, so self-work is critical. We need to learn, break patterns, and retrain our brains – all while ensuring we do not burden those who are most greatly impacted. It is not easy, but it is necessary. 

Let’s honor the work of the incredible advocates and activists before us by working in community. Find your people, find your networks, and take care of each other. It is ok to take a break – and then get right back in it.  

In solidarity,

Blake

What are we watching?

Alerts on current issues...

S.A.V.E. America Act - (You may recall a similar sounding bill being voted on in April that did not pass the Senate.  This is a new (similar) more restrictive proposal. Last week the U.S. House of Representatives passed it nearly on party lines. The bill is now waiting for a vote in the Senate. People who have changed their name through marriage or for safety reasons such as domestic violence or trafficking, as well as trans individuals, may face documentation barriers. Click here to read more about the bill and what you can do.

Primaries - What is petition season? This is the state regulated window in which individuals who want to run for office from either the Democrat or Republican parties collect signatures to get their name on the primary ballot in May.

Important Dates 

• Petition season: February 17 – March 10, 2026 
• Last day to register to vote: May 4, 2026 
• Last day to apply for a mail in ballot: May 12, 2026 
• Election day: May 19, 2026  

Remember – there are two elections every year (May & November). Voting is one of the most important ways to support democracy! Click here to read more about the primaries and what you can do.

Immigration - Although the federal administration says only individuals with criminal records are being detained, the data does not support that claim. As of February 7th, 73.6% of detainees had no criminal record.  

Immigrant issues are women’s issues. WHY? 

First, while many of the images we see in the news are of men being detained, women are also being detained and are being denied medical and reproductive care while in custody. 

Second, and often overlooked, many families rely on two incomes to get by. In many recent immigrant households, men are the primary earners. When they are detained, the sudden loss of income can be catastrophic for mothers and their families. Click here to read more and what you can do.

What is The Fund working on?

Learn to be an advocate!

We are hosting an in-person event on March 5th at 12pm in collaboration with the Alliance for Health Equity (744 E Lancaster Hwy, Coatesville). Telling your story: Why YOU are the expert and people in positions of power should hear from you! 

Presented by Kevin Ressler, President and CEO of The Alliance for Health Equity and myself, this interactive workshop helps participants learn how to craft and share their personal stories through an advocacy lens, connecting lived experiences to broader policy and social issues. Participants will gain practical tools to shape compelling narratives that build empathy, influence decision-makers, and inspire action, while staying authentic to their own voices. Advocacy work is best done in community. Participants will experience a practical, live demonstration of creating a story for digital distribution. 

Individual advocates and nonprofit professionals can strengthen their impact by learning to share their stories with policymakers to advance the issues, causes, and legislation they care about. 

RSVP here!

Project Dignity

We are excited for this new initiative at The Fund! Born out of a listening session in which students identified that the need for menstrual products was a barrier to their education, this initiative empowers students to advocate for a school district policy that would ensure menstrual products be in school bathrooms at no charge to students.  Students involved in the initiative are learning all about local level policy and how to advocate for meaningful change that will positively impact menstruating students. More details to come as this project progresses! 

Paid Family Leave

We are still working on paid family leave for PA and we need your help! We are looking to do several things in the next few months – there are multiple ways to support this cause! 

• Do you know any of the local mayors? If so, we would love to connect – the statewide coalition is circulating a letter of support specifically for mayors.  
• Do you want to learn more about the issue with friends? We can help you host an informal gathering where you and your friends can learn not only about the proposal – but how to make real change that impacts everyone! 
• Join or share the information about our advocacy group! When someone fills out the form, I will reach out to them directly to discuss their interest and share more about the group – no obligations at all! Just information and answers. For more information, click here!

Contact Blake (bemmanuel@thefundcc.org) for any questions.

Don't forget to follow us!