I really needed this inspiration

Friend,

I'll get right to the point: If you’re reading this email it's because I believe that, like me, you care about our internet and want to see it preserved. But to do that we must stand together in the fight to protect and uphold the current Net Neutrality rules.

The FCC's plan to roll back Net Neutrality is gaining speed and the future of the internet hangs in the balance.

So what am I doing about it? Well, last Thursday I stood outside the Federal Communications Commission with a range of advocacy groups, members of Congress and nearly 100 activists and rallied to preserve the open internet. A friend asked why this issue is so important that I would stand outside, in 90-degree weather, to sing and chant to a Commission that is (2–1) already set on destroying the open internet.

It's simple: Because it's my right to do so, and it's the right thing to do!

By attending the rally, I experienced firsthand how important this issue is for many groups and individuals. Net Neutrality is a free-speech issue, a democracy issue, a civil-rights issue, and, for me, a racial-justice issue. I left the rally inspired, excited and hopeful about what comes next and how I can help win this fight.

I really needed this inspiration. Let's face it: We’re living in very scary times. Democratic processes are being challenged and ignored. Basic rights are being stripped away at every turn. If the FCC gets rid of Net Neutrality, women, people of color and low-income communities will suffer. So, as a woman of color I can't ignore the impact this will have on my community. To quote former FCC Commissioner Gloria Tristani, "We cannot have our voices silenced and stymied."

The coming weeks are crucial. And Free Press Action Fund needs your support. Please help us raise $100K in 100 days to save Net Neutrality.

A free and open internet is how we stay connected. It's how we organize and resist a racist administration. It's how we educate ourselves. It's how we seek employment or start our own businesses. It's how innovation thrives and creativity blossoms. It's how artists and musicians promote their work and where everyday people can become YouTube celebrities. It's how we connect with our loved ones near and far. It's how we access our health-care needs. It's how people with mobility issues order groceries or access lifesaving services. It's how you’re able to read my email today!

Yet FCC Chairman Ajit Pai wants to get rid of all that — and hand control of the internet to companies like Verizon which, let’s not forget, he used to work for.

"I believe that we will win" was one of the rally chants. I found myself yelling it at the top of my lungs because I do believe we will. But it took 4 million people speaking out for Net Neutrality in 2015 to win the rules Chairman Pai is now trying to obliterate.

It will take millions more to save these protections.

Can I count on you to help raise $100K in 100 days to save Net Neutrality and take on the threats of the Trump administration?

Let's do this!

Many thanks,

Jessy and the rest of the Free Press Action Fund team
freepress.net

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