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December 30, 2025

One more thought before the End of the Year

Dear friends,

Yes, you’re right – this is another end-of-the-year Appeal for donations. We know you’re getting a lot of them, but we’d like to make our case.

The Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality is an all-volunteer organization working for the survival of our communities through education and social justice projects. Since our founding in 2002, we have played leading roles in:

• the decades-long struggle to reclaim and properly memorialize Shockoe Bottom, once the epicenter of the U.S. domestic slave trade;
• the expanding movement to expose and address injustices in Virginia’s prisons, jails and detention centers;
• the critical movement to support immigrant communities, especially during the current racist attacks;
• supporting labor struggles in Richmond and beyond;
• helping keep alive the antiwar movement through protests, webinars and other educational efforts;
• supporting the ongoing struggle of the Palestinian people for their right to self-determination.

Central to this work is the publication of The Virginia Defender, Virginia’s only statewide community newspaper. Through its 15,000 copies distributed quarterly in 16 cities and counties, we shine a light on a wide range of struggles, seeking to sensitize all sections of our communities to the challenges facing all other sections and so work to build a united movement for fundamental social change.

We finance our work through member dues, supporter pledges, fund raisers, newspaper ads and the occasional grant. All donations go directly into our work – not into staff salaries. If you believe in the work we are doing, please consider showing your support by making a donation. No amount is too small (or large …) Here’s how you can donate:

• To make a one-time or monthly donation by debit or credit card: click  HERE
• For checks or money orders, make them out to “Defenders” and mail them to: Defenders, PO Box 23202, Richmond, VA 23223.

And if you REALLY want to help, think about joining us! No experience necessary – we train. Interested? Then let us know by replying to this email.

With Hope for a World of Justice & Peace for All,

Ana Edwards, Danielle DiBlasio, Fern Diaz-Castro & Phil Wilayto

for the Defenders Steering Committee (2025)