Dear Common Ills, Our biggest challenges lie ahead. As the year comes to a close, we are writing to give you a glimpse of the challenges in the year ahead and to thank you for your vital support. You turn to Ms. in moments like this to stay informed and empowered. We face a critical battle to enshrine the Equal Rights Amendment in the U.S. Constitution as the 28th Amendment. And in a few short months, the Supreme Court is likely to rule in a case that could endanger abortion access nationwide, having already left in place a law cutting off access to abortion for the vast majority of women and girls in Texas. That’s why, right now, as we head into what is likely to be the most consequential year yet for women’s fundamental rights, we urge you to consider making a year-end, tax-deductible contribution to keep Ms. on the frontlines reporting and truth-telling. Please give today – $5 or $25 or more – it all makes a difference. We need to raise $35,000 in emergency funds to claim a challenge grant pledged by a long-time supporter who will give $10,000 if we meet our goal. That means the first $10,000 in contributions will be matched dollar for dollar. You also turn to Ms. in moments like this to shed light on a path forward. Ms. first reported on the fight for the ERA in 1972 – nearly 50 years ago. And now that we are in the homestretch and victory is within reach, we know that our insightful analysis and reporting in the days ahead will be critical to winning this fight. When Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the ERA in January 2020, the only two requirements for amending the Constitution were met: approval by three-fourths of the states and approval by two-thirds of Congress in 1972. But as we’ve reported, a legal opinion issued by Trump’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) blocked the certification of the ERA by the national Archivist. Congressmembers and constitutional experts say the ERA has passed and the OLC memo was erroneously reasoned and should be withdrawn. The outcome of this fight for constitutional equality is more important than ever in light of the massive attacks on the right to abortion. In December, the Supreme Court struck a severe blow to abortion access when it ruled the Texas 6-week ban could stay in place while clinics pursued their case to overturn the ban – which could take weeks if not months. The Court’s decision has left little doubt how it will rule next year in the Mississippi 15-week abortion ban – a case that is a direct challenge to Roe and could determine abortion access, not just in Mississippi or Texas, but nationwide. If ever there was a time you needed Ms. to keep informed and empowered – it’s now. As we confront these challenges to full legal equality and to the right to abortion and self-determination, you need Ms. more than ever. But we can’t do it without you. Just like public radio, we depend on our supporters and members to keep Ms. strong. Please make a special, year-end tax-deductible contribution to ensure Ms. is stronger than ever in 2022. Remember, because Ms. is sustained by our readers – not by commercial advertisers – you never have to worry that we will shy away from telling it like it is. But it’s only with the support of dedicated individuals – like you – that Ms. can remain fiercely independent and on the frontlines. At this time of reflection and holiday cheer, your year-end contribution to Ms. will help us meet the challenges ahead and make 2022 a year of impact. On behalf of our entire team at Ms., we wish you an unparalleled Feminist New Year! For a strong Ms. and feminist future, | 
