GiveBIG Challenge, 2026

GiveBIG 2026 is just around the corner. We ask you to please donate as generously as you can to support the PSARA Education Fund as we meet the threats of this difficult time and move forward with determination and hope.

The fascist policies and actions of our federal government require educational programs and action. We have joined as a founding member with the local affiliate of Standing for Democracy, and also participate in a statewide anti-fascist network, Free Washington. On February 4, 2026, we helped to organize and co-sponsored a webinar entitled "Organizing the Resistance, Voices from Minneapolis." It was an outstanding webinar where we learned much from the sisters and brothers in Minnesota. On March 4, at the request of a few of our members, we sponsored a well-attended “Know Your Rights” training with an emphasis on building power in our communities. More educational events and actions are in the planning stages.

Meanwhile, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, programs essential to the lives of seniors, people with disabilities, children, and low-income adults are under significant attack. Many members of the broader communities are unaware that these programs are being seriously undermined. Others know there is a serious problem but do not know the nature of those attacks and what can be done. The PSARA Education Fund’s publication of the Retiree Advocate combined with multiple presentations in Western Washington provide important information to diverse communities.

We have provided information about the attacks by the Trump regime on Social Security. Access to field offices has been significantly impacted by staffing reductions. The Trump administration laid off 7,000 workers in the Social Security Administration with plans to force beneficiaries to get answers through AI. In Washington State, staffing has been reduced by an average of 11 percent, with some WA Congressional districts suffering more than a 30 percent reduction according to the union that represents the Social Security workforce. The Commissioner is determined to push Social Security beneficiaries into communicating with Social Security online. We also now know that critical data about Social Security beneficiaries has been breached. We will continue to provide information about these attacks while working with allies to support positive legislation that addresses the financial needs of the program and of beneficiaries and rectifies inadequate staffing.

A recent example of the value of our educational and advocacy work is the campaign we initiated to educate the public and our elected officials about the WISeR program and the threat it represents to all current and future Medicare beneficiaries. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services had no process to get input about WISeR from the people it impacts, including Medicare beneficiaries and health care providers. Our educational work about WISeR has had a significant impact. Many more people now know about WISeR. Sen. Murray and Rep. DelBene introduced legislation barring the WISeR program, and seven of our eight Washington Democratic Representatives and both Washington Senators are opposing the implementation of the WISeR pilot program.

The Education Fund is publishing a second printing of the pamphlet, Protecting Our Assets, Protecting Our Asses, articles written by our co-President, Jeff Johnson. We are part of the fight for the future for all generations against the severe consequences of burning fossil fuels. We will also publish in 2026 a selection of the many of the insightful articles written by our beloved brother, Michael Righi, a progressive economist who wrote monthly and served on the editorial board for the Retiree Advocate.

We are very excited that, as a result of our educational work; advocacy by our members and our lobbyist, Nancy Sapiro; the support of our allies in the legislature; and support from other organizations; SJM 8002 passed both houses of the 2026 Washington State Legislature. The education and advocacy required to pass the resolution was led by PSARA and the PSARA Education Fund. Senator Bob Hasegawa, a PSARA member, was the Prime sponsor of SJM 8002 and he did a great job. As a result, Washington State is on record supporting leveling the playing field between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Our goal is to give all Medicare beneficiaries a genuine choice of programs without suffering the additional cost of purchasing supplemental insurance. Leveling the playing field would also add dental, vision, and hearing benefits to Original Medicare.

Having the financial resources to continue and expand our work is critical. Your generous financial assistance is needed.

GiveBIG day is May 5. Early online giving for GiveBIG starts on April 28. Donations can be made on the GiveBIG website from April 28 through May 5. The fundraising goal for the 2026 GiveBIG campaign is $30,000. Here is the link for donating through GiveBIG. https://www.wagives.org/donate/PSARA-Education-Fund

You can also make a GiveBIG donation at PSARA's website https://www.psara.org/ anytime between now and May 6.

For members who prefer not to donate online or want the Education Fund to receive the full amount of your donation, you can send a check to the PSARA Education Fund any time between now and May 5. Write in the memo line, GiveBIG, so we know it is in response to the GiveBIG campaign. Mail your check to the PSARA Education Fund, 321 16th Ave. S., Seattle, 98144. Choosing this option saves the PSARA Education Fund a small processing fee PSARA pays for online donations.

Thank you for your support.