Legal Support Fund

Throughout history, meaningful social change has often begun with ordinary people willing to stand up for what they believe is right.

The civil rights movement, the movement for women's suffrage, the labor movement, LGBTQ+ equality, disability rights, and countless other struggles for justice all depended on people who gathered, marched, spoke out, and sometimes accepted personal risk in pursuit of a better future. While every movement is different, they share a common belief: a healthy democracy depends on people being able to raise their voices and advocate for change.

At UCM, we believe that no one should be prevented from participating in nonviolent direct action simply because they cannot afford the financial consequences of an arrest.

In 2026, we launched the Legal Support Fund to help reduce those barriers. The fund provides financial assistance for legal expenses related to arrests that occur while participating in nonviolent direct action. Depending on the circumstances, this may include attorney fees, court costs, bail, or other legal expenses. Each request is reviewed through an established process to ensure the fund is used responsibly and in accordance with its policies.

This fund is rooted in our long-standing commitment to social justice and civic engagement. Over the past year, UCM supported students and community members as they advocated for inclusive higher education during the debate over Senate Bill One. We organized opportunities for students to testify before lawmakers, hosted community demonstrations, and later played a leading role in the statewide referendum campaign. We have also partnered with local organizations to provide de-escalation trainings, connect demonstrations with legal observers and volunteer medics, and create opportunities for community members to learn about their rights and participate safely in civic life.

Not everyone is called to participate in public demonstrations, and there are many ways to work toward a more just community. But for those who choose nonviolent direct action, the possibility of legal expenses can be a significant barrier. A single arrest can create financial hardship that discourages people from exercising their rights or standing alongside their neighbors.

Your gift helps ensure that financial circumstances are not the deciding factor in whether someone can participate in civic action.

By supporting the Legal Support Fund, you are helping strengthen a community where people can organize, advocate, and work toward change together. You are investing in the principle that civic participation should be accessible, that justice requires community support, and that no one should have to stand alone.

Thank you for helping build a stronger, more engaged, and more compassionate community.