Dear Community,

With deep gratitude and careful reflection, we share an important update about the future of Collective Action for Safe Spaces (CASS). After years of dedicated work toward building a safer, more just world for Black trans, queer, and non-binary communities in the greater DC area, the CASS Board has made the difficult decision to sunset the organization as of March 31, 2025.

Since its inception, CASS has been a leader in public education, cultural organizing, coalition-building, and advocacy to cultivate community-led responses to patriarchal and state violence. Rooted in transformative justice and abolitionist frameworks, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that marginalized communities have the tools, support, and resources needed to foster safety beyond the confines of policing and carceral systems. The impact of our collective efforts is immeasurable, and we are immensely proud of the work we have done together.

This decision was not made lightly. After deep internal conversations and careful assessment of our organizational sustainability, we recognize that this is the right moment to transition and honor CASS’s legacy in a way that ensures our values and mission continue to live on in other movements and organizations. We believe that closing CASS with intention and care allows us to honor the labor of our staff, board, partners, and the many community members who have invested in this work.

Over the next few months, we will focus on winding down operations with transparency and care while also uplifting the work of aligned organizations that continue to fight for the safety, dignity, and liberation of Black trans, queer, and non-binary people.

We want to express our deepest appreciation to everyone who has been a part of CASS. This work has always been about collective action, and while the organization is sunsetting, the movement continues. The relationships, strategies, and knowledge we have cultivated together will endure, shaping the future of community safety beyond this moment.

With gratitude and solidarity,

On behalf of Collective Action for Safe Spaces Board