Action Checklist for Americans of Conscience

By Jen Hofmann

20 weeks down, 84 weeks to mid-term elections. We are doing this together!

The intention of this weekly document is to make clear, hype-free suggestions for action backed by well-considered research. If an issue doesn’t affect you, consider whether you would support this issue on behalf of other Americans, then act accordingly. Although diligently prepared, contents are subject to human error. Please do your own research.

Sign up to receive this weekly checklist.

Click if you have a question or action suggestion.

 

Act on your beliefs and values below.

I believe I can make a difference.

Create an activism plan.

Print out the Americans of Conscience Action Worksheet and make a plan. Or use this adorable pocket version by the amazing Kelly Wooten.

 

I support the rights and sovereignty of indigenous people.

Action: Oppose the wall at the Mexican border.

Its construction infringes on the sovereignty of the Tohono O’odham Nation.

Call: Your congresswo/man (lookup).

Script: Hi, I’m from _ZIP_ and would like to know if _NAME_ has publicly opposed building a wall on the Mexico border. I’m concerned about having to pay for it, about it harming relations with Mexico, and the impact on the Native American tribe whose land it would cross. Thanks.

 

I believe in a government led by qualified, trustworthy representatives.

Action: Support an independent investigation of 45’s ties to Russia.

Call: Your two senators again to keep the pressure on (lookup).

Script: Hi. I’m from _ZIP_ and more concerned than ever about Trump’s ties to Russia. Our democracy depends on truth and transparency, and the current committee is not trustworthy. Is _NAME_ willing to join Republicans like John McCain and Darrell Issa and Democrats Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden in publicly supporting an independent investigation?

 

I believe in creating a healthy planet for future generations.

Action: Oppose the direction of the EPA.

Write: Send a postcard to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Script: Protecting American people from toxins is more important than coddling corporations. We are watching you. We will fight you every step of the way. When it’s time to vote, we will remember what Pruitt and Wheeler did to our country.

Address: EPA, Office of the Administrator 1101A, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20460

 

I believe in a vote for every American.

Action: Stop one party from dominating our US congressional districts.

We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redraw fair voting districts all over the US. Acting now will help win elections in 2020. Common Cause is leading the way, and I’m a huge fan of their work.

Visit: http://www.commoncause.org/.

Act: Donate or volunteer in your state.

Action: Support access to voting and stop voter suppression.

To win 2018 mid-term elections, registering voters begins now.

Visit: https://www.spreadthevote.org/.

Act: Volunteer or donate to help underrepresented Americans speak up at the polls.

 

Deep breath innnnnnn… Deep breath ouuuuuuuut… Just three more actions.

 

I believe in a woman’s right to safe, affordable medical care.

Action: Support access to safe abortions by opposing HR7.

This bill has already passed in the house, so speaking up now is important.

Call: Your two senators (lookup).

Script: Hi. I’m from _ZIP_ and calling to express my opposition to HR7, which prevents women from accessing safe, medical abortion.

 

I believe in being a good citizen of the world.

Action: Oppose the recent surge of US killing of Syrian civilians.

1000 Syrian and Iraqi civilians have been killed by US-led forces in March alone.

Call: All 3 MoCs (lookup).

Script: Hi. I’m a constituent who is deeply concerned about the loss of civilian lives–over 1000 in March alone–by US-led forces in Syria and Iraq. This is the largest loss of life in this area in 15 years. I oppose these deaths and want to know what _NAME_ is doing about it.

 

I support protecting citizens’ privacy.

Action: Oppose selling data about your online activity. Vote is this week.

Last week, the Senate passed SJ Res 34, allowing internet service providers to sell data they gather about you without your permission.

Call: Your congresswo/man (lookup).

Script: Hi, I’m from _ZIP_ and am concerned about proposed violations of my privacy. I use the Internet and don’t want my online activities sold or made public by ISPs. I’m asking _NAME_ to vote NO on SJ Resolution 34 and protect online privacy.

Acts of Gratitude

Get out your stamps, postcards, and sparkle markers for a big batch of gratitude mail.

Thank Attorney General Eric Schneiderman (D-NY) for showing exceptional leadership and creativity in holding 45 accountable.

Address: Office of the Attorney General, The Capitol, Albany, NY 12224-0341

Thank Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) for introducing a bill to address 45’s financial conflicts of interest.

Address: 1550 Main Street, Suite 406, Springfield, MA 01103

Thank Jessica Farrar (D-TX) for her awareness-raising, woman-friendly bill that proposes to fine men $100 for every masturbatory emission and require a 24-hour waiting period for Viagra prescriptions.

Address: 1400 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Thank John McCain (R-AZ) for courageously expressing his opinion that Congress doesn’t have the credibility to investigate Russia’s influence in American government.

Address: 2201 East Camelback Road, Suite 115, Phoenix, AZ 85016

Thank any Republican who helped defeat the ACA repeal. Share why it matters.

Look up address: http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/

 

Recommended reading

Thought-provoking reading that’s worth your time.

• The historic German parliament fire and how a similar event could threaten our democracy.
• The wide range of Republican ideologies that stopped the ACA repeal. And call tallies.
• The full story behind missing DC teens.
• On healthcare: Being American is life-threatening (opinion piece).
• How the Democratic opposition is gaining ground.

 

Please keep taking care of yourself. Seriously-good self care is a form of resistance.

 

Not Normal

Avoid normalizing this presidency and #staywoke.

• A normal president doesn’t lie about a former POTUS.
• The campaign staff of a normal president are not under FBI investigation for collusion with a foreign government.
• A normal president doesn’t move a business partner into the West Wing.
• A normal president doesn’t threaten congresswo/men for voting against his wishes.
• A normal president talks to all Americans, rather than holding rallies for a small number.
• A normal president doesn’t tweet his versions of events while a hearing is in progress.
• A normal president doesn’t lie throughout an interview or say so little that is true.
• A normal president doesn’t take land away from Americans.
• Normal elected leaders care about the country’s safety more than the source of leaked information.
• A normal Congressional committee is qualified to investigate treasonous behavior and has no questionable conflicts of interest.

 

Good news

Because doesn’t it feel good to celebrate?

• Happy dancing! We defeated the effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act, saving millions of Americans from suffering and premature death!
• The rusty-patched bumblebee is now listed as endangered!
• CA upholds stricter auto-emissions standards, despite 45’s efforts to lower them.
• Fox stops repeating wiretap lies by pulling Napolitano off the air.
• Alex Jones apologizes for fueling Pizzagate conspiracy theories.
• The New York Attorney General takes on Trump.
• VA governor vetoes bills that discriminate against LGBTQI Americans.
• Conservative governors oppose 45’s damaging budget.
• Syrian immigrants show love through food in their adopted countries.
• Indian villagers knit pajamas for rescued elephants to stay warm in winter.
• Three sacred rivers are granted legal status as people.
• Even more good news at this website full of weekly celebrations.

 

Housekeeping

• If you’d like to receive this message weekly, sign up here.
• To see archives of past Action Checklists, click here and scroll to the bottom.
• Become a supporter (patreon) or contribute (paypal).

 

Final action

If you found this checklist useful, please spread the word to amplify our efforts.

Tweet: @inspiredjen’s weekly action list helps me make a positive difference and #resist. This week’s edition: goo.gl/FC7hfF

Please keep taking good care of yourself and rest when you need to. We’re stronger together!

Warmly,
Jen