Action Checklist for Americans of Conscience

By Jen Hofmann

32 weeks down, 72 weeks to mid-term elections.

The intention of this weekly document is to make clear, hype-free suggestions for action that support democracy, integrity, and justice, and are backed by well-considered research.

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I believe I can make a difference in our democracy.

Create an activism plan.

1. Get the worksheet: Plan your activism strategy with my Action Worksheet (or Kelly Wooten’s pocket-sized version). Print either to get started.
2. Get Stance: This app makes calling elected officials easier and less stressful.

 

I believe in equal rights for all Americans.

Action: Advocate for employment fairness for formerly-incarcerated Americans (hat tip).

Call: Your 3 MoCs (lookup or leave message).

Script: Hi. I’m from ZIP and calling to ask NAME to support S. 842 (Senate)/HR1905(House), which prevents discrimination in hiring. Can I count on him/her to give formerly-incarcerated people a fair chance?

 

Action: Advocate for acceptance, tolerance, and understanding.

This church needs a reminder of who we are as Americans. Be kind.

Write: New Heights Baptist Church, 340 Hooper Road, Wylie, Texas 75098

Script: In designing your door hanger, you might have forgotten that the greatest commandment is love. Muslims are our neighbors, friends, and fellow Americans. May you find love and acceptance in your heart instead of fear.

 

I support the rights and sovereignty of indigenous people.

Action: Oppose Zinke’s elimination of protections for areas of Bears Ears NP.

Visit: Sierra Club and complete the form.

 

I believe in quality, affordable healthcare for all Americans.

Action: Advocate for Democrats using specific legislative actions to stop AHCA.

This is a modified script from Indivisible.

Call: Your Democratic senators (lookup or leave message).

Script: Hi. I’m from ZIP and calling about the Senate healthcare bill. I know my senator will vote to oppose it, but I want actual hearings on the bill. I would like him/her to withhold consent on all Senate business and to filibuster by adding amendments. I know these seem extreme, but tens of thousands of lives are at stake if the AHCA passes. Is Sen. NAME willing to take these measures?

 

Action: Advocate for Republican support of healthcare for all Americans.

Lookup: Note what percent of your state’s residents reject/support the ACHA.

Call: Your Republican senators (lookup or leave message).

Script: Hi. I’m calling from ZIP. I was just reading a report in the New York Times showing that only __% of our state’s voters support the AHCA bill. Even the president said it was “mean.” I would like Sen. NAME to urge Mitch McConnell to slow the process down and conduct open, transparent hearings so the senate can create a bill Americans actually support.

 

Action: Advocate for open debate instead of McConnell’s secret healthcare deals.

Email

Call: 202-224-2541

Fax: 202-224-2499

Script: Senator McConnell, your secret healthcare dealings have bad optics and are hurting your party. Show us you value transparency and democratic debate. Give the AHCA an open hearing. Name, state, party.

 

Action: Tweet the president.

Script: Thanks, @realDonaldTrump. I agree that the #AHCA healthcare bill is mean. #MAGA @SenateGOP

 

I believe in creating a healthy planet for future generations.

Action: Oppose the extraction of natural resources from public lands (hat tip).

Call: Your two senators (lookup or leave message).

Script: Hi. I’m NAME from ZIP, and I am very concerned about legislation that’s been introduced concerning our public lands. S.335 relaxes federal oversight and would allow corporations to extract natural resources. This is an issue I really care about, and I want [MOC] to oppose S.335. How does Sen. NAME plan to vote on this issue?

 

Deep breath innnnnnn… Deep breath ouuuuuuuut…

 

Acts of Gratitude

Get out your stamps, postcards, and sparkle markers for some gratitude mail.

Thank Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) for her tenacious, focused questioning in Sessions’ hearing. We see your leadership and your care for our country, and are very grateful. #shepersisted

Address: 600 B Street, Suite 2240, San Diego, CA 92101

 

Thank Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) for sponsoring the COVFEFE Act. A permanent record of the president’s tweets makes his presidency more transparent and accountable. Thank you for your humor and integrity.

Address: 3223 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, IL 60657

 

Thank two attorneys general (DC & MD) for filing a lawsuit against the president for emoluments violations. Preventing corruption and foreign government influence matters to me. Thank you for your leadership.

Address: DC Attorney General Karl Racine, 441 4th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

Address: MD Attorney General Brian Frosh, 200 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202

 

Thank Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) for 25 years of service in the Senate and wish her a happy birthday (83 years young).

Address: Sen. Dianne Feinstein, United States Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510

 

Recommended reading

Thought-provoking, in-depth reading that’s worth your time.

• What you need to know about impeachment for obstruction of justice (Politifact).
• Russia hacked 4 out of 5 states’ voter data before the 2016 election (Bloomberg).
• Russian hackers target US servicemen and -women (Politico).
• North Korea has all but killed a US student for allegedly stealing a poster (Atlantic).
• 10 straightforward ways to cut healthcare costs but keep quality (Huffington Post).
• The myriad ways discrimination affects physical well-being (New York Times).

 

Please take good care of yourself. If we’re well-rested, we will persevere.

 

Good news

• The US Senate approves a bipartisan measure to sanction Russia.
• The House panel conducting the Russia investigation gets more staff and money.
• The president is under investigation. And has been since he fired Comey.
• Two attorneys general file a suit against the president for emoluments violations.
• Over 200 lawmakers also sue the president for emoluments violations.
• The president’s Muslim ban is blocked yet again.
• The Senate rejects DeVos’ budget cuts out of concern for kids.
• Americans set ideology aside in outpouring of concern for shooting victims.
• The president will not revoke DACA work permits.
• A federal judge blocks US Dept. of Justice efforts to deny immigrants legal counsel.
• A judge orders a new environmental review for DAPL’s effects on the rights of Standing Rock and Cheyenne River tribes.
• The Southern Baptist convention denounces white supremacy.
• After pushback, journalists retain access rights at the Capitol.
• Several sports teams use their spotlight to make a political statement.
• NBC Connecticut will not air Megyn Kelly’s interview with Sandy Hook-denier, Alex Jones. Kelly also overhauled the show in response to outrage, inviting parents to speak.
• Last month, over 100 moms were bailed out in time for Mother’s Day.
• RI teacher of the year (the only photo with the president that will make you smile).
• What happens when you teach AI to name guinea pigs.
• Even more good news here at this website full of weekly celebrations.

 

Final action

If you found this checklist useful, please spread the word!

Tweet: Just choose one action this week from @inspiredjen’s clear, well-researched list. Your voice matters. goo.gl/5us5N7

Email and Facebook: Just choose one action this week from Jen Hofmann’s clear, well-researched list. Your voice matters. https://goo.gl/5us5N7

 

Housekeeping

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