What to do this week of August 27, 2017
Action Checklist for Americans of Conscience
By Jen Hofmann
42 weeks down, 62 weeks to mid-term elections.
While Congress is in August recess, the checklist has just 7 actions per week. The intention of this weekly document is to make clear, hype-free suggestions for action backed by well-considered research for Americans who care about democracy and justice.
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I believe in a government led by people of integrity.
Action: Advocate for two bills protecting the special counsel.
Call: Your 2 senators (lookup or leave message).
Script: Hi. I am calling because I approve of the special counsel investigation into Russia ties, and would like [name] to support two pieces of legislation that protect Robert Mueller from presidential dismissal. S. 1735 (sponsored by Sen. Graham) and S. 1741 (by Sen. Tillis) both check the president’s power. Which does [name] support? (pause) Will [name] co-sponsor one or both of these bipartisan efforts? Thank you.
Action: Counteract Arpaio pardon by donating to grassroots justice organizations in his home state (in his name, if you wish).
His illegal treatment of Latino people and neglect of abused children must be righted.
Visit and donate to:
I believe in equal rights for all Americans.
Action: Advocate for censuring the president for condoning racism.
Call: Your one rep (lookup or leave message).
Script: Hi. I am from [ZIP] and deeply concerned about the president’s apparent tolerance for white supremacist views in his cabinet and racist aggression in our communities. I am calling to request that [name] join with fellow House representatives in co-sponsoring H.Res 496, which censures the president for his handling of the Charlottesville violence. Can I count on [name] to sign it?
Action: Stand up for trans people’s rights and equality.
Call: Your 3 MoCs (red or blue) (lookup or leave message).
Script: Hi, I am from [ZIP] and oppose the president’s new and unwanted order that bans trans people from serving in the military. Can you tell me what [name] is doing to oppose this action and defend the rights and equality of fellow citizens?
I believe in a woman’s right to reproductive care.
Action: Oppose corporate efforts to restrict access to birth control.
Call: Or write your 3 MoCs (lookup or leave message).
Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP] and concerned about the growing trend of tolerating religious exemptions for denying women access to birth control. This issue disproportionately affects women of color and women in poverty. Can you tell me what [name] is doing to oppose this trend? (pause) I want him/her to fight for women’s right to reproductive health, regardless of their employers’ beliefs.
I believe in creating a healthy planet for future generations.
Action: Support creation of energy efficiency programs in DoE and HUD (hat tip).
Call: Your 3 MoCs (lookup or leave message).
Script: Hi, I’d like to see [name] support S. 385/H.R. 1443, a bipartisan bill which would require the DoE and HUD to establish and maintain programs promoting and rewarding increased energy efficiency in manufacturing, machines, and buildings. Can I count on [name] to support commonsense energy bills like this?
I believe free, safe, and open voting is fundamental to a thriving democracy.
Action: Support community voices and oppose gerrymandering.
Dems will not likely win a Congressional majority in 2018 if nothing changes.
Read: Effective strategies to break gerrymandered districts.
Participate: Volunteer with Common Cause to make changes in your own state.
Donate: Donate to your state’s Common Cause chapter.
Deep breath innnnnnn… Deep breath ouuuuuuuut… We’ve got this.
Acts of Gratitude
Get out your stamps, postcards, and sparkle markers for some gratitude mail.
Thank Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) for calling to disband the “voter integrity” commission and encouraging Republicans to expand voting rights. We need leaders who affirm our common democratic values. Thanks for speaking up for all Americans.
Address: Leo O’Brien Building, Room 420, Albany, NY 12207
Thank Paul Ryan (R-WI) for objecting to the president’s pardoning of Arpaio and asserting law enforcement’s role in protecting everyone in the US. Your dissent is refreshing and hopefully a sign of similar future leadership.
Address: 1233 Longworth House Office Bldg, Washington, DC 20515
Good news
- Resigned or released, racist Sebastian Gorka is now out of the White House.
- House Democrats seek to censure the president over his inadequate response to Charlottesville.
- Sen. Schumer calls for disbanding “election integrity” commission and instead expanding voting rights.
- DreamHost fights the Department of Justice’s aggressive privacy request.
- TX court found 9 congressional districts discriminate against minorities.
- TX voter ID law struck down (5th time’s the charm?).
- NC schools ban the Confederate flag and symbols of white supremacy.
- City of Syracuse denies racist group a permit.
- Spotify removes music of racist groups.
- South Carolina judge refuses to return the confederate flag to courthouse.
- Religious leaders march in DC for justice in honor of King, rebuke of the president.
- New DNA evidence stays the execution of a man in Missouri.
- Black Lives Matter throws a baby shower for pregnant woman who was a victim of police violence.
- Even more good–seriously good–news at Peace Is Loud.
Final action
If you found this checklist useful, please spread the word!
Twitter: Overwhelmed by the news? Here are 7 simple things you can do to make a difference this week: goo.gl/Bp5ivL
Email and Facebook: Overwhelmed by the news? Here are 7 simple things you can do to make a difference this week: https://goo.gl/Bp5ivL
Housekeeping
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Curious about what goes into creating this checklist each week? Read about it here.
