Action Checklist for Americans of Conscience

By Jen Hofmann

46 weeks down, 58 weeks to mid-term elections. Getting closer!

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. Urgent actions are highlighted in yellow.

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I believe I can make a difference in our democracy.

Action: Create to an activism plan.

Complete the Action Worksheet (or Kelly Wooten’s pocket-sized version).

 

I believe in quality, affordable healthcare for all Americans.

Action: Submit public testimony for Monday’s Graham-Cassidy hearing.

Email: GCHcomments@finance.senate.gov by 1pm EST Monday 9/25.

Subject line: Graham-Cassidy hearing, Monday, Sept. 25, 2017

Script: I/my family rely/relies on quality, affordable healthcare. Because of this, I oppose the Graham-Cassidy bill. My story with [Medicaid, coverage caps, pre-existing conditions, disabilities, affordability, etc.] is… I would like to see a bipartisan Congressional effort to improve the ACA, not repeal it.
Sincerely, [name]

[address]

 

Note: After September 30, 2017, the Senate will need 60 votes to repeal the ACA, not 51. Their urgency is real. Use your voice today.

Bonus: If you have blue senators, make two calls using Indivisible’s great strategy to run out the clock.

 

Action: Advocate for kids’ healthcare (hat tip).

Call: All 3 MoCs (lookup).

Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP] calling to ask [name] to reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program before funding lapses on September 30th. Millions of children rely on this funding. This is not the time to be angling for for partisan policy riders. Can you tell me what [name] is doing to insure a clean reauthorization of CHIP?

 

I believe in a government led by people of integrity.

Action: Object to Secretary Price’s chartered flights at taxpayer expense.

Call: Or write your 3 MoCs (lookup).

Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP] and concerned about Secretary Price’s 24 chartered flights this year, which have cost us $300,000. I would prefer my tax dollar fund services to fellow citizens like education or medical care over Cabinet members’ comfort. I would like to request that [name] make a public statement objecting to his waste and abuse of public trust. Thanks.
Note: Price has said he’ll stop for now.

 

I believe in equality for all Americans.

Action: Advocate for equal rights for transgender servicepeople.

Call: Your 2 senators (lookup).

Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP] and calling to support Kirsten Gillibrand’s legislation that supports full participation of transgender people in the military. It’s backed by Democratic Senator Reed and Republicans McCain and Collins. Can I count on [name] to co-sponsor S. 1820?

 

I believe in creating a healthy planet for future generations.

Action: Oppose industry’s practice of influencing environmental policy. (hat tip)

Call: Your 2 senators (lookup).

Script:  Hi I’m from [ZIP]. I was sorry to see the House pass a pro-lobbyist bill, the EPA Science Reform Act, which has now been sent to the Senate. The Union of Concerned Scientists opposes this bill. I know [name] doesn’t want to empower lobbyists and let big money shape environmental policy. Can you tell me whether [name] plans to vote against this bill? Thank you.

 

I believe that open borders and a path to citizenship benefit America.

Action: Advocate to keep DACA youth here in the US, their home.

Call: Your 3 MoCs (lookup). If you’ve already called.

Script: Hi. I am from [ZIP], calling to ask [name] to support a clean Dream Act that gives permanent legal status to DACA recipients without attaching funding for a border wall. Has [name] co-sponsored S. 1615 (Senate) / H.R. 3440 (House)? Thanks!

 

Deep breath innnnnnn… Deep breath ouuuuuuuut… One step at a time.

Acts of Gratitude

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

Thank Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) for using his conscience to oppose Graham-Cassidy. I appreciate your advocating (once again) for bipartisanship and democratic principles in deciding the fate of health care in our country. Thank you for your courageous leadership. Name, state, party.

Address: 218 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510

 

Thank Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) for working together to improve the ACA. Bipartisan collaboration is challenging in this contentious environment, so I appreciate your efforts to prioritize the American people over political differences. Name, state, party.

Address (SC): 413 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510

Address (BN): 716 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510

Thank Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) for supporting an amendment to continue funding the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. I especially appreciate your bipartisan collaboration and advocacy for our planet and its people. Name, state, party.

Address (JM): 313 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510

Address (SC): 413 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510

Address (LA): 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510

 

Thank Jimmy Kimmel for using his position and influence to spotlight the healthcare crises so many Americans face and for challenging our elected officials to do better. Even though you didn’t have to, I’m glad you did. Thank you.

Address: 6834 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 600, Los Angeles, CA 90028-6135

 

Recommended reading

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

• The Root Top 100 Black Americans of 2017.
• Russia, Facebook, and Twitter connections in the 2016 election:
  1. In-depth study by Oxford University’s computational propaganda institute.
  2. Fear mongering, anti-immigrant posts originated from Russia, pretending to be average Americans.
  3. A Russian company purchased $100,000 in targeted political ads on Facebook.
  4. Russian groups made “overt efforts” to fuel white supremacy propaganda.
  5. Last week, Facebook provided detailed information to the Mueller investigation.
  6. This week, Twitter will have a public meeting with Senate Intelligence Committee.
• A study finds refugees are good for our economy, but the president’s next version of a Muslim ban will be revealed this week. (Expect to see an action on this!)

 

Good news

• “We’re seeing a tilt away from single-issue politics toward multi-issue coalition building.”
• Transgender individuals can continue to serve in the military (for now).
• Mueller’s investigation is focusing on the president with increasing scrutiny.
• Energy Sec. Perry’s study failed to prove coal energy slump was fault of renewables.
• Sec Price will stop taking chartered flights due to pushback, pending inquiry.
• Three US governors meet at UN General Assembly to discuss climate solutions.
• Rhode Islanders raised enough to pay DACA $495 renewal fee for all RI residents.
• At least five lawsuits are in progress to defend Dreamers.
• Sens. Collins (R-ME) and Nelson (D-FL) collaborate on effort to fix ACA.
• Insurance companies unanimously criticize Republican plans to repeal ACA.
• LA’s Secretary of Health uses her platform to speak out against Sen. Cassidy’s bill.
• NJ reduced crime while reducing the number of people jailed before trial.
• US House approved $300M in Great Lakes restoration funds.
• Funding worldwide climate collaboration passed in committee thanks to bipartisan effort.
• Wichita police apologize for detaining Muslim family while banking.
• Jenna Bush Hager cancelled speaking engagement for anti-abortion clinic fundraiser.
• A courageous doctor is providing free abortion care to women affected by Harvey.
• The US will be receiving 50 refugees through Australia agreement.
• Island neighbor Trinidad sends a ship full of supplies to Maria-decimated Dominica.

• See even more good news at Peace Is Loud and Marla’s Good News.

 

Final action

If you found this checklist useful, please share it.

Tweet: If you want clear actions plus a dose of gratitude and good news with your activism, check out: goo.gl/b8LGjE

Email and Facebook: If you want clear actions plus a dose of gratitude and good news with your activism, check this out: https://goo.gl/b8LGjE

 

Housekeeping

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