Americans of Conscience Action Checklist

By Jen Hofmann

52 weeks down, 52 weeks to mid-term elections. HALFWAY! Woot!

The intention of this weekly checklist is to make clear, hype-free suggestions for action for Americans who care about democracy and justice. Urgent actions are highlighted in yellow.

 

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I value democracy.

Action: Make an activism plan.

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

 

Action: Make an activist self-care plan.

Make a cuppa, grab a pen, and spend ten minutes with this worksheet.

 

I value equality.

Action: Oppose the lifetime appointment of biased federal judges.

Call: Your 2 senators and leave a message today (look up).

Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP] calling because I would like [name] to oppose the nomination of Thomas Farr to a lifetime appointment to the US District Court. Hundreds of civil rights groups oppose him because of his demonstrated opposition to voting rights, workers’ rights, and civil rights. This appointment is dangerous for democracy. Thank you.

 

Action: Oppose the third, discriminatory travel ban.

Call: Your 2 senators and 1 House rep (look up).

Script: Dear [name], I am deeply concerned about the president’s ban that adds a form with religion-specific questions to the already in-depth screening process. I support our constitutional rights and oppose attempts to discriminate against immigrants, legal residents, and citizens based on country of origin or religion. How does [name] plan to respond to this offense to democracy?

 

Action: Advocate for the economic rights of our poorest neighbors.

Call: Your one House rep (lookup).

Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP], calling about the Republican tax plan. I want to advocate for poor Americans who make less than $18,600 per year. Increasing their tax rate by 2% and taking away the state and local tax deduction is mean and wrong. Please let [name] know I support an ethical, fiscally-responsible tax plan that helps America’s poorest. Thank you.

 

Action: Support a clean DREAM act.

Call: Your 2 senators (lookup).

Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP] and am calling to ask [name] to co-sponsor a clean Dream Act. We need to ensure that immigrant youth can continue to go to school, work, and serve in the military but not in exchange for a border wall or increased deportation of other immigrants. Has [name] co-signed the Dream Act?

Bonus: Use this tool to reach key members of Congress (call/tweet).

 

Action: Support the dignity of incarcerated women.

Visit: Wall of Us for an incredible series of actions that support incarcerated pregnant women and the dignity of all women in prison.

 

I value fair elections and secure, convenient voting.

Action: Support transparency in election ad funding.

Call: Your 2 senators and 1 House rep (lookup).

Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP] and I’m calling about transparency in internet ads. S. 1989 (Senate)/ H.R. 4077 (House) protects voters with the same requirements that TV and radio have adhered to for years. Especially in the wake of last year’s election, I would like [name] to co-sponsor this bill and bring more transparency to groups that fund US political ads. Thank you.

 

I value the ethical treatment of all people, regardless of immigration status.

Over the next year, the checklist will feature actions that focus on ICE. Specifically, we will:

1. oppose constitutional violations and inhumane treatment of immigrants by ICE, and
2. provide caring outreach to detainees.

This daunting-but-vital issue needs our attention.

 

Action: Learn about ICE

1. Read about ICE responsibilities: https://www.ice.gov/about
   2. Locate the ICE detention center nearest you: https://www.ice.gov/detention-facilities

 

Deep breath innnnnnn… Deep breath ouuuuuuuut… The hard stuff is done.

 

Acts of Gratitude

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

 

Thank Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray for advocating for the people of the United States and their right to hold banks accountable for their actions. I appreciate your public appeal to the president to maintain full access to class action lawsuits against banks.

Address: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, PO Box 2900, Clinton, IA 52733-2900

 

Thank Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY) for publicly expressing support for the SALT deduction and opposing its removal.

Address: 1517 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515

 

Thank George W. Bush for his moving speech in support of American values including  immigration, inclusion, civic responsibility, dignity, and character. I especially appreciate your clear opposition to white supremacy, bigotry, and bullying. America needs this message, and I thank you for sharing it. (hat tip)

Address: Former President George W. Bush, George W. Bush Institute, 2943 SMU Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75205

 

Recommended reading

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

• “When we show up for one other’s fights, we really are the majority” (Mic).
• The essential ingredient of democracy (YES! Magazine).

 

Good news

• Earlier this year, we contributed to Spread the Vote. See the impact on one woman who now has her voter ID card!
• Robert Mueller’s ongoing investigation is starting to show results.
• Judge blocks transgender military ban.
• Although climate news is concerning, this report was a win for science and transparency.
• The ACLU pushes back on ICE detention center expansion.
• Over 100 tech companies join legal action against DACA termination.
• Navajo Nation votes to block Grand Canyon development project.
• A victory for Standing Rock Sioux: Court finds that approval of DAPL violated the law.
• This incredible joint statement is by over 70 diverse groups in support of Dreamers.
• Kids succeed at renaming their school from a confederate leader to Barack Obama.
• Black Lives Matter wins the Sydney Peace Prize.
• NAACP and Muslim Advocates recommend anti-bias training in the airline industry.
• Peaceful, creative protest against banks that fund tar sands projects.
• TJX Co continues to pay employees in Puerto Rico, even though stores are closed.
• US Bank ends its credit relationship with tar sands transportation company.
• Sandy Tucker becomes the first tribal citizen to win a seat on Nebraska electric co-op board.
• Detained teen finally wins access to abortion services.
• Detained 10-year-old with cerebral palsy released to her parents.
• 30 influential teens, including a young woman who championed new headscarf emoji.

• See even more good news at Small Victories and Marla’s Good News.

 

Final action

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

Tweet: Need a dose of sanity in the chaos? Here are actions you can do to make a positive difference today: goo.gl/NaqYtG

Email and Facebook: Need a dose of sanity in the chaos? Here are actions you can do to make a positive difference today: https://goo.gl/NaqYtG

Housekeeping

• To receive this message weekly, sign up here.
• Click if you have a question, correction, or action suggestion. With thanks!
• To see archives of past Action Checklists, click here and scroll down.

This checklist is always ad-free and no-cost. If you’re able, support Jen’s time on patreon.