What to do this week of August 19, 2018

Americans of Conscience Checklist

By Jen Hofmann

93 weeks down, 11 weeks to mid-term elections.

Get ready: We’ll be back next Sunday with a FULL list. In the meantime, this AoC Checklist has fewer actions so you and our team can rest up. The Checklist features clear, well-researched actions for Americans who value democracy, equality, voting, and decency. We also practice gratitude, self-care, and celebration to stay engaged.

I value equality.

Stand with your rainbow of neighbors from every religion, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, age, and ability. Out of many, we are one.

▢ Action 1: Speak up for LGBTQ rights; Oppose Kavanagh. [h/t, h/t]

Call: Your two senators (look up).

Script: Hi. I’m calling from [ZIP] to oppose Brett Kavanagh’s nomination to the Supreme Court. In coming days, the Court will rule on many issues related to the equality of LGBTQ people, including their ability to adopt children, to obtain health insurance with a preexisting condition, and whether they can be fired based on their employer’s religious beliefs. America needs a fair and moderate Supreme Court judge who truly believes in “equal justice under the law.” I urge [name] to vote against Kavanagh’s confirmation. Thank you.

▢ Action 2: Advocate for Native American people’s programs and services. [h/t]

Call: Your two senators and one rep (look up).

Script: Hi, I’m calling from [ZIP] to support the Interior-HUD Appropriations bill that has passed in both the House and Senate. It funds the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Indian Health Service, and other important tribal programs. I’m asking [name] to vote for H.R. 6147 when it comes to a final vote. (Note: House and Senate are both using the same bill name/number.). Thank you.

I value secure, convenient voting and fair elections.

Democracy thrives when all citizens can freely elect those who represent their values.

▢ Action 1: Pledge to vote in the US midterm elections.

Sign: Our Midterm Pledge 2018 (created by the AoC Checklist).

I value showing respect for all people, no matter where they were born.

We oppose inhumane treatment of all people and the government agencies that perpetuate it. People who immigrate to the US make our country stronger and are entitled to basic respect.

▢ Action 1: Advocate for accountability in separating families. (h/t, h/t, h/t)

Call: Your one House rep and two senators (look up).

Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP], calling about the 1300 reports of physical and sexual abuse of detained children. I join with immigrant–rights groups and Sen. Dick Durbin calling for Secretary of Homeland Security, Kirstjen Nielsen, to resign. I would like [name] to make a public statement insisting on it. Thank you.

Bonus: Sign this petition.

Deep breath innnnnnn… Deep breath ouuuuuuuut… And repeat. 🙂

Acts of Gratitude

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

Encourage the kids of Flint, MI as they return to school this fall (by request of Little Miss Flint). Write a note of neighborly encouragement to #DearFlintKids.

Address: Mari Copeny, P.O. Box 138, Flint, MI 48501

Thank Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) for calling for Kirstjen Nielsen to accept responsibility for family separation and step down as Secretary of DHS. I share your belief that this policy is inconsistent with the bedrock values of our nation. Thank you.

Address: 525 S. 8th Street, Springfield, IL 62703

Thank band Pearl Jam for using their fame to address Seattle’s homelessness crisis. That you raised $10 million for area not-for-profits and shelters through ticket sales inspires me and restores my faith in humanity. Thank you for supporting our neighbors.

Address: c/o Ten Club, P.O. Box 81429, Seattle, WA 98108

Thank Gov. Charlie Baker (R-MA) for signing automatic voter registration into law. In a time when many states are making it harder to vote, you are supporting a healthy and just democracy that better represents all Americans. Thank you.

Address: Western Massachusetts Office: State Office Building, 436 Dwight St., Suite 300, Springfield, MA 01103

Thank the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, creators of the Golden Globe Awards, for their $250,000 grant to RAICES. Supporting their efforts to reunify children and parents gives me hope that we can heal this dark period in our history and honor the dignity of all people. Thank you.

Address: 646 N. Robertson Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069

Good news

Decent people everywhere are speaking up and working together. Just look.

National

• HHS will resume funding for grant recipients under the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program.
• Ruling: The FCC is temporarily prevented from cutting a subsidy to the Tribal Lifeline program which bridges the digital divide for residents of tribal lands.
• The Army has stopped discharging foreign-born recruits who enlisted as part of a path to U.S. citizenship.
• The Pentagon postponed the president’s military parade. And then VoteVets scheduled a 5K race around the Capitol Mall on Veteran’s Day.

State

• MA joins the growing list of states passing automatic voter registration.
• Christine Hallquist became the first transgender nominee for governor in the US.
• PA Supreme Court struck down the law repealing Act 80, which allows PA’s lowest-income residents to apply for critical needs cash benefits support.
• With congressional primary win, Ilhan Omar of MN may become the first Somali-American to hold congressional office.
• Jahana Hayes could become the first black Democrat from CT to serve in Congress.
• 270 elected officials from 42 states signed a letter urging the president to resettle at least 75,000 refugees in FY 2019—an increase of 30,000 over the previous year.

Local

• Richmond, VA installs the Virginia Women’s Monument featuring notable women.
• Allentown, PA YMCA will be able to continue hosting a Winter Warming Station for the homeless because of the generosity of a local resident.
• Teachers rallied when ICE raided a rural Nebraska town.
• ‘ICE OUT’ poster campaign in NYC aims to slow unlawful immigration raids by highlighting people’s right to deny ICE entry without a warrant.
• Queens, NY resident and father of two Antonio Martinez is released after being detained during a routine immigration interview three months ago.

News with heart

• The people of O’Neill, NE open a school as a sanctuary for children following an ICE raid that detained 133 migrant workers.
• When they sought to fund 6 interpreters who spoke Mam and K’iche’ to #keepfamilies together, Americans exceeded the goal times five.
• People donate their airline miles to help reunite immigrants and refugees with their families.
• Teachers rally, donating 100 sick leave days so a colleague can finish chemo treatment.
• Ruby Rose is cast as the next Batwoman—who will be an out lesbian.

Spread the word

Know someone who could use some good news and clear actions? Please share!

Tweet: Overwhelmed by the news? This Checklist helps you focus on what matters most and make a positive difference in our democracy. #ActionCuresFear https://goo.gl/mT6ptJ

Post on Facebook: Overwhelmed by the news? This Checklist helps you focus on what matters most and make a positive difference in our democracy. #ActionCuresFear https://goo.gl/mT6ptJ

Print: Our new Americans of Conscience flier to share with folks you meet.

Housekeeping

• Sign up: Subscribe to the weekly Americans of Conscience Checklist here.
• Stay inspired: Complete the Self-Care Worksheet.
• Stay focused: Complete the Action Worksheet (or Kelly Wooten’s artistic version).
• Connect: If you have a question, correction, or action suggestion. With thanks!
• Gratitude: Big thanks to the JEBitor, Week 3 social media volunteers, the Research Sous Chefs teams, and to the amazing angel patrons who make it possible.

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