What to do this week of December 9, 2018

by Dec 10, 2018Opinion, What To Do This Week0 comments

108 weeks down, 99 weeks to the presidential election.

The AoC Checklist features clear, well-researched actions for Americans who value democracy, equality, voting, and decency. We practice gratitude, self-care, and celebration to stay engaged.

I value democracy.

With respect and collaboration, we create a government for the people, by the people.

▢ Action 1: View our Spread the Light Holiday Checklist.

ClickTo view the wish list of our justice allies.

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: Support your neighbors’ health.

Spread the word on social media: Enrollment for health insurance ends this week — December 15. Sign up today!

▢ Action 2: Advocate with people impacted by mass incarceration. [h/th/t]

Call: Your two senators (look up).
Script: Hi. I’m calling from [ZIP] to express my concern about the harmful effects of mass incarceration, especially on people of color. The bipartisan First Step Act (S. 3649) would reduce mandatory sentences for minor drug crimes and support rehabilitation. Can I count on [name] to co-sponsor this important legislation?
BonusCall Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and ask that the First Step Act be brought to the Senate floor for a vote before recess.

 Action 3: Speak up for students who have been sexually harassed. [h/t]

The Department of Education has proposed rule changes that weaken Title IX protections for students who have been sexually harassed or assaulted.
Comment: Click the green “Submit a Formal Comment” box at the Federal Register site by January 28. Since cut-and-paste messages are not counted, please personalize your objections using this comment guide by NWLC.

▢ Action 4: Support the safety of Native women. [h/th/t]

Call: Your one House rep (look up).
Script: Hi, I’m calling from [ZIP] to express concern about violence against Native women. I want the Justice Department to collect data and report findings  to address this epidemic. Savanna’s Act just passed unanimously in the Senate, can I count on [name] to save lives by voting to support it?

I value secure, convenient voting and fair elections.

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

▢ Action 1: Restore your vote.

If you have a conviction in your past, use the link below to find out how to restore your right to vote. If you know someone who has a prior conviction, reach out kindly with this link to say how much their participation in our democracy matters.
Visit: https://RestoreYourVote.org/

▢ Action 2: Support voters with disabilities. [h/t]

Voters with disabilities encounter many difficulties when they try to vote, and their participation lags behind the general population as a result. AAPD encourages Americans with disabilities to participate fully in the political process and works to protect their voting rights.
Donate: To AAPD REV UP (Register, Educate, Vote, Use your Power) Campaign.

I value showing hospitality to all people, no matter where they were born.

People who immigrate are fellow human beings whom we treat with respect and decency. We oppose inhumane treatment and vilification of people who immigrate and the government bodies that perpetuate it.

▢ Action 1: Speak up for green card holders by December 10. [h/th/th/th/t]

**The comment period closes tomorrow. Please do this action if your immigration status is secure.
Comment: Go to Regulations.gov. Click the dark blue “Comment Now!” button. Personalize the reasons below to be sure your comment counts.

▢ Action 2: Support congressional oversight of ICE spending. [h/th/t]

The president is insisting on funding for a wall. Congress extended  their deadline by two weeks to decide on ICE and DHS funding.
Call: Your one House rep and two senators (look up).
Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP]. I’m calling because the budget for ICE detention and enforcement has jumped by nearly a billion dollars in two years. I do not want to pay for a border wall, a border fence, or incarcerating families seeking asylum. I want [name] to support a clean, short-term continuing resolution without extra enforcement funds so the next Congress may debate the appropriate budget and oversight for DHS. Thank you.

Deep breath innnnnnn… Deep breath ouuuuuuuut… Let your belief in a kinder future fuel you.

Acts of Gratitude

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

Thank Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) for her on-the-ground advocacy at the border on behalf of women, children, and LGBTQ asylum seekers. [Share why you appreciate Rep. Jayapal’s intervention to protect the legal and human rights of asylum seekers.]Address: 1904 3rd Ave., Suite 510, Seattle, WA 98101

Thank the New York Times for changing their lens to reflect the humanity of people seeking to immigrate by replacing the word “illegal” with “undocumented” in a recent headline. [Share how stopping the practice of describing people as “illegal” respects the humanity of your friends, neighbors, and fellow human beings.]Address: 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018

Thank Sherrilyn Ifill and Janai Nelson of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund for their intersectional and tireless defense against current federal government threats to the equality and humanity of many Americans. [Share why the civil rights of Americans is important to you.]Address: 40 Rector Street, 5th floor New York, NY 10006

Good news

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

National

State

Local

  • Minneapolis City Council budget redirects money to community-driven public safety programs.
  • As a result of September ruling that US cities cannot criminalize sleeping outdoors, changes are underway to accommodate homeless neighbors.
  • DC City Council passes bill banning “pay-to-play“ campaign contributions from large government contractors.
  • Minneapolis agencies work together to transition homeless residents to permanent housing.
  • NYC Council passes bill requiring returning citizen to be informed of their voting rights and provided with voter registration forms.

Groups and organizations

  • HRC Foundation’s Welcoming Schools partnered with First Book and Chronicle Books to offer educators free copies of “A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo.”
  • The bisexual flag turns 20 this year.
  • 800 faith leaders from 34 states signed a letter to Congress opposing the President’s request for a massive increase in border spending.
  • Immigration activists urge JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon to stop financing private prison and immigrant detention companies.

News with heart

  • Two New Yorkers forgive $1.5 M in medical debt of strangers.
  • Maryland governor approves a scholarship for Black students in honor of hate-crime victim, 2nd Lt. Richard Collins III.
  • Ryan Murphy will fund 2020 campaigns of people running against anti-LGBTQ political candidates.
  • California nurse, deported to Mexico, won her appeal to return to the U.S.
  • Not in the headlines: French protesters dance in the streets to a brass band à la Bastille. Wait for the wave.
  • See more good news at Good Black News and What Went Right.

Spread the word

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

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Post on Facebook: [Share what you like most about the Americans of Conscience Checklist and why your friends should subscribe at americansofconscience.com.]

Print: The Americans of Conscience Checklist flier and share at in-person events.

Housekeeping

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