What to do this week of March 10, 2019

121 weeks down, 86 weeks to the presidential election.

The AoC Checklist features clear, well-researched actions for Americans who value democracy, equality, voting, and respect. To stay engaged through challenging times, we practice gratitude, self-care, and celebration.

I value democracy.

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

▢ Action 1: Take the AoC Checklist Survey this week.

Five minutes will help us plan the next two years: https://goo.gl/forms/OT1SfmM9h7atiDNc2

▢ Action 2: Support accountability for abuse of power. [h/t United We Dream]

Call: Your two Senators (look up).
Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP] calling about the president’s manufactured crisis and declaration of a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border. This action is an abuse of power and an affront to Congress’s constitutional rights. Now that it has passed in the House, I would like Sen. [Name] to vote YES on the resolution to revoke the president’s national emergency declaration. Thank you.

I value equality.

Support the dignity of your rainbow of neighbors from every religion, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, age, and ability.

▢ Action 1: Support equal pay for equal work. [h/t National Women’s Law Center]

Write: Your two Senators and one House rep (look up).
Script: Dear [Name], March 5 was Equal Pay Day for Asian American and Pacific Islander women, the day when their average earnings (85 cents on the dollar) caught up with average white men’s pay for last year. Because of these disparities, I’m asking you to co-sponsor H.R.7/S.270 to make pay equality a reality for all. Thank you.

▢ Action 2: Speak up for a living wage for all. [h/t The Leadership Conference]

Call: Your two Senators and one House rep (look up).
Script: Hi. I’m calling from [ZIP] because I believe that full-time work should sustain families. At the current minimum wage, working 40 hours does not produce a living income. In turn, this increases homelessness and creates health problems due to poor nutrition, chronic stress, and risk of child abuse. I’m asking [name] to support the Raise the Wage Act(H.R.582/S.150) which will improve the lives of nearly 40 million Americans, the majority women and people of color.

▢ Action 3: Oppose discrimination. [h/t Human Rights Campaign]

Call: Your two Senators and one House rep (look up).
Script: Hi. I’m calling from [ZIP] to ask [name] to co-sponsor the Do No Harm Act. It would clarify that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act cannot be used to discriminate against vulnerable people. Thank you.

▢ Action 4: Advocate for your LGBTQ neighbors. [h/t Human Rights Campaign]

Call: Your two Senators and one House rep (look up).
Script: Hi. I’m calling from [ZIP] to ask [name] to reintroduce The Equality Act. Right now, my LGBTQ neighbors are vulnerable to being fired, evicted, and denied services without legal recourse. A coalition of CEOs has endorsed this legislation which would extend reasonable protections to all Americans. Can I count on [Name] to support it?

▢ Action 5: Support your neighbors with disabilities. [h/t American Association of People with Disabilities]

Call: Your two Senators and one House rep (look up).
Script: Hi. I’m calling from [ZIP] to support the right of people with disabilities to receive long-term care services at home rather than an institution. I’m asking [name] to co-sponsor the bipartisan Disability Integration Act (H.R. 555/S.117) so decision-making rests with those needing care. Thank you.

I value voting as a foundation of a healthy democracy.

Each citizen must be able to freely and fairly elect those who represent their values.

▢ Action 1: Support fairer elections.

Call: Your two Senators (look up).
Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP], and I value fair and accessible voting. Stacking districts prevents fair representation in Congress. Now that H.R. 1 has passed in the House, can I count on [Name] to support voting fairness as it moves to the Senate?

▢ Action 2: Support increased voter participation.

Write: Email your state elections official (look up).
Script: Hi. I’m from [town, state], writing to share a resource with you and your staff to increase voter participation. I encourage you to check out the Center for Technology & Civic Life and especially electiontools.org. They offer ideas for using social media more effectively and tools to estimate voting time and polling place needs. I urge you to use these tools to encourage voter engagement for the best possible participation in 2020. Thank you.

I value decency.

Our nation has a moral and legal obligation to welcome people seeking asylum and refuge. We support showing decency toward this vulnerable community.

▢ Action 1: Support the release of detained grandfather with Alzheimer’s. [h/t RAICES]

Call: Port Isabel Detention Center 956-547-1700 (then press 0).
Script: Hi. I’m calling to insist on the release of Noe [no-ay] De La Cruz (A035302758) so he can receive medical care. Solitary confinement is inhumane. Thank you.

▢ Action 2: Write a letter to Kimba in ICE detention.

Write: Kimba is one of many people our friend Susan K. visits at the ICE detention facility in Lumpkin, GA. Thanks to her, we’ve written to many people there in the past. This month, let’s all shine a light in Kimba’s life. Send a colorful postcard, hopeful stories in a sealed envelope, and/or kid’s drawings (marker, pencil, or crayon). Writing in Portuguese would be a treat, but English works.
Address: Kimba Pedro Ngana, A# 216267806, P.O. Box 248, Lumpkin, GA 31815

Deep breath innnnnnn… Deep breath ouuuuuuuut… Self-care helps us persevere.

Acts of Gratitude

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

Thank Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA), Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), and Rep. Joe Kennedy (D-MA) for re-introducing the Do No Harm Act. [Share why you believe that religion should not used as an excuse to discriminate].

Addresses:
KH: 501 I Street, Suite 7-600, Sacramento, CA 95814
BS: 2600 Washington Ave., Suite 1010, Newport News, VA 23607
JK: 8 North Main St., Suite 200, Attleboro, MA 02703

Thank Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO, JPMorgan Chase Bank, for ending investment in the private prison industry. [Share why this matters to you, to immigration, and civil rights.]

Address: 270 Park Avenue, New York, N.Y 10005

Good news

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

National

• A new task force coordinates suicide prevention efforts across federal agencies to stem the disproportionately high rate of suicide amongst veterans.
• Ruling: The current administration’s attempt to add a citizenship question to the 2020 Census is unconstitutional, as well as in violation of administrative procedures.
• DHS extends the Temporary Protected Status program until January 2020 for U.S. residents from Sudan, El Salvador, Haiti, and Nicaragua.
• Some parents separated from their children and deported are granted re-entry to await asylum hearings, one step closer to reunifying with their children.
• A federal judge rules the current administration must continue to report demographic pay data by race, ethnicity, gender, and job category.
• Congressional Hispanic Caucus releases Immigration Principles, nine pillars required for equitable, just and fair treatment of people regardless of immigration status.

State

• States are taking up the charge to ensure equitable, safe workplaces.
• MI governor blocks the sale of a closed prison to private company with plans to house 500-600 people detained related to immigration matters.
• LA residents regain the right to vote.
• VA approves a bipartisan process for redistricting.
• In TX, a federal judge orders a halt on a faulty purge of about 98,000 people from voter rolls.
• NC: Judge voids two state constitutional amendments requiring photo identification at the polls.

Local

• City of Denver pledges to improve services, treatment, and basic respect for residents who are houseless.
• Ingham County, Michigan supports inclusive access to public restrooms.
• The city of New Orleans reduces its homeless population by 90% through services, rental assistance, and person-focused “housing first” approach.
• A federal judge requires San Francisco to revamp a cash bail system that disproportionately impacts residents who are poor.
• San Francisco’s District Attorney moves to expunge marijuana-related convictions of over 9,000 people.

Corporate, groups, and organizations

• JPMorgan Chase & Co will no longer finance private prison and detention operators.
• The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation helps build a new facility for southern Nevada youth experiencing homelessness.
• Carnegie Hall Festival to celebrate migration and America.

News with heart

• A new group marches for the first time in this year’s New Orleans Mardi Gras as the “Krewe de Mayahuel” in honor of the Aztec Goddess of agave.
• A second HIV patient is reported cured, signaling a milestone in the global epidemic.
• Emilio Estevez’s new movie about homelessness, “The Public,” opens on April 5th.
• A new novel portrays obstacles facing people who migrate without documentation.
• The border cities of Agua Prieta, Mexico and Douglas, Arizona share art, concerts, and chess games through the wall that separates them.
• See more good news at Small Victories, Good Black News, and What Went Right.

Spread the word

Know someone who could use some good news? Please share this week.

Post a tweet: Need some good news, clear actions, and encouragement? Open this week’s Americans of Conscience @AoCChecklist: https://americansofconscience.com/3-10-2019/

Post on Facebook: Need some good news, clear actions, and encouragement? Open this week’s Americans of Conscience Checklist: https://americansofconscience.com/3-10-2019/

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

Housekeeping

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• Gratitude: Big thanks to JE1 and the Production Team, our Social Media volunteers, Research Sous Chefs, and Team Captains. Thanks also to the amazing angel patrons whose support makes it possible.

Note: As we look ahead and commit to persevering over the next two years, we must also be practical about the real costs and time that go into producing this publication. The AoC Checklist is (and always will be) ad-free and no-cost. However, if you have the means and the willingness, please consider supporting this full-time effort on patreon or paypal. Thank you!