What to do this week of November 10, 2019

by Nov 12, 2019Opinion, What To Do This Week0 comments

172 weeks down, 51 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 equality.

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

▢ Action: Advocate for federal judges who value equality for all Americans. [h/t National Women’s Law Center]

Call: Your two senators (look up).
Script: Hello, I’m from [ZIP] and I’m calling because I believe that Americans depend on judges who respect citizens’ basic dignity and fundamental right to equality. I oppose confirming federal judge nominees Steven Menashi and Sarah Pitlyk who support exclusion and discrimination. I urge [NAME] to vote no during their confirmation proceedings. Thank you.

▢ Action: Advocate for equality for LGBTQ+ Americans.

Write: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, 601 West Broadway, Room 630, Louisville, KY 40202.
Script: I am writing to express my support for protecting all Americans against discrimination. Majorities in every state support protections for LGBTQ people in housing, public accommodations, and employment. Almost 200 days ago, the House passed bipartisan legislation to ensure these protections federally (HR 5) which currently has 46 Senate cosponsors. As a public servant for all Americans, I ask you to bring the Equality Act (S 788) to the Senate floor for a vote immediately. Thank you.

▢ Action: Advocate for a path to legalization for farmworkers who feed America. [h/t United Farm Workers]

Call: Your one House rep (look up).
Script: Hello, I’m from [ZIP] and I’m calling because I am strongly in favor of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. A majority of farmworkers in America are not permanent citizens, and this amendment to the Immigration and Nationality Act would provide these workers and their families with a path to legal citizenship, while reducing costs for growers. I would like [NAME] to support those whose labor feeds Americans by cosponsoring H.R. 4916. Thank you.

▢ Action: Demand an end to discriminatory policies. [h/t CAIR National]

Call: Your two senators and one House rep (look up).
Script: Hello, I’m  calling from [ZIP] to express my continued outrage over the president’s Islamophobic travel ban. The policy specifically targets countries with primarily Muslim citizens, and it fuels anti-Muslim biases, incidents, and hate crimes in America. I’m asking [NAME] to publicly reject this discriminatory program and any expansions to it, and to join Sen. Coons’ efforts to nullify the administration’s racist executive order.

I value democracy.

With respect and collaboration, we work to create a nation that welcomes all people, expands freedoms, and upholds the Constitution. Each citizen must be able to freely, fairly, and securely elect those who represent their values.

▢ Action: Advocate for federal Ranked Choice Voting [RCV] legislation. [h/t FairVote.org]

Call: Your one House rep (look up).
Script: Hi, I’m a constituent from [ZIP], and I believe congressional elections would be fairer if they used ranked-choice voting. The Ranked Choice Voting Act would encourage civil campaigning and increase voters’ trust in elections. Can I count on [NAME] to cosponsor H.R. 4464? Thank you.
Bonus: Contact your two senators (look up) to ask them to introduce companion legislation to H.R. 4464 in the Senate.

▢ Action: Support RCV in state and local elections. [h/t FairVote.org]

If you live in MA, MN, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OR, or VT, your state has introduced RCV legislation. Contact your two state legislators (look up).
Script: Hi, I’m a constituent from [ZIP], concerned about how [STATE]’s elections can be truly representative. Ranked-choice voting, or RCV, guarantees that the winner of an election always gets a majority of the popular vote, instead of merely a plurality. Jurisdictions that use RCV are already saving taxpayers money and strengthening underrepresented communities. I am asking you to support the pending RCV legislation in [STATE]. Thank you.
If you live in any other state: Make a tax-deductible donation to FairVote.org.

▢ Action: Help election officials better serve voters in their communities. [h/t TheElectionBuzz]

Contact: Your state election official (look up).
Script: Hi. I’m from [TOWN, STATE], writing to make sure you’re aware of a free resource that increases voter participation. Districts around the country used the tools, templates, and webinars at ElectionTools.org to estimate polling place needs, create pocket guides for voters, and prevent long wait times on election day. I urge you to use these tools to encourage voter engagement for the best possible participation in 2020. Thank you.

Acts of Gratitude

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

Thank Apple CEO Tim Cook for leadership in addressing the California affordable housing crisis. (Share why you appreciate corporate action that supports the basic needs of employees, customers and neighbors.)
Address: One Apple Park Way, Cupertino, CA 95014

Thank Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) for advocacy and action on criminal justice reform. (Share why you appreciate releasing non-violent citizens to their families and neighborhoods.)
Address: 2300 N Lincoln Blvd # 212, Oklahoma City, OK 73105

Thank Sens. Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) for continuing to advocate for immmigration justice. (Share why you appreciate holding immigration authorities responsible for people in their care.)
Addresses:
KH: 11845 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite 1250W, Los Angeles, CA 90064
RB: 90 State House Square 10th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103

Good news

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

National

State

  • MI: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs a bill to automatically try people 18 and younger as juveniles, ensuring that children and teens’ due process is responsive to age.
  • NC court requires legislative districts to be redrawn as the current maps constitute a partisan gerrymander.
  • OK: Over 450 returning citizens are released from incarceration in the largest single-day commutation in U.S. history.
  • PA legislature authorizes up to $90 million in funding to replace outdated voting machines and facilitate mail-in voting.
  • VA : Redistricting efforts to avoid racial gerrymandering ensure the results of November 2019’s elections fairly represent current demographics.

Local

Corporate/business

Groups and organizations

News with heart

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