What to do this week of December 6, 2020
212 weeks down, 6 weeks to Inauguration Day
The AoC Checklist features clear, well-researched actions for Americans who value democracy, equality, voting, and decency. We are a big tent for all people who want a kinder, flourishing nation.
Top 3 actions this week:
If you only have five minutes to take action, do this week’s three priority actions.
- Action 1: Donate to feed hungry families this week.
- Action 2: Spare the lives of people in prison as COVID-19 cases surge.
- Action 5: Advocate for releasing the families ICE detains in your state during a pandemic.
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: Feed hungry families this week. [Source: AoCC]
The combination of pandemic, economic downturn, and racial disparities mean that 50-54 million Americans are currently hungry or food insecure. That’s more people than the populations of Texas and New York combined. This week, please donate locally and/or to the hungriest U.S. state, Mississippi, where 1 in 4 kids is hungry.
Local: Google “local food pantry” and make a donation to your local food pantry.
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Most dire: Donate to Mississippi Food Network.
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Action 2: Call (again) for the release of people from ICE detention during the pandemic. [Source: Detention Watch]
Email: Your state governor (look up).
Script: Hello, I’m writing (again) from [ZIP] about the danger of a pandemic in taxpayer-funded ICE detention centers. Confirmed COVID cases there are rising and people are dying. I am confident you share my concern for the welfare of all people, including those ICE detains. I urge you to save lives by using your emergency powers to evacuate all detention centers in [STATE] immediately. Thank you.
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3. Advocate for the lives of people in prisons. [Source: ACLU, Prison Policy Init.]
Action: Email your governor (look up).
Script: Infectious disease is spreading quickly in prisons, and I’m concerned for every person living and working in these facilities. I’m asking that you exercise your powers to mitigate harm to people by:
- Commuting sentences and granting clemency to release vulnerable people from incarceration, including those at high risk.
- Releasing nonviolent people and those with under two years remaining on their sentences.
- Implementing testing of the entire prison population, including correctional officers, staff nurses, and chaplains.
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Action 4: Advocate for parole to reduce COVID-19 spread in prisons.
Contact: Your state corrections department (look up).
Script: Infectious disease is spreading quickly in prisons, and I’m concerned for every person living and working in these facilities. With COVID-19 deaths on the rise in prisons, I’m asking that parole not be revoked for technical violations while we remain in a pandemic.
- If you completed this action, check the box to add yourself to our tally!
- I took this action!
Action 5: Reduce bail to prevent new COVID-19 cases in prisons.
Contact: Your district attorney (look up).
Script: Infectious disease is spreading quickly in prisons, and I’m concerned for every person living and working in these facilities. I’m asking that you reduce bail to $0 for all low-level, nonviolent offenses to reduce the number of new people entering the system during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- If you completed this action, check the box to add yourself to our tally!
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Action 6: Advocate for immediate COVID-19 relief for families. [Source: Moms Rising]
Write: Both of your senators, regardless of party (look up).
Script: Hello, I’m writing because COVID-19 cases are surging, unemployment remains high, and many schools and childcare centers remain closed. To protect public health and keep the economy afloat, Congress must deliver the support our families need. I am counting on [NAME] to join bipartisan lawmakers in standing up for our families and immediately pass a robust, comprehensive COVID-relief bill. [Optional: Choose specific inclusions at at this link]. Thank you.
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Bonus: Send a letter to the editor in your local newspaper, publicly urging your elected leaders to help protect families struggling during the pandemic.
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I value democracy.
We work to create a nation where every citizen can freely and fairly elect those to represent their values.
Action 7: Outside Georgia: Encourage friends and relatives to take part in democracy. [Source: AoCC]
Even if you’re not registered to vote in Georgia, you can still support the upcoming runoff election. If you know anyone living there, reach out to them and share the information below.
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Action 7A for Georgians: Get ready for the January runoff election. [Source: Spread the Vote]
Register to vote by Monday, December 7, 2020 through Georgia’s Online Voter Registration website and request an Absentee Ballot by Friday, January 1, 2021 via Georgia’s Absentee Ballot Request page. Note: Even if you voted absentee for the general election, you must re-request an absentee ballot to receive one for the runoff.
- If you completed this action, check the box to add yourself to our tally!
- I took this action!
Action 8: Show your appreciation for political integrity. [Source: The Christian Science Monitor]
Write: Secretary Brad Raffensperger, Secretary of State’s Office, 214 State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R-GA) showed the highest integrity by prioritizing the law and voters over his loyalty to the Republican party. Send him a postcard telling him how his actions have impacted the nation, and why you appreciate his courage and honesty.
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Signs of Hope and Progress
Decent people everywhere are speaking up and working together. Just look. #GoodNews
- Over one million Georgians have requested ballots for the state’s upcoming runoff election.
- Outgoing administration finally releases information to assist reuniting the 628 families it separated.
- The Army Corps of Engineers denies a permit for the Pebble Mine, thereby protecting one of the world’s most productive wild salmon habitats.
- Public pressure, dedicated postal workers, and lawsuits all helped the USPS deliver ballots on time.
- Santiago Potes becomes the first Latinx DACA recipient to win the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship.
- Bank of America pledges not to finance Arctic drilling, the sixth major U.S. bank to do so.
- Federal judge rules that newly detained immigrants must have a court appearance within 10 days, rather than waiting the weeks or months that have become typical.
- The women who suffered abuse by a Georgia gynecologist will not be deported by the U.S. government.
- The Vice President-elect makes history again in selecting a diverse, all-female senior staff.
- The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade includes its first ever land acknowledgement and its first gay marching band.
- See more good news at Women in the World, Small Victories, Good Black News, and What Went Right.
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Housekeeping
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