What to do this week of February 21, 2021

89 weeks to Midterm Elections

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.

If you only have 10 minutes

• Start by making a donation to SOWEGA Rising (details here) so AoCC can match it!
• Complete our top three most pressing actions: Actions 1, 9, and 13 (scroll down).

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 and fairly elect those who represent their values.

Action 1: Support automatic voter registration in your state. [Source: Brennan Center]

If you live in AL, AZ, AR, DE, FL, HI, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, WI, or WY: Call your state legislator(s) (look up).

Script: Hi, I’m calling from [ZIP] because I want [STATE] to join the 20 other states that have enacted automatic voter registration (AVR), a common-sense democracy reform supported by 65% of Americans. Research shows that AVR increases voter registration rates, streamlines the registration process, and saves money while cleaning up voter rolls. Can I count on [NAME] to support AVR legislation in [STATE]? Thank you.

If you live in a state that already has AVR, consider a donation to the Brennan Center, whose nonpartisan research supports voting rights for all Americans.

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Action 2: Condemn threats of violence toward election workers. [Source: National Association of Secretaries of State]

Call: Your state’s governor (look up).

Script: Hi, I’m calling from [ZIP] to affirm that elections officials should be able to work free of intimidation. Months after the 2020 election results were certified, officials — including secretaries of state to local election workers — are still being threatened with violence. I urge you to publicly condemn all threats toward our nation’s public servants. Thank you.

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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 3: Expand affordable health care coverage. [Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities]

Call: Your one House rep (look up).

Script: Hi. I’m calling from [ZIP] to support health care as a human right. I’m asking [NAME] to ensure that the COVID relief bill 1) eliminates or reduces premiums for low or moderate income people who enroll through Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces, 2) protects marketplace enrollees, especially those whose income fluctuated last year, from having to repay the federal government for their premium tax credits, and 3) incentivizes the 14 states that have not implemented the ACA’s Medicaid expansion to do so. Thank you. 

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Action 4: Improve Black maternal health. [Source: SisterSong, Black Women’s Health Imperative]

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

Script: Hi. I’m calling from [ZIP] because Black women have triple the risk of dying from pregnancy-related complications as white women. To address this disparity, the Momnibus Act of 2021 is a set of 12 different bills that invest in maternal health outcomes, address racism and discrimination in maternity care settings, fund community maternal health organizations, and improve data collection. I’m asking [NAME] to co-sponsor this legislation. 

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Bonus: Share these infographics on your social media accounts, one for each of the 12 bills. 

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Action 5: Support Native land rights. [Source: American Indian Law Alliance]

The Cayuga Nation is halfway to their goal of raising $120,000 by April 16 to retain SHARE Farm, their only agricultural land. The State of New York does not recognize their sovereignty and insists that property taxes are owed, despite treaty provisions. 

Donate: To their GoFundMe. 

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Action 6: Hold white nationalists accountable and protect communities of color. [Source: Black Lives Matter, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights]

Call: Your one House rep (look up).

Script: Hi. I’m calling from [ZIP] to ask [NAME] to oppose the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act (H.R. 350). Existing domestic terrorism laws have led to over-policing of Black and Brown people without curbing white nationalist groups that target these same communities of color. Please addressing white nationalist violence through other means. Thank you. 

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Action 7: Support workplace protections for pregnant people. [Source: National Women’s Law Center]

Call: Your one House rep (look up).

Script: Hi. I’m calling from [ZIP] because I value everyone’s ability to earn a living. Yet pregnant people are at severe risk of being fired, demoted, or harmed at work. I’m asking [NAME] to cosponsor the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (H.R. 1065) to create a process for determining workplace accommodations. This bill has bipartisan support and is endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for bringing needed clarity. Thank you.

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Action 8: Close the gender pay gap.  [Source: Americans of Conscience Checklist]

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

Script: Hi. I’m calling from [ZIP] because I believe in equal pay for equal work. Despite existing legal protections, all women, especially women of color, make less than men in the same jobs. The bipartisan Paycheck Fairness Act  (H.R. 7) would right this injustice, close remaining loopholes, and hold employers accountable. Can I count on [NAME] to support it?

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Action 9: Advocate for legislation to respect and recognize members of our communities. [Source: United Farm Workers]

Contact: The Congressional Hispanic Caucus at (202) 225-2410 or at 2241 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515.

Script: Hello, I’m [calling/writing] from [ZIP] to support a path to citizenship for aspiring Americans. These community members have contributed to our national well-being and risked their lives to continue working essential roles to support our communities in time of crisis. I am calling on the CHC to pass legislation—such as the Farm Workforce Modernization Act—to establish a path to citizenship for farm workers, young aspiring Americans, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders by March 12th. Thank you.

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Bonus: If applicable, contact your Congressional representative(s) to the Hispanic Caucus (look up).

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Action 10: Call on the president to honor his promise to release detained families. [Source: Aldea – PJC]

Email: President Biden via the White House contact page.

Script: Hello, I’m calling from [ZIP] to protest the cruel practices still in place at our country’s southern borders. While I celebrate the release of many detained families from custody and other pending efforts, the current administration is still refusing refuge to and quickly expelling those who seek sanctuary. I am urging President Biden to end the inhumane policies of family detention and Title 42 expulsions as promised.

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Action 11: Advocate for the health, safety, and survival of aspiring Americans. [Source: Detention Watch (DWN)]

100 Days for Freedom promotes the urgent releases of detained individuals, and ensures aspiring Americans aren’t funneled into ICE custody after release—all during Joe Biden’s first 100 days in office. While the president’s 100-day moratorium on deportations is currently stalled in the court system, there are still actions we can take each day to advocate for the rights of our fellow community members.

Participate: Use this guide to take action over #100DaysforFreedom.

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Action 12: Support an inclusive examination of systemic racism in the U.S. [Source: Tsuru for Solidarity]

Black aspiring Americans face the duplicative harms of being targeted for both race and immigration status—a reality which has increased due to new policies, enforcement, and rhetoric these past four years. In order to meaningfully address anti-Black racism in U.S. immigration, a dedicated White House Task Force on Black immigrants would be a key first step.

Email: President Biden via this pre-written email form (by Feb. 26) or through the White House contact page.

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Action 13: Oppose the unconstitutional detention of an Oakland resident. [Source: Essie Justice Group]

Call: ICE San Francisco Field Office at (415) 844-5867.

Script: Hello, I’m from [ZIP] calling for the release of Walter Cruz-Zavala from ICE custody. Despite winning his case before the immigration court twice already, Walter has been unjustly detained for over 3½ years. I am asking you to release Mr. Cruz-Zavala immediately so that, with the support of his loved ones, he may get the help he needs and return to his community. Thank you.

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Acts of Gratitude

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

Tell these Republican senators and your Democratic senators (look up) why you’re grateful to them for putting country above party and voting to convict the previous president:

Sen. Richard Burr (R–NC): 217 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R–LA): 520 Hart SOB, Washington, DC 20510

Sen. Susan Collins (R–ME): 413 Dirksen SOB, Washington, DC 20510

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R–AK): 522 Hart SOB, Washington, DC 20510

Sen. Mitt Romney (R–UT): 124 Russell SOB, Washington, DC 20510

Sen. Ben Sasse (R–NE): 107 Russell SOB, Washington, DC 20510

Sen. Patrick Toomey (R–PA): 248 Russell SOB, Washington, DC 20510

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Tell the House impeachment managers why you are grateful to them for their role in holding the previous president accountable for his actions:

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D–MD): 2242 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515

Rep. Joaquin Castro (D–TX): 2241 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515

Rep. David Cicilline (D–RI): 2233 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515

Rep. Madeleine Dean (D–PA): 129 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515

Rep. Diana DeGette (D–CO): 2111 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515

Rep. Ted Lieu (D–CA): 403 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515

Rep. Joe Neguse (D–CO): 1419 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515

Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D–VI): Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515 

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D–CA): 174 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515

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Good News

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

National

• Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman receives the Congressional Gold Medal.
• The federal government purchases 200 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer and Moderna.
• The White House’s COVID-19 Task Force launches an initiative to get coronavirus vaccines to underserved areas.
• The federal government takes actions to expand and improve COVID-19 testing.
• Individuals and families with pending active cases under the previous administration’s “Remain in Mexico” policy can enter the U.S. to seek asylum.
• DHS removes an agreement with ICE’s union that would have given ICE the power to indefinitely delay immigration reform policies.
• President Biden signs an executive order reinstating deportation protections and work permits for people from Liberia who found refuge in the U.S.
• DHS will stop using dehumanizing language to refer to those who aren’t U.S. citizens.
• As a result of community activism, deportation flights to Haiti scheduled in defiance of a 100-day moratorium on deportations are cancelled.
• HUD begins enforcement of banning anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination in housing and rentals.
• The DOJ inspector general opens an investigation into whether any Justice Dept. officials improperly sought to overturn the will of the voters in the 2020 election.
• The U.S. and Russia extend their nuclear arms control treaty.
• FEMA sends supplies to Texas to help with the state’s cold weather emergency.
• The Esselen Tribe of Monterey County regains control of their rightful ancestral lands.
• The Biden administration implements new guidelines limiting who ICE can lawfully arrest or deport.
• The Pentagon hires an advisor to the Secretary of Defense to advance diversity in the department and to eliminate white supremacy in its ranks.
• President Biden signs an executive order condemning anti-Asian racism related to COVID-19.
• President Biden issues a memorandum directing federal agencies to work with Native tribes in development of tribal consultation action plans.

State

• NY’s Medicaid program makes changes to more appropriately cover wheelchairs for beneficiaries. 
• NY sues Amazon over the company’s inadequate COVID-19 protections for employees.
• All 50 states improve their COVID-19 vaccine rollouts.

Corporate/business

• A union of Amazon workers in Chicago wins paid time off for all Amazon employees.
• Amtrak accepts claims for monetary compensation by travelers with mobility impairments who were harmed by accessibility barriers at Amtrak stations.
• Instagram removes the account of a prominent anti-vaccine adherent for repeatedly sharing debunked claims about immunizations and COVID-19.
• Facebook and Instagram expand their efforts to remove false claims about COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccines, and vaccines in general.
• General Motors will phase out gas-powered vehicles by 2035.

Groups and organizations

• Places with Black Lives Matter protests experience about 300 fewer police homicides in the ensuing five years, according to a study from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
• The United Nations calls on the U.S. to eliminate for-profit immigration detention centers.
• Johns Hopkins Disability Health Research Center and the Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities create a COVID-19 vaccine prioritization dashboard to track disabled individuals’ vaccine eligibility by state.
• 60 Black health experts from the National Academy of Medicine work to alleviate COVID-19 vaccine safety concerns amid communities of color, who have historically been lied to and treated inhumanely by the medical establishment. 

News with heart

• America supports cold and hungry Texans by donating $330,000 through Julian & Joaquin Castro’s efforts, $1M to Beto O’Rourke’s efforts, and $4 million to fundraising by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
• O’Rourke coordinates volunteers to make 784,000 phone calls to help senior people in Texas find shelter, food, and water.
• A must-read: unconventional network of businesses, labor, grassroots activists, and state governments worked together to uphold the integrity of the 2020 election.
• Hundreds of frontline farm workers get vaccinated for COVID-19 in Fresno County, CA.
• An aspiring American known as Mr. F is released from detention after 243 days as a result of activist advocacy.
• Nine women who witnessed medical abuse in ICE custody are released from detention.
• Harriet Tubman is inducted into the Military Intelligence Corps Hall of Fame for her work as a spy in the Union Army during the Civil War.
• Indigenous artists Nathan Paul Jackson (Chilkoot-Tlingit), Delina White (Minnesota Chippewa, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe), Kawika Lum-Nelmida (Hawaiian), Geo Soctomah Neptune (Passamaquoddy), Cannupa Hanska Luger (Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, Lakota), and Emily Johnson (Yu’pik) receive $50,000 fellowships from the United States Artists organization.
• The last five detained families leave the Dilley detention facility and can pursue their asylum cases from within the community.
• Kendall Jackson earns the status of Eagle Scout, becoming the first ever African-American girl to do so.
• People experiencing homelessness in Austin receive hundreds of thousand of dollars in donations amid Texas’s extreme cold. 
• Merriam-Webster adds “decarceration” and “second gentleman” to the dictionary.
• Comedian Eddie Izzard runs 31 marathons on her treadmill and performs 31 virtual stand-up shows to raise money for worldwide charities. 
• The Empire State Building and its related buildings are now entirely powered by wind.
• The Trebek family and Jeopardy! donate Alex Trebek’s wardrobe to those in need of job interview apparel. 
• Referee Sarah Thomas officiates at Super Bowl LV, becoming the first woman in NFL history to referee a Super Bowl.
• New Orleans celebrates “Yardi Gras”.
• See more good news at Women in the World, Small Victories, Good Black News, and What Went Right.

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