Americans of Conscience Checklist, Week of October 21, 2018

-Submitted by Judy Sullivan, USH Social Justice Chair

Americans of Conscience Checklist, Week of October 21, 2018

By Jen Hofmann

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

I value democracy.

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

 

Action 1: Be a poll watcher/worker on November 6.

Be a friendly face to your neighbors on election day: Details here.

 

Action 2: Support everyone paying their fair share.

Call: Or write your one House rep and two senators (look up).
Script: Hi. I’m calling about the recent report that revealed the president has evaded paying millions of dollars in taxes. We all need to pay our fair share. Can you tell me how [name] is holding the president accountable for his dishonesty?

 

Action 3: Encourage your elected officials to hold town hall meetings.

Call: Your one House rep  look up).
Script: Hi. I’m a constituent from [ZIP]. Can you tell me when [name] is holding town hall meetings in my area during the October 15-November 12 recess?
— If no meetings planned, add: It’s important for citizens to meet face-to-face with people who want our votes in November. Can you let me know when s/he plans to meet with his/her constituents?
— If meetings planned: Thank you. I plan to be there.

I value secure, convenient voting and fair elections.

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

 

With two weeks to midterms, these are the most important things to do:

 

Action 1: Offer a ride to the polls. Post on social media or group text. You never know who can’t afford the extra gas or feels unsafe voting alone.

 

Action 2: Mini-canvass. Ask 3-5 friends whether they’re planning to vote on November 6. Peer pressure motivates.

 

Action 3: Get a sample ballot to check out your candidates’ records. Be sure to vet District Attorney candidates. (This tool asks for your email, but it’s not required.)

Action 4: Check your state’s registration deadline and ID requirements.

 

Action 5: Pledge to vote.

 

Action 6: Check today and weekly that your name hasn’t been purged from voter rolls and that your information is accurate.

 

Action 7: Check that your polling place is open and in the same place.

 

Action 8: Know what to say if turned away. If you’re turned away at the polls, you have a legal right to a provisional ballot. Ask for and complete it. If also denied a provisional ballot, report this to 866-OUR-VOTE.

 

 

I value showing respect for all people, no matter where they were born.

We oppose inhumane treatment of all people and the government agencies that perpetuate it.

 

People who immigrate to the US make our country stronger and are entitled to basic respect.

 

Action 1: Support refuge for people in danger.

Call: Your one House rep and two senators (look up).
Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP], calling to express my concern about the president’s threats to close our southern border. The U.S. has an international agreement to offer asylum and refuge to people in grave danger. What is [name] doing to ensure this commitment is upheld?

 

Action 2: Speak up for immigrant children’s well-being by Nov 6. [h/t]

If your citizenship status is secure, please do this action. The current administration wants to allow ICE to hold children in detention indefinitely. They also want to set up and oversee their own family detention centers.
Comment: Click the dark blue “Comment Now!” button on Regulations.gov. Please personalize the suggested language (no cut/paste) and submit by November 6:
I oppose the government’s proposal to end the Flores Agreement because I value the dignity and well-being of all people, especially vulnerable, migrant children in U.S. government custody. Detaining people is expensive and wasteful. I do not want my tax dollar to fund indefinite detention, fewer legal protections, and unregulated custody of minors. I want the Flores Agreement upheld to reduce and limit detention of children.

 

Action 3: Oppose passenger harassment on Greyhound. [h/t]

Write: Dave Leach, CEO, ℅ Greyhound Lines, Inc, P.O. Box 660691, MS 470, Dallas, TX 75266-0691
Script (please personalize): It’s come to my attention that Greyhound is allowing Border Patrol to board its buses without a warrant to harass passengers going to work and school. Please commit to basic respect for all your passengers and stop this practice immediately. [name, state]

Action 4: Speak up in support of public assistance for all U.S. residents. [h/t, h/t]

If your citizenship status is secure, please do this action. The U.S. government seeks to pull green cards from anyone accessing vital public assistance.

Comment: Click the dark blue “Comment Now!” button on Regulations.gov. Please personalize this suggested language and submit by December 10:
I oppose the implementation of a policy restricting green cards from families who use public assistance. This regulation would violate my state’s right to provide benefits to families in short-term crisis and increase federal meddling in local issues. I object to depriving more than 40 million children of food, health care, and shelter. I want my tax dollar to support and show basic decency toward aspiring Americans,

 

Acts of Gratitude

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

Thank Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) for leading bipartisan efforts to prevent suicide within Native American communities through the Native American Suicide Prevention Act. Culturally relevant collaboration that responds to the unique needs of tribal communities is the best way to understand and prevent suicide. Thank you for your advocacy of this approach.
Address: 2900 4th Ave N, Suite 201, Billings, MT 59101

 

Thank actress Laverne Cox for shining a light on the challenges trans people face every day. I appreciate how you raise awareness of violence and discrimination against trans people. You are a role model and positive example of surviving and thriving.
Address:c/o PH Entertainment Group, 2728 Thomson Ave.,Long Island City , NY 11101

 

Good news

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