Americans of Conscience Checklist: Week of November 18, 2018

-Submitted by Judy Sullivan, USH Social Justice Chair

Americans of Conscience Checklist: Week of November 18, 2018

By Jen Hofmann

105 weeks down, 102 weeks to the presidential election.

I value equality.

Stand with your rainbow of neighbors from every religion, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, age, and ability. Out of many, we are one.

 

Action: Defend Mashpee tribal land rights.

Call: Your two senators and one House rep (look up).
Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP] and I’m calling about the Mashpee tribe’s homeland in Massachusetts. I want the federal government to fulfill its established commitment to preserving ancestral land rights for the Mashpee and all native peoples. I’m asking [name] to represent me by acting quickly to support the Mashpee Reservation Reaffirmation Act (S. 2628/H.R. 5244) as a co-sponsor.

 

Action: Oppose racial profiling. 

Write: 7-Eleven CEO, Joseph DePinto
Script: I [am a 7-Eleven customer and] object to your company participating in the persecution of immigrants. Racially profiling people violates the Constitution, as Motel 6 recently learned. I urge you to stop raiding franchises, racially-profiling employees, and helping ICE terrorize our communities
Address: 7‑Eleven, Inc., 3200 Hackberry Road, Irving, TX 75063

 

I value showing hospitality to all people, no matter where they were born.

People who immigrate are fellow human beings deserving of respect and decency. We oppose inhumane treatment and vilification of our neighbors and the government bodies perpetuating it.

Action: Speak up for detained moms and their children.

Write: ICE Deputy Director, Ron Vitiello.
Script: I’m writing in solidarity with the American Immigration Council (AIC), American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Dilley Pro Bono Project, and Amnesty International, urging ICE to release five mothers and their children, as well as 33 other families in prolonged detention at Dilley. Refusal to release asylum seekers wastes taxpayer dollars and violates U.S. obligations under human rights and refugee laws. ICE must stop detaining legal asylum seekers in indefinite detention with their children and instead release them to await asylum hearings according to former protocols.
Address: ICE, 500 12th St., SW, Washington, D.C. 20536

 

Action: Support legal representation in immigration cases.

Email: Your state’s governor (look up) and two state legislators (look up).
Script: Dear [name], I’m deeply concerned about the current federal administration’s efforts to deprive people of legal protection. From asylum seekers to green card holders, our neighbors contribute much to our communities, but are vulnerable to discriminatory and arbitrary arrest. As a leader in [state], I ask that you protect all our residents through access to legal representation in immigration cases. Please review the NILC report for guidelines: (https://www.nilc.org/exec-authority-to-support-protect-immigrants/). A program that provides universal legal representation protects our neighbors and makes our communities better. Thank you.

 

Acts of Gratitude

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

Thank April D. Ryan for holding power to account and calling out bigotry from our highest office. [Share why it matters to oppose bullying of journalists of color.]
Address: c/o American Urban Radio Networks, 938 Penn Avenue, Suite 701 Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Thank State Senator Nikema Williams (D-GA) for standing with her constituents to insist their votes be counted, and for enduring arrest as a black woman. Your principled bravery in the face of injustice is a beacon for all who believe in equality. [Share how her story inspires you.]
Address: 305-B Coverdell Legislative Office Building, Atlanta, GA 30334

Thank Fr. Ruskin Piedra for his spirit in action to provide immigration legal services in Brooklyn since 2003. [Share why providing legal assistance to asylum seekers is meaningful to you.]
Address: 545 60th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11220

 

Good news

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

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