-Submitted by Judy Sullivan, USH Social Justice Chair
Americans of Conscience Checklist
Week of August 26, 2018
By Jen Hofmann
94 weeks down, 71 days (ten weeks) to midterm elections.
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: Encourage your elected officials to hold town hall meetings.
Call: Your one House rep and two senators (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 September 17-24 recess?
— If no meetings planned: 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 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: Speak up with Americans with disabilities. Oppose Kavanaugh.
Call: Your two senators (look up). Today.
Script: Hi. I’m calling from [ZIP] to oppose Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination. I value equal opportunity for disabled people. Kavanaugh could undermine the federal regulations and programs, including health-care, that have advanced prospects and access for our neighbors with disabilities. America needs a fair and moderate Supreme Court judge who truly supports “equal justice under the law.” I urge [name] to vote against his confirmation.
Action: Support kids in school. [h/t]
Call: Or write your one House rep and two senators (look up).
Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP], and I’m calling to oppose the Dept. of Education spending my tax dollars to arm teachers. Schools need #BooksNotBullets. I want [name] to block this dangerous agenda.
I value secure, convenient voting and fair elections.
Democracy thrives when citizens elect people who represent their values.
Action: Protect the integrity of our vote.
Action: Learn how paid foreign “trolls” make us lose faith in democracy—and what to do about it. Watch this 3-minute video.
Bonus: Share the video on Facebook and Twitter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psmpWVuCb8s&feature=youtu.be
Action: Schedule a date with the voting booth.
Write: Tuesday, November 6, 2018 into your calendar.
(Have you taken our Midterm Pledge?
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: Speak up for people abused in US immigration detention.
Write: Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO, JPMorgan Chase Bank
Script: By financing private prison companies, JPMorgan Chase Bank supports our administration’s unethical and harmful detention practices. [As an account holder,] I oppose profiting off vulnerable people, and I urge you to cut financial ties with GEO Group and CoreCivic. Thank you. [Name, address]
Address: 270 Park Avenue, New York, N.Y 10005.
Acts of Gratitude
Get out your stamps, postcards, and sparkle markers for some gratitude mail.
Thank podcaster and musician Griffin McElroy for donating more than $19,000 from sales of his “The Adventure Zone” podcast music album to RAICES. I appreciate you for extending the reach of your joy and creativity to support dignity and legal representation for detained immigrants. Thank you. Webpage: Contact Griffin McElroy
Good news
Decent people everywhere are speaking up and working together. Just look.
National
A federal judge rejected the administration’s attempt to dismiss two pending lawsuits challenging a citizenship question on the 2020 census.
US Army reinstated dozens of previously discharged immigrant recruits.
Americans wrote over 250,000 comments objecting to the US Census citizenship question.
Groups and organizations
Next year the Common Application will stop asking about students’ criminal histories.
Dream Riders is biking from Seattle to San Diego, advocating for a pathway to citizenship in the US. #Journey2Justice
FWD.us and GoFundMe launched a hub to help people support Dreamers facing the threat of deportation who need to renew their DACA protections.
Even behind prison walls, people are advocating for their basic rights.
News with heart
Lyft will provide people with free and discounted rides to the polls on November 6.
In Florida, volunteers serve their homeless neighbors with showers, new clothes, IDs, and voter registration.
A Tripadvisor collaboration offers outings to recently resettled refugees in NYC and northern CA to become better acquainted with their new communities.