Americans of Conscience Checklist, Week of December 9, 2018

-Submitted by Judy Sullivan, USH Social Justice Chair

Americans of Conscience Checklist, Week of December 9, 2018

By Jen Hofmann

108 weeks down, 99 weeks to the presidential election.

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

I value democracy.

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

Action 1: View our Spread the Light Holiday Checklist.

ClickTo view the wish list of our justice allies.

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 1: Support your neighbors’ health.

Spread the word on social media: Enrollment for health insurance ends this week — December 15. Sign up today!

 Action 2: Advocate with people impacted by mass incarceration.

Call: Your two senators (look up).
Script: Hi. I’m calling from [ZIP] to express my concern about the harmful effects of mass incarceration, especially on people of color. The bipartisan First Step Act (S. 3649) would reduce mandatory sentences for minor drug crimes and support rehabilitation. Can I count on [name] to co-sponsor this important legislation?
BonusCall Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and ask that the First Step Act be brought to the Senate floor for a vote before recess.

I value secure, convenient voting and fair elections.

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

 Action 1: Restore your vote.

If you have a conviction in your past, use the link below to find out how to restore your right to vote. If you know someone who has a prior conviction, reach out kindly with this link to say how much their participation in our democracy matters.
Visit: https://RestoreYourVote.org/

 Action 2: Support voters with disabilities. 

Voters with disabilities encounter many difficulties when they try to vote, and their participation lags behind the general population as a result. AAPD encourages Americans with disabilities to participate fully in the political process and works to protect their voting rights.
Donate: To AAPD REV UP (Register, Educate, Vote, Use your Power) Campaign.

 

Acts of Gratitude

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

Thank Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) for her on-the-ground advocacy at the border on behalf of women, children, and LGBTQ asylum seekers. [Share why you appreciate Rep. Jayapal’s intervention to protect the legal and human rights of asylum seekers.]
Address: 1904 3rd Ave., Suite 510, Seattle, WA 98101

 

Thank the New York Times for changing their lens to reflect the humanity of people seeking to immigrate by replacing the word “illegal” with “undocumented” in a recent headline. [Share how stopping the practice of describing people as “illegal” respects the humanity of your friends, neighbors, and fellow human beings.]
Address: 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018

 

Good news

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

National