-Submitted by Judy Sullivan, USH Social Justice Chair
Americans of Conscience Checklist, Week of September 9, 2018
By Jen Hofmann
96 weeks down, 8 weeks to midterm elections.
A word on gratitude
As you may already know, one of the guiding principles of the AoC Checklist is to practice gratitude. There’s solid research that connects the act of expressing thanks with increased feelings of well-being and connection with others. I regularly suggest thanking people–from grassroots leaders to elected officials on both sides of the proverbial aisle–for doing courageous things.
Gratitude makes you feel more hopeful. It lets people know their efforts are seen and matter. And it also reminds us that there’s more to democracy than “my side winning”. In reality, democracy works when we de-escalate the rhetoric, find common ground, and even say thank you. It’s what we saw at Sen. McCain’s funeral when two former “adversaries” gave eulogies with tears in their eyes: gratitude.
When we find courage to extend a hand or a kind word, a better future is possible. So this week, our team collected a healthy dose of thank-yous. Write just one note or many, but indulge your heart in the practice of gratitude and notice the impact it has on you.
I value democracy. Guided by respect and collaboration, we create a government for the people, by the people.
Action: Advocate for a just society. Oppose Kavanaugh.
Call: Your two senators—red or blue (look up).
Script: Hi. I’m calling from [ZIP] to oppose Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court. Even the limited access to his record shows him putting corporations and ideology over the public interest. In the Senate committee hearings, he also refused to directly answer questions about health care, reproductive choice, and marriage equality. Our highest court deserves a fair, moderate justice. If Kavanaugh’s history is neither transparent nor thoroughly reviewed, I urge [name] to vote against his confirmation. Thank you.
I value equality. Show your support for 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 for neighbors in need of food.
Call: Your two senators and one House rep (look up).
Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP], calling about the Farm Bill. The Senate version strengthened SNAP to provide critical nutrition to elders, people with disabilities, and low-income families. When it comes out of conference committee, I’m asking that [name] only support a bill that maintains the Senate provisions without work requirements. I want my tax dollar to help feed hungry families.
I value secure, convenient voting and fair elections. Democracy thrives when all citizens can freely elect those who represent their values.
Action: Get ready for midterms 1 min: Add the midterm elections to your calendar: Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
2 min: Share our Midterm Pledge on social media: Pledge to vote in the midterms: https://goo.gl/forms/jbridWNIVRs8UbVg1 .
1 hour: Participate in When We All Vote’s Week of Action.
2+ hours: Register voters with League of Women Voters or download the VoterPal app.
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: Donate air miles to reunite families.
Nearly 500 children are still separated from their parents.
Donate miles: To Immigrant Families Together to reunite families.
Acts of Gratitude: You asked for more gratitude, so here it is! Get your stamps, postcards, and sparkle markers!
Thank the American Civil Liberties Union for continuing to hold this administration accountable for its failure to reunite families separated at the border in the timeframe ordered by Judge Sabraw.
Address: 125 Broad Street, 18th Floor, New York NY 10004
Thank Chip Bergh, Levi Strauss CEO, for supporting grassroots partners with generous funding to prevent and end gun violence. I share your common sense approach that prioritizes the safety of all Americans. Thank you.
Address: 1155 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
Thank Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM) for continuing to demand this administration comply with a court order to reunify more than 500 children and their parents. We haven’t forgotten separated families. Thank you for ensuring this administration doesn’t either.
Addresses:
SH: 6500 Cherrywood Lane, Suite 310, Greenbelt, MD 20770
MLG: 400 Gold Avenue SW, Suite 680, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Thank Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) for asking all judicial nominees, under oath, if they have a history of sexual assault or harassment. Those in positions of power are still held to the rule of law. Thank you for directly addressing what has for too long been left unspoken.
Address: 300 Ala Moana Blvd., RM 3-106, Honolulu, HI 96850
Thank Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO and national director of the Anti-Defamation League, for spearheading The After Charlottesville Project to identify, prevent, and respond to extremism. I appreciate the ADL’s commitment to building tolerance and reconciliation. Thank you.
Address: 605 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10158
Thank Rob Tibbetts, Mollie Tibbetts’ father, for refusing to participate in the racist narratives of those who are using her family’s tremendous personal loss to spread hate. I honor your strength and bravery in the midst of unimaginable grief.
Address: ℅ The Des Moines Register, 400 Locust Street, Suite 500, Des Moines, IA 50309
Thank Francisco Moya, NYC Council Member, for advocating for workers in your “one fair wage” resolution to the NY Department of Labor and Governor Cuomo. I’m moved by your efforts to address immigrants’ fear of illegal intimidation when asking for better wages. I appreciate your kindness and leadership.
Address: 106-01 Corona Avenue, Corona, NY 11368