The AoC Checklist features clear, well-researched actions for Americans who value democracy, equality, voting, and decency. We are a big tent for all people who want a kinder, flourishing nation.
This Week’s Actions
Featured Action: Help our neighbors with rent and groceries
Thank you to the 245 Americans of Conscience who completed this action!
In response to the president ending temporary protected status (TPS) for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans escaping the violent Maduro regime, AoCC is partnering with NorCal Resist. Autumn, their volunteer attorney, said that their greatest concern is that families will struggle to pay rent and buy groceries with the loss of work authorizations. AoCC will match the first $100, will you join us in supporting these families while this issue goes through the courts?
Donate: To give once, go to NorCal Resist’s donation page and select “One Time” before entering a donation amount. (If you give, click here to help us tally our impact.)
Action 1: Revoke Trump’s Executive Order empowering Elon Musk and DOGE.
Thank you to the 1,004 Americans of Conscience who completed this action!
Contact: Your two senators and one House representative (call, write, or email).
Script: Hi, I’m [NAME] in [ZIP] urging you to take immediate action against the president’s executive order creating the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This unelected advisory body has sweeping influence, minimal oversight, and is breaking the law. It undermines safeguards for all Americans, and threatens our constitutional system of checks and balances. I’m asking you to publicly call for hearings on DOGE, demand full transparency of its activities, and support legislation to disband it immediately. Thank you.
Source: AoCC
Action 2: Defend the constitutional rights of U.S.-born citizens.
Thank you to the 522 Americans of Conscience who completed this action!
Contact: Your one House representative (call, write, or email).
Script: Hello, I’m [NAME] contacting you from [ZIP] to oppose the president’s unlawful assault on the birthright citizenship rights of Americans. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the blatantly unconstitutional executive order stripping citizenship from some children born in the U.S., but more action is urgently needed. Please use your congressional powers to condemn the order, delay its implementation, and protect our Constitution and the fundamental rights it upholds. Thank you.
Source: Stop AAPI Hate
Action 3: Oppose federal funding to expand immigration detention.
Thank you to the 371 Americans of Conscience who completed this action!
Contact: Your two senators and one House representative (call, write, or email).
Script: Hi, I’m contacting you from [ZIP] because I strongly oppose the president’s plans to detain aspiring Americans at military bases and new detention facilities. Sending residents of our nation to Guantánamo Bay and using taxpayer dollars to construct additional detention centers leads to further abuses in an already corrupt system. I’m calling on [NAME] to deny the president the resources needed by voting No on all legislation to further fund immigration detention. Thank you.
Source: Detention Watch Network
Action 4: Defend asylum and honor our Constitution.
Thank you to the 243 Americans of Conscience who completed this action!
Contact: Your two senators and one House representative (call, write, or email).
Script: Hello, I’m [NAME] reaching out from [ZIP] in support of legislation that upholds our constitutional obligation to welcome those seeking asylum. Since 1980, the U.S. has resettled over three million refugees, yet recent executive actions have indefinitely suspended programs that offer safety to those fleeing violence and oppression. I’m urging [NAME] to support the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and cosponsor H.R. 4156, the Lady Liberty Act, when it’s introduced in the [Senate/House]. Thank you.
Action 5: Oppose wasteful, unnecessary voter roll purges.
Thank you to the 319 Americans of Conscience who completed this action!
Contact: Your one House representative (call, write, or email).
Script: Hi, I’m one of your constituents in [ZIP] asking you to oppose H.R. 22, the SAVE Act, which would enact broad purges of voter rolls and force voters to prove their citizenship when registering. Almost 10 percent of their constituents lack the required documentation, and getting a passport or certified birth certificate is expensive and time-consuming. I hope I can count on your “no” vote on H.R. 22. Thank you.
Source: Brennan Center
Action 6: Oppose the illegal and unconstitutional dismantling of USAID.
Thank you to the 358 Americans of Conscience who completed this action!
Contact: Your two senators (call, write, or email).
Script: Hi, I’m [NAME] from [ZIP], calling on the Senate to reclaim the Congressional oversight of USAID. It was illegally usurped by the U.S. Secretary of State. Bill S. 491, the Foreign Assistance Accountability and Oversight Act, would ensure that the State Department’s Director of Foreign Assistance be confirmed by the Senate and reaffirm Congressional accountability for crucial lifesaving foreign assistance. I’m asking [NAME] to cosponsor and advance S. 491. Thank you.
Source: Brennan Center, Democracy Forward
Action 7: Urge your Attorney General to support gender-affirming care.
Thank you to the 195 Americans of Conscience who completed this action!
Contact: Your state’s Attorney or Solicitor General (look up).
All states: Hi, my name is [NAME], and I’m a resident of [STATE].
Script for VA residents: I’m reaching out to protest Mr. Miyares’s support of the president’s executive order restricting access to gender-affirming care. The Attorney General has a responsibility to preserve the equal rights, well-being, and lives of our transgender neighbors. Thank you.
Script for AK, AL, AR, AZ, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, WA, WV, WY: I’m reaching out to urge the Attorney General to join the legal efforts rejecting the president’s executive order restricting access to gender-affirming care. This policy threatens essential, lifesaving care for transgender youth and adults. [His/her/their] leadership is critical in defending all [STATE]’s patients and medical providers. What is [his/her/their] stance on this important issue?
Script for CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, IL, ME, MD, MA, NV, NJ, NY, OR, RI, VT, WI: I’m calling to thank the Attorney General for rejecting the president’s executive order that restricts access to gender-affirming care. Your leadership helps preserve the rights, well-being, and lives of our transgender neighbors. Thank you.
Bonus: Contact your local hospital(s) and use our letter template to ensure they will continue all care while this executive order is being legally challenged.
Source: AoCC
Action 8: Advocate for people facing deportation to dangerous nations.
Thank you to the 176 Americans of Conscience who completed this action!
Contact: Your two senators and one House representative (call, write, or email) and the Department of Homeland Security at 202-282-8495.
Script: Hello, I’m reaching out from [ZIP] in [STATE] to express my support for renewing Temporary Protected Status for people from Venezuela. The recent revocation of TPS for Venezuelans leaves over 300,000 people at risk of deportation, an action that would return them to one of the most oppressive regimes worldwide. I’m asking [NAME] to urge the president to undo this dangerous decision, and reinstate TPS for people from Venezuela. Thank you.
Source: AoCC
Action 9: Register 4 million high school students to vote.
Thank you to the 43 Americans of Conscience who completed this action!
In June, four million high school students will graduate—most of whom will be old enough to register or pre-register to vote. The Civics Center’s Cap, Gown & Ballot campaign is holding two free virtual workshops every week to train students and educators how to safely and legally run voter-registration drives at their schools.
Take Action: Contact a local high-school student, teacher, or principal to share this list of upcoming free “Run a Drive” training sessions.
Source: The Civics Center
Action 10: Oppose the firing of U.S. Archivist Colleen Shogan.
Thank you to the 216 Americans of Conscience who completed this action!
Contact: Your two senators and one House representative (call, write, or email).
Script: Hi, I’m a constituent from [ZIP] requesting that you investigate the dismissal of Colleen Shogan, the head of the National Archives, a nonpartisan and nonpolitical public office. The regulations establishing the National Archives require the president to tell both houses of Congress the reasons for firing the Archivist, but no cause or reason has been provided. I’m counting on you to demand that the president be transparent and abide by the law. Thank you.
Source: AoCC
(Thanks to subscriber Cheryl B. for submitting this action.)
Action 11: Hold the line on climate progress.
Thank you to the 201 Americans of Conscience who completed this action!
Contact: Your two senators and one House representative (call, write, or email).
Script: Hello, I’m contacting you from [ZIP] asking you to oppose efforts to obstruct, repeal, or reduce funding for the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate investment in U.S. history. In 2024, the U.S. suffered 24 weather and climate disasters, each causing more than $1 billion in damage. In the face of the escalating financial and human toll of climate events, please hold the line by protecting this practical and powerful landmark bill. Thank you.
Source: Moms Clean Air Force
Action 12: Have a hard, brave conversation.
Thank you to the 39 Americans of Conscience who completed this action!
One third of Americans did not vote in the most recent federal election. Why not? We won’t know unless we ask. Crossing Party Lines offers free classes about brave conversations that build trust, a healthier democracy, and a shared future. Check this box if you attend one of CPL’s classes or if you will have an open, curious conversation with someone different from you in the next two weeks.
Source: Crossing Party Lines
Action 13: Take action in your own community.
Thank you to the 220 Americans of Conscience who completed this action!
It’s our hope that using the Checklist inspires you to become more involved in specific issues and/or local action. In the last two weeks, did you volunteer, do service, advocate, or support a local or state cause? Check the box to let us know!
Source: AoCC
Acts of Gratitude
We believe in gratitude as a tool for change. We will print a letter of thanks from Americans of Conscience with your signature and mail it to the recipient. Your information will be removed from this website no later than four weeks after the Checklist’s publication date.
Thank Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb (D) and his administration for protecting aspiring American residents by refusing to participate in federal immigration enforcement.
If you’d like to mail your own personal expression of gratitude, use this address: Office of the Mayor, 601 Lakeside Ave, Room 227, Cleveland, OH 44114
Thank you to the 330 Americans of Conscience who completed this action!
Thank Gov. Laura Kelly (D–KS) for vetoing legislation that would restrict gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth.
If you’d like to mail your own personal expression of gratitude, use this address: 300 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66612
Thank you to the 295 Americans of Conscience who completed this action!
Thank Sens. Thom Tillis (R–NC) and James Lankford (R–OK) for publicly opposing presidential pardons for Jan. 6, 2021 insurrectionists.
If you’d like to mail your own personal expression of gratitude, use these addresses:
TT: 113 Dirksen SOB, Washington, DC 20510
JL: 316 Hart SOB, Washington, DC 20510
Thank you to the 327 Americans of Conscience who completed this action!
Good News
If you find good news for democracy, equality, and the planet, share it with us here!
Progress on issues previously featured in the Checklist
- You showed up for L.A.’s most vulnerable families in a big way! After surviving the fast-moving fires, many found themselves without shelter, basic necessities, or hope. We kept reading about celebrities getting the spotlight and the many GoFundMe efforts. But what about the most vulnerable people in L.A.—families who were already food insecure or at risk of houselessness? You won’t believe what a difference we made together! [Read more.]
- Americans speak out against dangerous, unconstitutional actions by the Executive Branch in such large numbers that they overwhelm the congressional phone system.
- During a temporary ceasefire, Palestinians return to northern Gaza after months of displacement, while humanitarian supplies reach the area at an unprecedented rate.
Additional Good News
- The Manitoba First Nation welcomes a herd of bison back for the first time in over a century.
- The U.S. District Court of DC issues a temporary restraining order halting the current administration’s attempt to put 2,200 USAID workers on leave.
- Senators hold the Senate floor overnight in protest of the president’s inappropriate nominee to lead the White House budget office.
- The House introduces the Taxpayer Data Protection Act, which would protect users of the U.S.’s payment system from unlawful interference by a presidential administration.
- The National Treasury Employees Union sues the acting head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for halting much of the CFPB’s work protecting American consumers, and for allowing rogue actors access to secure CFPB systems.
- Ellen Weintraub, chair of the Federal Election Commission, refuses to step down from her position following an unlawful attempt by the president to fire her.
- Due to concerns about retaliation from the administration, FBI agents file suit to block the Dept. of Justice from compiling a list of 6,000 employees who investigated the Jan. 6 insurrection.
- A court temporarily blocks the administration from sending three people in immigration detention to Guantanamo Bay.
- A federal court orders that Hampton Dillinger be reinstated to his position as leader of the Office of Special Counsel—which protects the federal workforce from politically motivated retaliation—while a lawsuit proceeds against the president for illegally firing him.
- MA Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell leads a statement from 15 state AGs in support of gender-affirming care, in opposition to a harmful order from the president.
- UT’s voters respond positively to a ranked-choice voting pilot program.
- WA’s state House considers legislation that would clarify the rules and create guidelines for local governments considering ranked-choice voting.
- Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb’s administration protects aspiring American residents by refusing to participate in federal immigration enforcement.
- Following public backlash, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield backs down on a plan to cap insurance coverage of anesthesia during lengthy procedures.
- As an alternative to calling the police, Inclusive Therapists offers a “warm line” list of organizations that responds to crises in marginalized communities.
- Quaker groups file suit over the revocation of a policy that restricts ICE from arresting people in houses of worship.
- GLAAD sets up Alert Desk, a tool that allows Americans to report anti-LGBTQ+ violence, hate, and extremism.
- Thousands of Coloradans protest in solidarity with their aspiring American neighbors in response to a series of raids by ICE.
- Thousands of New Yorkers rally in support of transgender, nonbinary, Two-Spirit, and gender nonconforming youth, and to protest the denial of gender-affirming care by healthcare organizations.
- Roller derby leagues across the U.S. emphasize their inclusion of athletes of all genders.
- More than 50 organizations representing authors, publishers, booksellers, and librarians sign a joint letter objecting to any executive orders that will lead to censorship of reading materials.
- A second person convicted for participating in the January 6 Capitol insurrection turns down their presidential pardon.
- A hate group loses control of their trademarked name to the Black church the group vandalized in 2020.
- Kendrick Lamar’s visionary Super Bowl performance becomes the most watched halftime show in history.
- Friends Donald Crisman, Tom Henschel, and Gregory Eaton share memories of attending all 58 Super Bowls together.
- Houstonians get creative while having fun in the snow.
Need inspiration?
- The Silent Third: One Path to a Stronger Democracy: Read this week’s message from Jennifer Hofmann, AoCC’s Executive Director
- You showed up for L.A.’s most vulnerable families!
- Empowered Resistance is back! In this 90-minute live class, learn essential practices that empower you as the going gets tougher. You’re invited to attend Empowered Resistance with our founder and director, Jen Hofmann, on Sunday, March 16, 2025. Learn time-tested tools to minimize both overwhelm and burnout on the road ahead. Recording available for those who can’t attend live, and sliding-scale pricing available. Sign up here.
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