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87 weeks to the presidential election

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.

If you only have 10 minutes, take our top three suggested actions:

In this edition of the AoC Checklist:

Contact your House representative

Check the box if you made contact–whether for one issue or all–so we can count your action. Contacting your representative’s staffers with multiple concerns is more efficient for both of you.

Look up your House representative here.

Join the 0 Americans of Conscience who have completed this action by checking the tally box!

Your script: Hi, I’m from [ZIP] calling/writing about several issues. I’d like Rep. [NAME] to:

I value demo­­­­cracy

With respect and collaboration, we work to create a nation that welcomes all people, expands freedoms, and upholds the Constitution. Each citizen must be able to freely and fairly elect those who represent their values.

Action 1: Support self-governance for Washington, DC.

Sources: Neighbors United for DC Statehood, ACLU of DC

Join the 0 Americans of Conscience who have completed this action by checking the tally box!

Contact: Your two senators (look up).

Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP] and believe the 700,000 residents of Washington, DC deserve the same rights to self-governance and Congressional representation that all other Americans enjoy. Recently-passed laws in DC are now in danger of being struck down by anti-democratic agendas in Congress. I am asking you to vote YES on S. 51, the Washington, DC Admission Act, to add DC as the 51st state. Thank you.


Action 2: Protect your vote and your voice.

Source: When We All Vote

Join the 0 Americans of Conscience who have completed this action by checking the tally box!

Confirm that your voter registration is still active and correct, including your current address and the spelling of your name. Voter purges often mistakenly remove eligible voters during the necessary process of updating voter rolls.

Bonus: Text three friends to ask them to do the same.

I value equality

Support the dignity of your rainbow of neighbors from every religion, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, age, and ability. We also support policies that show welcome to aspiring Americans and decency to people seeking refuge.

Action 3: Encourage action to prevent gun violence.

Source: Everytown

Join the 0 Americans of Conscience who have completed this action by checking the tally box!

Contact: Your two senators and one House rep (look up).

Script: Hello, I’m contacting you from [ZIP] to urge you to close loopholes that allow unlicensed vendors to sell firearms without background checks. Requiring checks on all gun sales has broad support among voters, and blocking sales to people prohibited by law from owning guns helps keep our communities safe. Please take action now to prevent further tragedy from preventable gun violence. Thank you.


Action 4: Advocate with our neighbors facing hunger.

Source: AoCC

Join the 0 Americans of Conscience who have completed this action by checking the tally box!

Contact: Your two senators and one House rep (look up).

Script: Hello, I’m contacting you from [ZIP] because I’m concerned about the millions of people in the U.S. who will suffer food shortages now that pandemic aid boosting food stamp benefits has ended. I urge you to support the 2023 Farm Bill’s critical anti-hunger programs, including improving SNAP, which has historically helped mitigate hunger and economic hardship for vulnerable people and families. Thank you.

Alternate: Sign the Feeding America petition. (Note: You will be automatically signed up for the Feeding America email distribution list.)


Action 5: Oppose a proposal for restrictive new asylum policies.

Source: AoCC

Join the 0 Americans of Conscience who have completed this action by checking the tally box!

The Biden Administration has introduced a new transit ban that will require people from outside of Mexico seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border to first apply–and be denied–for asylum in another country. The proposed rule is open to public comment for the next 30 days.

Submit a public comment: In your own words via the Federal Register before the comment period closes on March 27 using these talking points. This policy would:

  • Deny a fundamental human right the U.S. is constitutionally obligated to uphold, and previously championed at the international level. 
  • Reinstate prior asylum bans that were deemed illegal.
  • Create unnecessary barriers to protection that will put the lives of people seeking asylum at risk.
  • Rush the timeline risking that public comments will not be seriously considered before the rule is implemented.
  • Be implemented after the end of the current presidential term, which opens the door for its indefinite extension.
  • Breaks from President Biden’s campaign promises and threatens to bring back some of the previous president’s most harmful asylum policies.
  • Impact you, your loved ones, and/or your community (if true, please describe).

Acts of Grati­­­­tude

We believe in gratitude as a tool for change. Consider sending a postcard, tweet, or message to these lawmakers who are working toward a kinder and more thriving nation.

Join the 0 Americans of Conscience who have completed this action by checking the tally box!

Thank any of the senators and representatives who signed this letter for advocating to improve the safety of hazardous chemical transportation and protect the public from chemical disasters.

Addresses: Look up here.


Join the 0 Americans of Conscience who have completed this action by checking the tally box!

Thank any of the governors who have joined the Reproductive Freedom Alliance (check here), thank them for working to strengthen access to abortion and other reproductive care.

Addresses: Look up here.

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

Indigenous Nations

National

State

Local

Corporate/business

Groups and organizations

  • Lambda Legal creates a guide to support trans youth and their families in MI.
  • The U.S. Committee for Refugee and Immigrants launches their Behavioral Health Support Services Program to support people from Afghanistan with resettling in the U.S.
  • Immigration advocacy groups file a lawsuit to require ICE to make immigration bond procedures publicly available on the agency’s website.
  • Plan C publishes their Abortion Zine: Self-Managed Abortion Field Guide.
  • The Skin of Color Dermatology Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital recognizes the unique skin health needs of people of color.
  • Anayvette Martinez and Marylyn Hollinquest found The Radical Monarchs, a group for girls of color to find community, celebrate their identities, and contribute to their communities.
  • The National Women’s Law Center & The Womxn Project share a virtual testimony-writing workshop offering guidance on how to submit testimony about a bill to your legislature.
  • Over 20,000 New York Times contributors and readers sign an open letter denouncing the paper’s biased and misleading coverage of transgender issues.
  • The 10th annual Writers For Hope auction takes place on April 3, with all proceeds benefiting Lambda Legal and the Every Voice Coalition.

News with heart


Need inspiration?


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2 Comments

  1. Suggestion for Acts of Gratitude: Many thanks to Nebraska State Senator Machaela Cavanaugh for her efforts to block anti-trans legislation by filibustering during legislative sessions until the Republicans withdraw their anti-trans bill. Seen on the February 28, 2023 Rachel Maddow Show, which includes an interview with Machaela Cavanaugh.
    https://www.mediamatters.org/msnbc/msnbc-host-rachel-maddow-praises-nebraska-state-senator-michaela-cavanaughs-efforts-block
    Thank you!

    • This is such a great suggestion, Jenine! Thank you. It’s so powerful to witness elected officials use every little-d democratic tool to work for what is right, just, and fair. I’ll make sure our Gratitude Editor receives this! – Jen

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