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81 weeks to Midterm Elections

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:

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In this edition of the AoC Checklist:

Call your senators

Calling our senators makes a difference, whether they are progressive or conservative. Regular communication with our elected officials reminds them of their duty to represent all of their constituents.

Look up your senators here.

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

Call your House representative

Calling our House reps makes a difference, whether they are progressive or conservative. Regular communication with our elected officials reminds them of their duty to represent all of their constituents.

Look up your House representative here.

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

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.

Action 1: Oppose racist violence and extremism in law enforcement.

Source: AoCC

Write: Your mayor and city council (search “mayor of CITY address”).

Script: Dear [NAME], I’m a taxpaying resident of [CITY] writing to advocate for my neighbors’ safety. Anyone in uniform with white supremacist sympathies is a danger to our community. The U.S. military is currently working to eradicate extremists like neo-Nazis, Proud Boys, and Oath Keepers from their ranks. I’d like to know how our city’s police department is working proactively to do likewise. Thank you for attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to your response. Name and address


Action 2: Speak up locally to end the school-to-prison pipeline.

Source: AoCC

Write: Your local school board (search “DISTRICT school board address”).

Script: I am concerned about data showing that middle schoolers who have been suspended are nearly four times more likely to end up in prison. Students of color and students with disabilities are at risk of targeting by well-meaning teachers. Schools must support students, not criminalize them. I’m asking that our district pursue trauma-informed policies that align with child and adolescent development. I recommend the resource below from the Education Law Center as a guide. Thank you. Name, address
https://www.elc-pa.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Trauma-Informed-in-Schools-Classrooms-FINAL-December2014-2.pdf


Action 3: Advocate for clemency for Kanoa.

Source: CCWP and United We Dream

Kanoa “Rae” Harris-Pendang is a transgender survivor and a beloved mentor to many. In 1998, he was sentenced to two life without parole sentences and two 25-to-life sentences for “conspiring to commit” two murders he did not commit. Urge Gavin Newsom to #FreeKanoa

Submit your public comment: bit.ly/FreeAllSurvivors


Action 4: Support an inclusive examination of systemic racism in the U.S.

Source: CLINIC

Email: President Biden via whitehouse.gov or fill out this form.

Script: Hello, I’m from [ZIP] joining with over 100 organizations in asking you to establish a task force to address systemic racism against Black immigrants. Recent policies, enforcement, and rhetoric have increased anti-Black racism in U.S. immigration. In order to meaningfully address this issue, a dedicated Task Force on Black immigrants would be a key first step. Thank you.


Action 5: Reverse the Muslim ban to reunite families.

Source: National Immigration Law Center

The hateful Muslim Ban is still hurting families. The current administration ended it going forward, but families already separated could wait years to be reunited. We join with NILC and others asking the White House to take action to undo the Muslim Ban.

Sign the petition: (click here)

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 6: Advocate for fair representation and fair congressional maps in your state.

Source: League of Women Voters

Every 10 years, congressional districts are redrawn based on census data, but who draws those lines matters. Advocate for fair maps in your state

Call: Your state legislators (look up).

If you live in AL, AR, GA, FL, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NM, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, WI, or WV, your state’s legislature draws the map, making it subject to partisan control.

Script: Hi, I’m calling from [ZIP] to ask [NAME] to support the creation of an independent, nonpartisan redistricting commission so that all of [STATE]’s voters are fairly represented. Thank you.

If you live in CT, OH, IA, IN, ME, or UT: Your state has a redistricting commission, but it serves in a back-up or advisory capacity to the legislature.

Script: HI, I’m calling from [ZIP] to ask [NAME] to support giving [STATE]’s congressional redistricting commission primary responsibility for drawing district lines. Thank you.

If you live in any other state, your state either already uses a non-legislature (independent or bipartisan) commission, or only has one congressional district. A donation to the League of Women Voters will support their legal challenges to unfair maps nationwide.

Bonus: Participate in the LWV’s National Day of Action on April 29!


Action 7: Sign up for reminders about local and special elections.

Source: Vote.org

The 2020 election may be over, but cities, counties, and states hold regular and special elections every year (and not just in November). Research shows that election reminders increase voter turnout

Take action: Sign up to receive free election reminder emails or text messages from nonpartisan Vote.org and never miss an election.

Acts of Grati­­­­tude

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

Tell Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R–AR) why you are grateful to him for vetoing a bill banning gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors. 

Address: State Capitol Room 250, 500 Woodlane Ave., Little Rock, AR 72201


Tell the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce why you are grateful to them for speaking out against voter suppression and working to expand voting access in GA.

Address: Chamber President Katie Kirkpatrick, 191 Peachtree Street N.E., Suite 3400, Atlanta, GA 30303


Tell Major League Baseball why you are grateful to them for pulling the All-Star Game from GA in response to a recently passed voter suppression bill.

Address: Rob Manfred, MLB Office of the Commissioner of Baseball, 245 Park Avenue, 31st Floor New York, NY 10167


Tell Sen. Mitch McConnell (R–KY) why you are grateful to him for encouraging reluctant Americans to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.

Address: 317 Russell SOB, Washington, DC 20510

Good News

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

National

State

Local

Corporate/business

Groups and organizations

News with heart

  • Philadelphia’s skyline goes partially dark during April to protect migrating birds.
  • The rate of suicides in the U.S. dropped by 6% between 2019 and 2020, the largest annual drop in four decades.
  • At least 11 parents and their U.S. citizen babies expelled to Mexico under Title 42 are paroled into the U.S. with their infants
  • Sonia Almendarez and her 10-year-old daughter reunite in TX after six years apart.
  • Pediatricians rally against an Arkansas bill preventing transgender minors from accessing gender-affirming healthcare.
  • Xiao Zhen Xie donates nearly $1 million dollars donated for her medical expenses towards defusing racism against the Asian American community.
  • NFL player Justin Herron and friend Murray Rogers save a retired teacher from assault.
  • Rep. Park Cannon will not be prosecuted after being arrested for knocking on Gov. Kemp’s door during a bill signing.Voter participation among Asian Americans in GA increased 84% between 2016 and 2020.

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1 Comment

  1. Jen and team-
    I had no idea (and I think the general public has no idea) that the situation is so dire with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Please continue to amplify this issue ! Best Regards,

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