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78 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 your senators’ staffers with multiple concerns is more efficient for both of you. They don’t mind, but be sure to call both progressives and conservatives. They need to hear from you. Then check the box that you called–whether for one issue or all–so we can count your action.

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 your representative’s staffers with multiple concerns is more efficient for both of you. They don’t mind, but be sure to call both progressives and conservatives. They need to hear from you. Then check the box that you called–whether for one issue or all–so we can count your action.

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 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: Ensure fair representation in Congress with accurate data.

Source: Asian Americans Advancing Justice and Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund

Call: Your state legislators (look up).

Script: Hi, I’m a resident of [ZIP] and I’m calling to oppose the use of the American Community Survey (instead of U.S. Census data) for redistricting purposes. More than 55 civil rights groups and legal experts agree that legislative districts should be based on Census counts—even if that data is delayed—to ensure fair representation of all communities. Can I count on [NAME] to support using only Census data for redistricting? Thank you.


Action 2: Encourage high school students to register to vote.

Source: The Civics Center

Take Action: Even with record voter turnout in the 2020 election, voters aged 18-34 have a lower participation rate than other age groups. Sign up for The Civics Center’s Postcards for Democracy program, and encourage high school students to register to vote.


Action 3: Prevent poll watchers from intimidating marginalized voters.

Source: Brennan Center

If you think all people should be able to vote without feeling threatened or endangered, speak up.

If you live in FL, IL, LA, MA, MI, MO, MT, NH, NY, PA, TX, WA, or WI: Find your state’s pending legislation in this roundup.
Write: Your state legislators an email (look up).
Script: Dear [NAME], I am from [ZIP] asking you to oppose legislation that increases the power of partisan poll watchers to harass voters. I’d like clarification on the following:

  • What limits are there on the numbers of poll watchers?
  • What are the qualifications and process to serve as a poll watcher?
  • What restrictions are in place for the conduct of poll watchers and their ability to interact directly with voters?
  • How are poll watchers trained to prevent discrimination and harrassment?

If you live in IA: 
Write: Your state legislators an email (look up).
Script: Dear [NAME], I am from [ZIP] asking you to repeal IA SF 413, which makes it a criminal offense for an election official to obstruct a poll watcher’s activities. Election officials should have the legal authority to maintain order at polling places.


If you live in any other state: Donate to the Brennan Center to support their legal work on this issue and to ensure free and fair elections nationwide.

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 4: Support LGBTQ people with legal protection.

Source: Planned Parenthood Action

Contact: Your state legislators (look up).

Before reaching out: See what legislation is in the pipeline in your state with Equality Federation.

Script: Hello, I’m [CALLING/WRITING] from [ZIP] to express my support for our state’s LGBTQ+ people and their safety. Since this community does not yet enjoy federal legal protection as other marginalized groups do, I am asking [NAME] to join 20 states and the District of Columbia in introducing legislation to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Thank you.


Action 5: Support farm workers’ path to citizenship.

Source: UFW Foundation

Aspiring Americans make up approximately 50% of agricultural workers. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which the House passed in March, will put farm workers and their immediate family members on a roadmap to citizenship and protection from the constant threat of detention and deportation. It’s time our senators passed this protective legislation to support those who put food on our tables.

Sign: The UFW petition to senators.


Action 6: Advocate with aspiring Americans for basic human rights.

Source: Freedom for Immigrants

Freedom for Immigrants is building a world where no person is imprisoned for crossing a border. Read about their incredible progress and support their work.

Donate: To support the Freedom for Immigrants movement.


Action 7: Call for an end to unconstitutional border practices.

Source: Human Rights First

Contact: President Biden at (202) 456-1111 or via whitehouse.gov.

Script: Hello, I’m [CALLING/WRITING] from [ZIP] in opposition to Title 42, which allows border agents to bypass normal immigration laws and rapidly expel aspiring Americans at the southern border without due process. This policy disregards our constitutional duty to provide asylum to those seeking refuge in our country, and sends vulnerable individuals and families to await their hearings in dangerous border towns. I am asking President Biden to end the use of Title 42 and restore due process for those who seek refuge in our nation.

Acts of Grati­­­­tude

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

Tell NC state House Speaker Tim Moore (R) why you’re grateful to him for dropping a discriminatory bill after finding no concerns from North Carolinians about transgender student athletes playing on the teams that align with their gender identity.

Address: 16 West Jones Street, Rm. 2304, Raleigh, NC 27601


Tell Rep. Liz Cheney (R–WY) why you’re grateful to her for insisting that a congressional commission regarding the Jan. 6 insurrection should focus solely on that attack and not anti-racism protests.

Address: 416 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515


Tell Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D–NY) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I–VT) why you’re grateful to them for leading a call to the Biden administration to include an increase to SSI payments in the American Families Plan.

Address:
JB: 1605 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515
BS: 332 Dirksen SOB, Washington, DC 20510


Tell Reps. Pramila Jayapal (D–WA) and Adam Smith (D–WA), and Sen. Cory Booker (D–NJ) why you are grateful to them for reintroducing the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act that would end inhumane detention and protect aspiring Americans’ civil rights.

Address:
PJ: 2346 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515
AS: 2264 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515
CB: 359 Dirksen SOB, Washington, DC 20510

Good News

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

National

State

Corporate/business

Groups and organizations

News with heart


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