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57 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

Check the box that you called–whether for one issue or all–so we can count your action. 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.

Look up your senators 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 because I’d like Sen. [NAME] to:

Call your House representative

Check the box that you called–whether for one issue or all–so we can count your action. 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.

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 because 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 organizations that advocate for clear, readable ballot measures.

Source: Ballotpedia

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

When 43% of Americans read at basic or below-basic levels, being an informed voter is difficult if ballot measures require a graduate-school education to read. Support voters and democracy by supporting non-partisan Ballotpedia and the Center for Civic Design which make election materials easy to understand.

Donate: to Ballotpedia.

Donate: to the Center for Civic Design.


Action 2: Verify your voter registration status ahead of November elections.

Source: National Association of Secretaries of State

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

Have you been purged from your state’s voter rolls? America may not be voting on a president in November, but Americans will elect multiple local officials from judges to school boards and mayors next month. Virginians and New Jerseyites will choose governors and state legislatures too.

Verify your voter registration: Using non-partisan sites Can I Vote or Voting in Your State.

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 3: Encourage your mayor to use new federal funds to house your homeless neighbors.

Source: End Homelessness

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

Contact: Your mayor (use search for contact info).

Script: Hello, I’m writing to alert you to the new Housing America program through HUD, funded by the American Rescue Plan. To address the homelessness crisis, local, tribal, and state governments now have access to emergency housing vouchers, HOME grants, and funds to provide housing. It’s important for our neighbors experiencing homelessness to get housing and stability. Will you please take advantage of these resources and pledge to reduce homelessness in our community? Thank you.


Action 4: Advocate for a pathway to citizenship.

Source: United We Dream

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

The Biden administration has proposed a rule to protect the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program from future legal challenges. While this rule would help to lessen uncertainty for thousands of aspiring Americans, it needs to lay out a pathway to citizenship or risks the loss of work permits for hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients.

Submit a public comment: In your own words, let lawmakers know why you support a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients and aspiring Americans using the Home Is Here comment form.


Action 5: Denounce inhumane practices at the southern border.

Source: UndocuBlack Network

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

Email: President Biden and Vice President Harris via the White House contact form, Speaker Pelosi via the House Speaker contact form, and Majority Leader Schumer via his contact page.

Script: Hello, I’m a constituent from [STATE] writing to oppose the inhumane treatment of Haitian refugees. The U.S. is constitutionally obligated to offer asylum to people fleeing humanitarian disaster, yet our government continues to rain violence and abuse on those turning to us for protection. I am joining community leaders and human rights organizations calling for divesting and defunding DHS, an end to deportations and Title 42, and the enactment of humane, holistic immigration policy.

Include: A link to this joint letter.


Action 6: Oppose ICE spraying detained people with chemicals.

Source: Freedom for Immigrants

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

Contact: Miami ICE Field Office Director Garrett J. Ripa at (954) 236-4911 or garrett.j.ripa@ice.dhs.gov, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas at DHSsecretary@hq.dhs.gov, and President Biden via the White House contact form.

Script: Hello, I’m contacting you from [STATE] to oppose spraying people with chemicals and to support closing the Glades Detention Center. This facility has a documented history of providing poor living conditions, including the repeated exposure of aspiring Americans to toxic chemicals, medical neglect, and numerous abuse allegations. In solidarity with hunger strikers and members of Congress, I ask you to immediately shut down the Glades Detention Center and release those held there back to our communities.

Acts of Grati­­­­tude

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

In our research this week, we didn’t find any leaders or groups to thank. Would you like to suggest one? Tell three things: 1. who it is, 2. why you’re suggesting them, and 3. how to contact them. Fill out our handy form: https://americansofconscience.com/contact/

Good News

As Americans of Conscience, we celebrate!

Progress on issues featured in the AoC Checklist

National

State

  • NC: Federal court rules that a lawsuit against state officials for denying healthcare coverage to transgender employees can proceed.

Local

  • Boston requires all large buildings to reach zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Corporate/business

Groups and organizations

News with heart


To Support the Checklist

The AoC Checklist helps you speak up to create a better democracy for all and is always ad-free and no-cost. Share the Checklist with like-hearted friends and consider becoming a patron.


Housekeeping

  • Jen’s message: Read this week’s Inspiring Message.
  • Gratitude: Big thanks to our editor Jennifer Brunton, to our team of writers and researchers, and to our happy gnome farm of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram volunteers. Thanks also to our amazing patrons and donors who make creating the Checklist sustainable.
  • Sign up: Get the Americans of Conscience Checklist here.
  • Share: Follow us and share the Checklist on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
  • Schedule: The Checklist is published the first and third Friday of each month.
  • Community Event Recording: So many people requested we bring back the hour Zoom session working on Checklist actions as a community, it’s back! If you weren’t able to attend live, contact us for a link to the recording and work along at your own pace.
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