Where does the Checklist get its support?
From you! The Americans of Conscience Checklist can only exist with the support of its readers and subscribers.
Choose a monthly recurring contribution
Any amount supports our work!
Buttons take you to Patreon, a service that manages monthly support.
You may also enter a custom contribution there.
Choose another way to support
Choose: PayPal, Venmo, or send a check in any amount you like.
Why support AoCC?
Because you want democracy to survive so we can solve the pressing problems in our communities, nation, and world.
Have you noticed? We don’t use the fundraising tactics of activist groups that barrage you with emails. We don’t resort to partisan rhetoric to raise funds. We don’t have noisy pop-up ads to make money like most news sources.
That’s strategic. Americans of Conscience Checklist is designed to be even-toned and purposefully kind. We are an oasis of clear, compassionate action in these tumultuous times. So we don’t yell, we simply persist. Why? Basic science. People who are not overwhelmed and enraged can act purposefully and persistently for the common good.
Is fundraising harder that way? You bet it is. But we would rather leave money on the table than compromise our values.
With your financial help, we will persevere in our efforts to create a kind and thriving nation. Will continue to be here, providing clear, hopeful, actions for democracy and equality.
Will you support that vision?
AoCC runs lean
Our hard costs include the technology, time, and tools required to produce the Americans of Conscience Checklist. Here is a cost breakdown:
- Executive Director’s salary: Jennifer’s professional rate ($85/hour) would cost $6,750/month. At current (2023) fundraising levels, she’s receiving about $1200/month.
- Independent Contractors: In addition to our volunteer team, we also retain a freelance web designer, bookkeeper, and virtual assistant to keep AoCC running smoothly. ~ $825/month.
- Publications: We rely on high-quality, in-depth journalism for our research and cover subscriptions to The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, The Nation, YES Magazine, The Atlantic, and several others. ~ $97/month
- Web Hosting and Registry: ~ $16/month
- Email Service: ~ $85/month
Total Cost Per Month: $7,773 /month
Patrons currently contribute about 35% of that total. That’s why we need your support.
Why support the Americans of Conscience Checklist?
We help stressed-out and apathetic Americans take clear, specific actions that create the kind of nation we want to live in.
In 2016, we started with 30 email addresses on a sheet of paper. Today, we reach 50,000+ by email, over a hundred thousand on Twitter and Instagram, and more than 300,000 people on Facebook each month.
Does it work? Yes. Our subscribers tell us the Checklist helps them channel anxiety into constructive action. They appreciate our thorough research, clear writing, and avoidance of polarization. Many say they feel hopeful again and empowered to speak up. And because we’re non-partisan, the Checklist is for folks from #BlueWave activists to disenfranchised moderate Republicans. To date, our subscribers have taken over 200,000 actions.
We’re here to create a kinder, flourishing nation. It is our mission, and we want to continue until our nation turns around. To do that, we need your support.
Why Patreon?
Although any donation helps us immensely, our team can make long term plans and strategize more effectively when we can anticipate our monthly income several months in advance.
Can I send you a check?
Sure! Please make it payable to Americans of Conscience. Mail to: P.O. Box 925, Silverton, Oregon 97381
I’m on Patreon and I want to change the amount I’m giving each month. How do I do that?
Just follow the instructions from Patreon here: Update my membership amount
I’m on Patreon. Can I update the payment method I’m using?
Yes. Follow the instructions from Patreon here: How do I update my payment information?
If my financial situation changes, can I cancel my support?
Absolutely. We understand that life happens and want the best for you. Follow the instructions from Patreon here.
Are you a 501(c)(3)? Is my contribution tax deductible?
Not currently, although we are in discussion about becoming a not-for-profit organization. In the meantime, we pay federal and state taxes on all donations. For now, this means your contributions are not tax deductible.
What our subscribers say
“The Checklist helps me focus my actions to be more effective in my activism. It gives me a concrete tool that acts as an antidote to overwhelm and despair.”
-Tara M., New Hampshire
“Since 2016, it’s been tricky to stay informed, but not get depressed. The AoC Checklist gives me links to reliable news, and most importantly, concrete actions I can take to channel anger and despair into change. There are lots of options. Some are big, some are small, so I can fit it into my day, my life, my level of energy. It always makes me feel better.”
-Anna W., Washington
“The last couple of years has taught me that democracy is not a participation sport. Watching from the sidelines is not enough. AoC offers me impactful, well researched ways to participate in this democracy.”
-Sandy S., Tennessee
“The AoC Checklist saves me time to the point that I’m contacting members of Congress more often and succinctly because I’m not alone in keeping up with all the news. I’m like so many other Americans: I work full time, my husband works full time, we have 3 kids/2 dogs/16 chickens and endless household chores, but I am concerned about our democracy in a way I never dreamed. Without this Checklist I’d be overwhelmed, but this breaks the task down to doable bites.”
-Melissa M., Wisconsin
“The most promising thing I’ve embarked on since November 2016 is the Americans of Conscience Checklist. It provides excellent information that I can act on about issues, messages and people to contact. I especially appreciate AoCC’s positive approach, focusing on what we support or oppose, and avoiding inflammatory and divisive language. Bottom line, being active with AoCC keeps me hopeful.”
Chris D., New York
“While the AoC Checklist reflects the seriousness of our responsibility, it does not overhype or shout. This work requires steady and constant progress, and the AoCC is a great tool to remain grounded.”
Jen T., Minnesota
“It’s the right mix of information, inspiration, and actionable steps.”
Nancy K., Rhode Island
“The AoC checklist saves me tons of time. I have all my civic to-dos in one place and can even choose to prioritize the topics that matter most to me because the list is so well organized. I get hundreds of emails from organizations I believe in but it takes forever to wade through them all. I especially love the gratitude section. It feels wonderful to write thank you’s to politicians for doing the right thing.”
Anna P., New York
“The AoC Checklist has kept me engaged when I’ve felt lost and has kept me afloat when I’ve wanted to tune out and ignore the world.”
Sarah M., Wisconsin
Your support ensures the continued production of the Americans of Conscience Checklist, and we are immensely grateful for you.