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In case you’re new to Americans of Conscience–or maybe it’s been a little while–I wanted to take a moment to reintroduce ourselves. I’m Jen Hofmann, the founder and director of our publication.
Who are we?
Although I started this effort solo, today I’m honored to be accompanied by a group of 25 volunteers and two part time team members who come from all walks of life, backgrounds, and ages. Together, we research, create, and distribute a publication that includes actions you can take to support democracy and equality.
A different kind of activism
We’re conscious of the effect that the current media environment has on our nervous systems and attitudes, so every word we publish is meant to empower you to act without contributing to polarizing rhetoric or overwhelm.
To counter media feeds that can create chaos and despair, we also choose to celebrate what is going right in weekly lists of good news.
Gratitude is a valuable practice that sustains long-term engagement, so we regularly write thank-you letters of gratitude–that you can sign–to leaders using their positions for good.
Leading with heart
Why have we been doing this work for the last eight years? Like you, we are aware that diverse communities are still struggling for equality, and democracy is sill a noble ideal that has yet to truly work for all Americans.
Like you, we have the urge to do something about what is in the headlines. In short, we believe our nation can be better and that you want to help.
Diverse strategies
So, we choose to show up. We collect and research ways that you can support equality for marginalized communities and voting rights for every American.
Some of our actions are macro in scope, like supporting or opposing legislation at the federal level where change is slow. Others are micro, as in making a donation to a grassroots organization or writing to voters–they are immediate and add up!
It’s a real checklist, so there’s even a check box you can click when you’ve completed an action. We tally these to assess our efforts. It’s truly rewarding to see what we accomplish together.
What creates change?
In the last months, even more people have subscribed to our publication, moved by the outcome of the most recent election. It’s as if you already know the key to creating change: solidarity. Together, we’re stronger.
As our Checklist amplifies the calls to action from diverse communities, we keep you apprised of ways to unite in support of the kind and thriving nation we know is possible.
Our big wins in 2024
In the spirit of celebrating, allow me to share some of our wins last year at Americans of Conscience Checklist:
- In 2024, our subscribers took 15,380 actions for democracy and equality.
- Wrote 9,595 postcards to voters in Georgia with our Peach State Postcard Project in collaboration with SOWEGA Rising.
- Sent 3,527 thank yous to elected officials and leaders for using their positions for good.
- Reached 45,000 subscribers and grew our social media following.
- Our top five most-taken actions in 2024 were:
- Oppose the removal of Japanese American internment materials from the U.S. National Archives.
- Support the No Kings Act to preserve Congress’ authority to check presidential power.
- Support rural healthcare for veterans, women, and families.
- Support reforming the National Emergencies Act limiting the duration of national emergencies and require Congressional approval to extend.
- Urge President Biden commute the death sentences on federal and military death rows (success!).
What’s coming next
Change happens step by step, one action at a time. This year, we have big plans to make activism more engaging, meaningful, and satisfying–no matter what is happening in the news.
If you commit to taking even one action per edition, we’ll do our part in the months and years ahead to provide you with the tools to change America for the better–without burning out.
Thank you for being here at this time in our nation’s story. Your presence matters. If you know someone who might like to join our effort, please share our sign-up page here: americansofconscience.com/subscribe
Warmly,
Jen Hofmann
Founder and Director
Americans of Conscience
P.S. Take action this week with our latest Checklist here.