-Submitted by Judy Sullivan, USH Social Justice Chair

117 weeks down, 90 weeks to the presidential election.

The AoC Checklist features clear, well-researched actions for Americans who value democracy, equality, voting, and respect. To stay engaged through challenging times, we practice gratitude, self-care, and celebration.

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: Support your LGBTQ neighbors’ rights. [h/t HRC]

Call: Your two Senators and one House rep (look up).
Script: Hi. I’m calling from [ZIP] to ask [name] to reintroduce The Equality Act. Right now, my LGBTQ neighbors are vulnerable to discrimination in housing and employment. We must extend reasonable and fair protections to all Americans.
Bonus: Email House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to support the Equality Act as a legislative priority: https://www.speaker.gov/contact-us/

▢ Action 2: Speak up for LGBTQ youth. (h/t HRC)

Write: Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, USDA, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250
Script: I’m writing to urge that you reinstate 4-H’s policies welcoming LGBTQ youth. Discrimination hurts kids and risks lives in this vulnerable community. Please uphold the American values of equality and fairness for all people.
Bonus: Call or write your two Senators and one House rep (look up) and ask them to write a letter to Secretary Perdue requesting the policy be reinstated.

▢ Action 3: Advocate for a fair, impartial judiciary. (h/t NWLC)

Call: Your two Senators (look up).
Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP] and I’m calling to oppose the nominations of Neomi Rao, Wendy Vitter, and Matthew Kacsmaryk to the federal bench. I support a judiciary that protects health care and civil rights for all. Can I count on [NAME] to vote against confirming these nominees?

▢ Action 4: Speak up with neighbors in need regarding Rx costs. [h/t AARP]

Call: Or write your two Senators and one House rep (look up).
Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP] and I’m calling to ask [NAME] to propose legislation to reduce the high cost of prescription drugs. No one should have to choose between buying medicine or groceries. Can I count on [NAME] to address this growing problem?

I value decency.

Our nation has a moral and legal obligation to welcome people seeking asylum and refuge. We support showing decency toward this vulnerable community.

▢ Action 1: Oppose ICE targeting high-profile people for deportation. [h/t United We Dream,

21 Savage is a Grammy-nominated artist, has been in the US since age 7, and is being held for deportation in the wake of publicly opposing ICE.
Write: Sean Gallagher, ICE Atlanta Field Office Director
Script: Release 21 Savage/Mr. Abraham-Joseph pending the decision of his 2017 application for a U visa.
Address: Atlanta Field Office, 180 Ted Turner Dr. SW Suite 522, Atlanta, GA, 30303
Bonus: Sign petition.

Acts of Gratitude

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

Thank Stacey Abrams (D) for offering a vision of hope, unity, and justice for all Americans in her State of the Union response. [Share what you appreciate about her leadership in election reform.]

Address: 1270 Caroline Street, Suite D120-447, Atlanta, GA 30307

Thank Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-D) governor  for rejecting false declarations of an immigration emergency and pulling most of her state National Guard members off the border. [Share why demilitarization and of humanitarian assistance matters to you.]

Address: 490 Old Santa Fe Trail Room 400, Santa Fe, NM 87501

Thank Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD), House Oversight Committee Chair, for his impassioned defense of the sacred right of all Americans to vote. [Share what the vote means for you, your neighbors, and our democracy.]

Address: 1010 Park Avenue, Suite 105, Baltimore, MD 21201

Good news

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

National

• House Judiciary Committee holds the first hearing on HR1, the For The People Act.
• U.S. District Judge orders the Pentagon to stop discriminating against naturalized citizens who volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army.
• Several lawmakers invite transgender active-duty and veteran service members to the State of the Union.
• Stacy Abrams becomes the first black woman to deliver the opposition party response to the State of the Union address.
• House Judiciary Committee hosts its first gun violence prevention hearing in 8 years.
• House Energy and Commerce oversight subcommittee holds the first hearing on DHS’ “Zero tolerance” policy of family separation at the U.S. and Mexico border.

State

• A record number of states pass legislation baning “conversion therapy” and pass trans-inclusive policies.
• MS: Mason-Dixon Polling shows broad, bipartisan support for legislation to update hate crimes laws to include sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability.
• MO: Supreme Court announces bail reform.
• NM: Governor orders the withdrawal of the majority of the state’s National Guard troops from the U.S. border with Mexico.
• IL: Gov. Pritzker signs an executive order supporting immigrant and refugee rights.
• PA: Police now limited in flagging undocumented immigrants to ICE.
• NY: Hundreds of protesters took to the capitol in Albany to demand leaders advance the Here To Stay agenda.

Local

• D.C. city council overrides mayor’s veto and votes to decriminalize Metro fare evasion.
• Sandusky, OH, will recognize Election Day as an official holiday instead of Columbus Day.
• A Utah high school drops its racist team name.

News with heart

• Candice Payne helps over 100 people in Chicago find warm shelter during the coldest days of the year.
• Pen pal programs involving immigrants in detention have taken off in recent months.
• Bob Kafka, an activist with ADAPT of TX, has successfully advocated for disability rights for more than two decades.
• According to a recent Gallup poll, 60% of Americans oppose major new construction of walls along the U.S.-Mexico border, and 81% support a path to citizenship for immigrants in the U.S. illegally.
• See more good news at Small Victories, Good Black News, and What Went Right.