12/31/16  To-do List                                                            

There is no special way to attack this action list. If it seems overwhelming, just do the first two items to make it easier.  If you have a little more time, do the third….and the fourth…. Or, choose items that speak to your heart.  Some people cut and paste the list, print it off and take it with them so they can check items off while they are out and about during the day and just waiting or driving.  Others click and do items as they work on their computer or phone.  There is no right way to do this.  Just do something!  Remember, too, that many of the suggestions made on earlier days are still doable.

1. Stop Republicans in Congress from gutting Medicare: http://act.credoaction.com/sign/medicare_killers/

2. Take part in National Resist Day on Thursday, December 19, the day before the Inauguration.  Details here:  https://www.facebook.com/events/385497458467755/

3. Please sign and call to help block Trump’s cabinet of hate and Wall Street greed:  https://blocktrumpscabinet.com/

4. If you are still looking for a bus ride to the Women’s March in Washington, this may help:  http://rallybus.net/womens-march-on-washington

5. It seems there may be a vote in the House of Representatives on Tuesday for what is called the REINS (Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny) Act.  The Tea Party has been trying to pass this since 2011. “If there is one thing to remember about the REINS Act, it is intended to block or void federal laws protecting public health, safety, welfare and the environment through fundamentally anti-democratic means.” Thanks to an excellent FB post, here is an example of what it will mean, if passed:  In this country, Congress passes laws and then delegates them to the agencies to enforce and to work out the specifics of how each law is applied. The idea is that the agencies, whose jobs are specifically related to that law, are the experts (scientists, scholars) who should design the actual implementation of the law. For instance, generally senators have no idea how much PFAS can be in drinking water before it is harmful (EPA) or how to implement least restrictive environment (DO Education) or how much concrete should be used on highways to be safe (DO Transportation). However, the agencies, who employ scientists, economists, engineers are experts in their areas, do know these facts. When agencies are delegated a new law, they go through an elaborate process to write the regulations. It takes YEARS and lots of research. A law called the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) to ensure due process regulates this process. The APA gives all parties who may be affected by these regulations an opportunity to respond to them, to offer evidence, to have their experts testify. It takes YEARS to “publish regulations”! The Republicans hope to have this bill ready for Trump to sign on his first day.  https://www.nrdc.org/experts/john-walke/frequently-asked-questions-about-reins-act Contact your legislators to help block this legislation:  http://act.commoncause.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sunlight_advocacy_list_page

6. Another item on Tuesday’s agenda, in hopes of Trump being able to sign on his first day is office, is the Midnight Rules Act which would allow Congress to nix, en masse, Obama administration regulations issued late in his term.  While talking with your legislators, please also tell them to block this. 

7. Please consider taking these additional steps to fight the Betsy DeVos nomination for Department of Education Secretary:  call your senators (most effective), email your senators, sign the Network for Public Education letter, the joint NEA-AFT letter, and another MoveOn petition.  

12/30/16  To-do List                                                                                                

There is no special way to attack this action list. If it seems overwhelming, just do the first two items to make it easier.  If you have a little more time, do the third….and the fourth…. Or, choose items that speak to your heart.  Some people cut and paste the list, print it off and take it with them so they can check items off while they are out and about during the day and just waiting or driving.  Others click and do items as they work on their computer or phone.  There is no right way to do this.  Just do something!  Remember, too, that many of the suggestions made on earlier days are still doable.

Please remember that due to all the petitions and joining we’ve been doing over the last several weeks that we are now on many email lists for organizations that will most likely be seeking end-of-year charitable donations.  While it may make for some less-than-desired email, please give what you can and be tolerant knowing that these organizations do so much good on our behalf. 

1. Senators Pelosi, Sanders, and Schumer have written to their congressional colleagues asking them to stage a rally or an event in their home states on Sunday, January 15 for a day of action, “Our First Stand:  Save Health Care”.  https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/12/28/sanders-democratic-leaders-announce-day-of-action-to-preempt-health-care-cuts/?utm_term=.c47f8f8e042f
2. Write to your Democratic federal legislators and offer your support and help in making this happen!  http://act.commoncause.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sunlight_advocacy_list_page

3. Here is a petition to state legislatures to dismantle the outdated Electoral College system by joining the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.    http://act.credoaction.com/sign/popular_vote_compact/

4. Please call the Office of Government Ethics (202) 482-9300 and tell them: Trump's apparent plan of having his sons run his business while he serves as President is UNACCEPTABLE.

5. Simon & Schuster has granted a book deal to known hatemonger and white supremacist Milo Yiannopoulos  the 31-year-old British tech editor and star writer for Breitbart News, where he’s the loudest defender of the new, Trump-led ultraconservatism, shouting to stop immigrants, feminists, political correctness, and any non-Western culture. He was recently banned from Twitter for hatred toward actress Leslie Jones. Please go to the Simon & Schuster Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Simonandschuster/) or send them a tweet (@simonschuster) or phone (212-698-7006) or fax (212-698-2858), or email SS’s President and Publisher: Louise.Burke@simonandschuster.com and its Administrative Coordinator:  Irene.Lipsky@simonandschuster.com  and say that you will be boycotting their books if he is published and paid by them to spread hatred. We can also call local libraries and bookstores to let them know Simon & Schuster is supporting white supremacy. Please consider contacting Simon and Schuster as to voice your displeasure at a hatemonger being given a book deal at such a reputable company!  The Chicago Review of Books has stated on their Facebook page, “In response to this disgusting validation of hate, we will not cover a single Simon & Schuster book in 2017.”  Let’s thank Chicago Review of Books, too!  chireviewofbooks@gmail.com.

  

6. Apparently, they heard from many of us!  The Buffalo Board of Education on Thursday demanded that Carl Paladino resign from his post on the board after making racist comments about President and Michelle Obama last week. If he refuses to step down, the board will ask the state education commissioner to remove him, it said in a resolution.  http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/29/nyregion/carl-paladino-racist-remarks-buffalo-school-board-demands-resignation.html?_r=0

7. Paladino, however, says he will not resign.  https://buffalonews.com/2016/12/27/board-regents-representative-says-state-exploring-legal-options-remove-paladino/  Here is a petition to the New York Commissioner of Education to remove him:                        https://www.change.org/p/commissioner-of-education-of-the-state-of-new-york-maryellen-elia-remove-carl-paladino-from-the-buffalo-school-board  and/or call her office at (518) 474-3852.

8. Join Sen. Heinrich (D-NM) in helping to protect Medicare:  http://nm.martinheinrich.com/page/s/hands-off-medicare

9. At least one choir member has quit rather than perform at Trump’s inauguration. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/mormon-tabernacle-singer-quits-choir-over-trump-inauguration-w458429  Sign here if you feel the entire Mormon Tabernacle Choir should not as Trump does not reflect their values:  https://www.change.org/p/the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-mormon-tabernacle-choir-should-not-perform-at-trump-inauguration

10. Sign this to object to the invalid 2016 Electoral College vote:  https://campaigns.organizefor.org/petitions/verify-one-person-one-vote-congress-must-stop-the-invalid-2016-electoral-college-results

11. In addition to the smartphone app, Countable is also available via computer, too.  Countable makes it quick and easy to understand the laws Congress is considering. It also streamlines the process of contacting your lawmaker, so you can tell them how you want them to vote on bills under consideration.  https://www.countable.us/

12. If a Boy Scout is to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent, it appears to be against their core values to march in Trump’s inauguration parade.  If you think so, too, call Boy Scouts of America and register your concerns at 972-580-2000 or email them at PR@scouting.org

13. On your mobile device (not your computer), visit calltrumpout.com and enter your address. You'll then be able to quickly add your members of congress (MoC) to your contacts list, which will help with future actions.

14. Here is a petition by Ploughshares Fund, a public grant making foundation that supports initiatives to prevent the spread and use of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons and other weapons of war, and to prevent conflicts that could lead to the use of weapons of mass destruction., to keep Trump’s finger off the nuclear button:  http://www.ploughshares.org/keep-donald-trumps-finger-off-nuclear-button

15. Call your representative and senators regarding the 1) Midnight Rule Relief Act,  and  2) Reins Act.  According to Politico: "The “Reins Act,” would require Congress to approve major regulations. Another called the Midnight Rules Act would allow Congress to nix, en masse, Obama administration regulations issued late in his term."  http://www.politico.com/story/2016/12/new-congress-house-votes-united-nations-232998   Find your legislators here:  http://act.commoncause.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sunlight_advocacy_list_page

12/29/16  To-do List                                                                  

There is no special way to attack this action list. If it seems overwhelming, just do the first two items to make it easier.  If you have a little more time, do the third….and the fourth…. Or, choose items that speak to your heart.  Some people cut and paste the list, print it off and take it with them so they can check items off while they are out and about during the day and just waiting or driving.  Others click and do items as they work on their computer or phone.  There is no right way to do this.  Just do something!  Remember, too, that many of the suggestions made on earlier days are still doable.

Please remember that due to all the petitions and joining we’ve been doing over the last several weeks that we are now on many email lists for organizations that will most likely be seeking end-of-year charitable donations.  While it may make for some less-than-desired email, please give what you can and be tolerant knowing that these organizations do so much good on our behalf. 

1. Join Friends of the Earth in opposing Scott Pruitt, a known climate-denier, for the head of EPA.  http://action.foe.org/p/dia/action3/common/public/index.sjs?action_KEY=20837

2. Stand with the League of Women Voters in asking our senators to oppose the repeal of the Affordable Care Act:  http://participate.lwv.org/c/10065/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=12595

3. If you have not already seen it, watch the documentary Inequality for All.  It is a documentary that follows former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich as he looks to raise awareness of the country's widening economic gap.  http://inequalityforall.com/  It is available on Nettflix, Amazon Prime, iTunes, and may be viewed here, as well:  https://www.reddit.com/r/Documentaries/comments/3oeh0o/inequality_for_all_2013_robert_reich_put_the_full/

4. Show your support for the ACA by joining Team Obamacare at Organizing for Action, President Obama’s organizing arm:  https://www.barackobama.com/join-team-obamacare/?

5. Required reading:  “How to Win Your Next Political Argument” will help us learn that conservatives simply value different things higher (loyalty, authority, and sanctity). Knowing how to appeal to them will help us when dealing with them.  https://getpocket.com/explore/item/how-to-win-your-next-political-argument-618064427

6. Another effort to bring attention to the need to stop the certification of the Electoral College vote on January 6, please send this email message to these three Washington Post reporters:  “Please look into the actions of Mark Pinsley, Unite for America, PA and others who are working on a petition to stop the vote in congress on Jan 6th, so that the full membership of Congress can spend 2 hours discussing voter suppression and foreign intervention in this years election.   https://goo.gl/AwzpPt“ Use these three email addresses at the Washington Post:  Adam.Entous@washpost.com  and philip.bump@washpost.com and Fahrenhold@washpost.com

7. If you live in New Jersey, callers are needed to contact Sen. Cory Booker’s office.  They are considering the effort to create an objection in the Senate for the purpose of discussing voter suppression and foreign intervention. We need people IN New Jersey calling...please say something like --- Hi my name is XX.  I know that Mark Pinsley of Unite for America and Ruby Sales of Sisters in Struggle have been in touch with your office to ask you to create an objection to be read at the joint session on Jan 6th. The objection is about Voter Suppression and Foreign intervention. I support this effort. I would also ask you to write and present this objection ---Bookers #202-224-3224

8. Michael Moore’s “5 Things You Can Do Right Now About Donald J. Trump”: https://www.facebook.com/mmflint/posts/10154046637756857

9. Democratic Coalition Against Trump wants you to join them in their efforts to best Trump.  Sign up here:  http://www.democraticcoalition.org/  You can also “like” their Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/TheDemocraticCoalition

12/28/16  To-do List                                                   

There is no special way to attack this action list. If it seems overwhelming, just do the first two items to make it easier.  If you have a little more time, do the third….and the fourth…. Or, choose items that speak to your heart.  Some people cut and paste the list, print it off and take it with them so they can check items off while they are out and about during the day and just waiting or driving.  Others click and do items as they work on their computer or phone.  There is no right way to do this.  Just do something!  Remember, too, that many of the suggestions made on earlier days are still doable.

Please remember that due to all the petitions and joining we’ve been doing over the last several weeks that we are now on many email lists for organizations that will most likely be seeking end-of-year charitable donations.  While it may make for some less-than-desired email, please give what you can and be tolerant knowing that these organizations do so much good on our behalf. 

1. Check out this website to learn more about and to download a browser extension that can help warn you about fake news:  http://bsdetector.tech/

2. There will be rough times ahead for this small Montana town. White supremacists are being bused in as a show of force. http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/daily-stormer-calling-for-armed-march-against-montana-jews/2016/12/26/  When contacted, the local synagogue said they are hiring extra security and would welcome assistance to help cover the expenses. Anyone who wants to contribute can do so directly through the synagogue website: 
   http://www.glacierjewishcommunity.org/

3. TELL YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS: SCOTT PRUITT IS A DANGEROUS EPA NOMINEE:  https://actionsprout.io/1A761E/initial

4. Trump currently has 18 million followers on Twitter.  It seems that he is using this figure to calculate his popularity.  If you are currently following him (@realDonaldTrump), consider unfollowing him to reduce that number.  You can always check on his activity manually from time to time to see what he is up to. 

5. Join Sen. Cory Booker in thanking President Obama for eight years of service to our country:  http://act.corybooker.com/page/s/nn-thank-president-obama?

6. Sign the RISE When We Fall Pledge to receive updates and reminders about upcoming town halls and events, have opportunities to connect with other people planning to attend these events, and receive information about the voting positions of your Senators and Representatives and questions that you could ask. Finding out about these town halls and other congressional events should be easier, and we want to work with you and tens of thousands of other citizens to build a crowdsource central calendar so any and every American can find out how to meet face to face with their Senators and Representatives. Remember, they work for you.   Please Share! https://risewhenwefall.org/#pledge

7. If you want to read and keep up with federal legislation, here’s the place:  https://www.congress.gov/  FYI, both chambers meet again on Friday, Dec. 30.

8. Extreme lawmakers think Trump's election gives them a mandate to roll back rights for women, LGBTQ folks, religious minorities, people with disabilities and people of color. They're starting to move on discriminatory legislation before Trump has even taken office. Join Planned Parenthood to let them know where you stand.  https://secure.ppaction.org/site/SPageNavigator/pp_ppaf_RSAacq_natl_1116_WeWontGoBack_c4_ad.html;jsessionid=96D781E97FA6E56580EC9245BD21573E.app20109b?s

9. There is work underway to get an "objection" read on the floor of the Joint Session on Jan 6th. This will create an opportunity to have the objection discussed by the entire congress.  It is focusing on two areas. 1) Voter Suppression, primarily of the Black and Brown vote, and 2) Foreign Intervention, the Electoral College should not have made the decision according to the 14th amendment. To start, many people (maybe 100) in each of the following states. NJ, PA, FL, AL if you can help, or know people that can pull that kind of group together that would be awesome. People are needed to make calls to their senators and to their congressperson. Please see the petition to have greater clarity:  “One Congressperson and one Senator: Object to the counting of Electoral College votes on Jan 6^th..” The petition is here:   https://www.change.org/p/one-congress-person-and-one-senator-object-to-the-counting-of-electoral-college-votes-on-jan-6th?recruiter=631607981&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=share_email_responsive   If you think you can also help with phone calls send a message to Mark Pinsley, https://www.facebook.com/mpinsley?fref=ufi

10. Going to the Women’s March in DC? After the March, warm up, have fun and strategize about next steps with other volunteers, marchers and leaders at the Rise Above conference (www.riseaboveconference.org) in downtown DC. Inspiring speakers, breakout sessions and meetups, plus strategies and action-plans we can all use to push for equality, justice, freedom and a government that works. (You can go to just the Saturday afternoon events, just the Sunday events, or both.) Scholarships are available, as well. (Please share this post with other groups that might be interested.)

12/27/16  To-do List                                                         

There is no special way to attack this action list. If it seems overwhelming, just do the first two items to make it easier.  If you have a little more time, do the third….and the fourth…. Or, choose items that speak to your heart.  Some people cut and paste the list, print it off and take it with them so they can check items off while they are out and about during the day and just waiting or driving.  Others click and do items as they work on their computer or phone.  There is no right way to do this.  Just do something!  Remember, too, that many of the suggestions made on earlier days are still doable.

Please remember that due to all the petitions and joining we’ve been doing over the last several weeks that we are now on many email lists for organizations that will most likely be seeking end-of-year charitable donations.  While it may make for some less-than-desired email, please give what you can and be tolerant knowing that these organizations do so much good on our behalf.

1. The ACLU has a law enforcement accountability tool you can use on your phone. Michigan is one of less than 20 states that currently have a mobile app available through the ACLU. It looks really interesting, and you can find more info here:  https://www.aclu.org/feature/aclu-apps-record-police-conduct

2. A group called “Love Lives Here in the Flathead Valley” is under attack by Richard Spencer and the KKK. A Neo-Nazi group is planning an “armed March Against Jews” in Richard Spencer’s Hometown of Whitefish, Montana. Additionally, they have urged their fellow haters to write nasty and threatening messages to the "Loves Lives Here" group. A neo-Nazi website called the Daily Stormer, published the names of the Whitefish activists who are all woman, along with their photos, phone numbers, Twitter handles and email addresses and encouraged its readers to spam "Love Lives Here". Let’s send messages of love and support to the "Love Lives Here" group to show our solidarity and let them know that there are more caring people out there than haters? You can contact them several ways: 1) via email at info@loveliveshereflathead.org  2) via snail mail at Love Lives Here, P.O. Box 204, Whitefish, Montana 59938, 3) by phone at (406) 309-5678 , 4) on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LoveLivesHereFlathead/ or 5) on Twitter: https://twitter.com/loveliveshereMT

3. Let’s tell the Senate “As representatives of all Americans, you must stand up against hatred and greed. Fight to block and resist every Trump nominee who embraces racism, xenophobia, misogyny, homophobia, climate denial, and Wall Street greed.”  https://blocktrumpscabinet.com/

4. Climate Reality Project, a non-profit organization involved in education and advocacy related to climate change, needs our help in telling the Senate that we can’t trust big oil insiders with the health of our families and our environment.  https://www.climaterealityproject.org/bigoil?

5. Let us support Congresswoman Velázquez (D-NY) in her request to Attorney General Loretta Lynch to form a special counsel to investigate the Russian cyberattacks on our election.  Call the Attorney General’s Department Comment Line at 202-353-1555.  Use or modify this script:  “I’m calling to support Representative Velázquez’ request for Attorney General Lynch to appoint a special counsel to investigate Russia’s influence on the election. Trump has recently denied the conclusions of our entire intelligence community and insists that Russia did not interfere. His dangerous position warrants an investigation into his campaign’s knowledge of Russia’s attacks. While Congress may conduct its own investigation, The Department of Justice is in a unique position to appoint a special counsel, which would be independent of political influence. I ask you to use your power to ensure that the American people obtain a thorough investigation of these matters.”

6. Should you feel you are a good fit, please sign this STATEMENT BY FEMINIST SCHOLARS ON THE ELECTION OF DONALD TRUMP AS PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScM6SDWMqgAl5YHpGyQsXBBRjK58CXd6KIunPzGbXMhcktDVQ/viewform

7. Sign the petition insisting that President Obama declassify the CIA’s report on torture. djt promises to do worse to the people our country detains, and this documentation shows it doesn’t work. https://www.standtallforamerica.com/petition/torture-report/e/

8. SIGN THE PETITION: DEMAND TRUMP CABINET NOMINEES RELEASE TAX RETURNS:  https://www.signherenow.org/petition/cabinet-tax-returns/gillibrand/

9. By 2030, the Republicans plan would reduce a middle-income 65-year-old’s benefits by 17% without any tax increases to the richest Americans. Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) wants to protect Social Security.  Let him know that you side with him!  http://www.tomudall.com/landing/e161216/

10. Consider joining and donating to the America Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which fights for people's rights in courts, legislatures, and communities throughout the country. They stand ready to take on Donald Trump or anyone else who tries to advance unconstitutional assaults on our rights.  https://action.aclu.org/secure/protect-peoples-rights-8?

11. RISE When We Fall is a new public Facebook page of the group that is working to become the largest citizen watchdog organization in the country with the mission to monitor Trump.  https://www.facebook.com/RISE-When-We-Fall-302211596839441/

12. Let’s stand with Rep. Cummings who is asking Congress to investigate Trump's massive web of potential corruption!   http://act.credoaction.com/sign/trump_cummings_corruption/?

13. Today’s item from Daily Action:  tell NBC to fire Trump as executive producer of The Apprentice as it is a major conflict of interest.  Call 844-241-1141 or use this link to send them a message:  http://www.nbc.com/contact-us

14. Daily Grab Back is a group that touts its goal as “Progressive Political Action in Five Minutes Every Day”.  There is a website:  https://www.dailygrabback.com/ and a Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/DailyGrabBack/

12/26/16  To-do List                                                      

There is no special way to attack this action list. If it seems overwhelming, just do the first two items to make it easier.  If you have a little more time, do the third….and the fourth…. Or, choose items that speak to your heart.  Some people cut and paste the list, print it off and take it with them so they can check items off while they are out and about during the day and just waiting or driving.  Others click and do items as they work on their computer or phone.  There is no right way to do this.  Just do something!  Remember, too, that many of the suggestions made on earlier days are still doable.

Please remember that due to all the petitions and joining we’ve been doing over the last several weeks that we are now on many email lists for organizations that will most likely be seeking end-of-year charitable donations.  While it may make for some less-than-desired email, please give what you can and be tolerant knowing that these organizations do so much good on our behalf.

1. The Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on Sen. Sessions' nomination for Attorney General Jan. 10-11, 2017.  Is one of your senators a member of the committee? If so, your voice is extra important. Please ask them to vote against Sessions:  https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/about/members    Please also contact Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and voice your opposition to Sessions as  AG:  http://www.grassley.senate.gov/explore/regional-offices

2. VoteRiders is a non-partisan non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure that all citizens are able to exercise their right to vote.  Take a look around their website, then click on “Get Involved” to see how you can help.  http://www.voteriders.org/

3. Please join the Environmental Defense Fund in telling Trump not to cancel the Paris Agreement.  Climate change impacts every facet of American life — from public health to extreme weather to national security. Despite the fact that a majority of Americans, and even a majority of Republicans, support action on climate change.   https://edf.fightforclimate.org/paris-agreement/

4. Ultraviolet Action, an online community of women and men fighting sexism and expanding women's rights in politics and pop culture, has a petition to help stop the confirmation of Jeff Sessions for Attorney General.  https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/stop_sessions/   You can also follow Ultraviolet Action on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/weareultraviolet/

5. HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) is the oldest international migration and refugee resettlement agency in the U.S.  Please join them in telling President-elect Donald Trump to welcome refugees fleeing persecution and violence.    http://support.hias.org/site/Survey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=3083&s_src=fbad&s_subsrc=trumpPetition_dla

6. Townhall is the top source for conservative news, political cartoons, breaking news, election news and commentary on politics and the media culture.  They’d like our opinion on the Electoral College.  http://campaigns.townhall.com/electoral-college-th/  This will sign you up for future mailings from Townhall, but you will be able to counter their usual rhetoric with ours.

7. Sen. Kirsten Gillbrand has an issues priority survey she needs help with:  https://surveys.signforgood.com/keg_issuepriorities?

8. We are still working on encouraging companies not to advertise on Breitbart.  It is working!  Over 200 companies have stopped.  Here is a new way to help this along:  http://adstrike.us/

9. The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Consider joining the national group:  http://lwv.org/  and/or a local group:  http://lwv.org/get-involved/local-leagues  Also, consider “liking” their national Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/leagueofwomenvoters/?fref=ts  and your local as well!

10. Sign up and join this energetic group of young people whose goal is to efficiently target and organize efforts to retake both federal and state seats across the United States, The Resurgent Left:  http://www.theresurgentleft.org/

11. If you’d like to join other Democrats in thanking President Obama for his years of service, click here:  https://my.democrats.org/page/s/thanks-president-obama?

12. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a non-profit international environmental advocacy group, is concerned about preserving methane pollution standards that protect children.   President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to roll back the standards for methane emissions to appease the cohort of climate deniers and industry lobbyists he’s bringing into his Administration.   Let’s tell him that children’s lives are more important.  https://nrdc.fightforclimate.org/methane-standards/

13. Here’s another postcard avalanche brought to you by  Postcards for America!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/postcardsforamerica/

12/24/16  To-do List                                                                        

There is no special way to attack this action list. If it seems overwhelming, just do the first two items to make it easier.  If you have a little more time, do the third….and the fourth…. Or, choose items that speak to your heart.  Some people cut and paste the list, print it off and take it with them so they can check items off while they are out and about during the day and just waiting or driving.  Others click and do items as they work on their computer or phone.  There is no right way to do this.  Just do something!  Remember, too, that many of the suggestions made on earlier days are still doable.

As I will be busy with family on Christmas Day, there will be no “to-do list” tomorrow. If you want to keep working on issues, please feel free to scroll back through these lists, since plenty are still active and needed.  Happy Holidays to all!  You followers are among my gifts this year. 

1. MoveOn is the largest independent, progressive, digitally-connected organizing group in the United States.  MoveOn is organizing Community Meetings to Resist Trump on Sunday, January 15—just days before the inauguration—to bring our communities together and talk about what resistance looks like for us at the local level. Will you join us? It could be in your living room, in a library or community center. We'll give you everything you need to pull together a successful meeting.  If you are interested in hosting such a meeting, click here:  https://act.moveon.org/event/cmty-mtgs-trump/create/?akid=175087.10220574.Eutxxf&rd=1&source=peoplesaction&t=2

2. In light of Trump’s call for increasing our nuclear arsenal, please consider contacting all 3 of your congressmen to ask them to publicly support Ronald Reagan's legacy of de-escalation of nuclear arms and making the world a safer place for our children. Find your legislators here:  http://act.commoncause.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sunlight_advocacy_list_page

3. This is what public pressure can do!  The Rockettes will not be forced to perform at the inauguration!  http://www.cnbc.com/2016/12/24/rockettes-not-required-to-perform-at-trump-inauguration-union-says.html

4. Here is an observation of Tom Price, Trump’s Secretary of Health and Human Services appointee, from the New England Journal of Medicine:  “Care for the Vulnerable vs. Cash for the Powerful — Trump’s Pick for HHS”   http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1615714#t=article

5. If you are looking for another political action group to join, Radical Women’s Resistance is a Facebook group for posting resources that will assist people in sticking it to the Man. Time for Action! The group was started in order to protect rights and freedom and to have a central point of references for tangible action plans. While the future is still female, anyone can join the group. PLEASE INVITE YOUR FRIENDS and post any resources that you have. .  https://www.facebook.com/groups/RaWRRadicalWomensResistance/

6. The Paris Agreement is a crucial part of a global push to curb the effects of climate change. Trump wants to “cancel” U.S. involvement when he takes office. Join the Natural Resources Defense Council in telling Trump not to cancel the Paris Agreement:   https://nrdc.fightforclimate.org/paris-agreement/?t=NRDCCT-P.C02-P.T02-P.D01-P.P01

7. Scott Pruitt ran the Attorney General's office in Oklahoma like a crony capitalist law firm, suing the EPA for polluter campaign cash. Don't let him be put in charge of the EPA. Email your senator now.  Please join the Sierra Club in asking our senators not to approve Scott Pruitt for the EPA:  https://sierra.secure.force.com/actions/National?actionId=AR0062590&id=70131000001iOuIAAU

8. Perhaps this, too, should become part of our playbook:  The Civil Conversations Project (CCP) is an open, ongoing conversation offering tools and resources for renewing civic discourse at every level and nourishing common life. It includes audio, video, writing, and guides to help ground and animate new conversation and relationship across the differences of our age.  http://www.civilconversationsproject.org/

9. As part of the Obama’s Christmas message today (https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHouse/videos/10155071691889238/), it was suggested that we all go to JoinForces.gov and see what we can do to help our military families.   Here is the link:  https://www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces/get-involved

10. Join Sen. Kirstten Gillibrand in answering this question:  Should we defend Planned Parenthood from Donald Trump?  http://action.kirstengillibrand.com/p/dia/action3/common/public/index.sjs?action_KEY=1133

11. The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) needs our help in fighting back against right-wing gerrymandering:  http://www.dlcc.org/petition/join-advantage-2020-and-denounce-right-wing-gerrymandering

12. The DLCC also needs our help with this petition to restrict punitive voter ID laws :  http://www.dlcc.org/petition/add-your-name-denounce-gops-voter-id-laws

13. The racist words of this Trump frontman cannot be ignored!  Someone like this should not be sitting on any school board.   Drop a quick email to the president of the Buffalo, New York School Board, Dr. Beverly Seals Nevergold, to encourage her to rid the board of this extremely prejudiced member. Her email is: BANevergold@buffaloschools.org  If that does not work, try this:  http://www.buffaloschools.org/contact.cfm?school=0
14. There is also an online petition calling for his expulsion from the board:  https://www.change.org/p/commissioner-of-education-of-the-state-of-new-york-maryellen-elia-remove-carl-paladino-from-the-buffalo-school-board
15. There's probably not much that can happen to the guy employment-wise because he is chairman of a company he founded, but it doesn't hurt to send them an email saying their chair (no longer CEO) is making their company look very bag  across the country: contactus@ellicottdevelopment.com.  Here is an updated story:  http://time.com/4617689/donald-trump-carl-paladino-obama/

16. **Required reading    The House Freedom Caucus, which is essentially the Tea Party arm of the Republican Party in the House of Representatives, has announced their plan for Trump’s first 100 days.  We will all be busy!  http://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2016/12/16/13967888/freedom-caucus-regulations  You can go here and download the actual report:  https://meadows.house.gov/first-100-days

17. The Holiday Hotline is back! For those who are spending time with family and friends over the winter holidays and get stuck when talking race in the time of Trump, just text SOS to 82623 for some tips on how to respond to some common sticking points. In order to end white supremacy, we must end white silence - so use this holiday season to have the hard conversations you might have been avoiding!

18. Want to do some resistence postcard writing?  Here is document containing current  PCAs  (Postcarders Calls to Action) Listed by state:   https://www.docdroid.net/P2SYaAX/current-pcas-by-state.pdf.html  Remember, you can “like” the Facebook page Postcards for America to keep up on postcard-writing campaigns:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/postcardsforamerica/

19. One Million Moms, a division of the American Family Foundation, a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes fundamentalist Christian values, is calling out National Geographic for it's January 2017 cover and story featuring a transgender girl. Please take a few minutes to email National Geographic (ngsforum@nationalgeographic.com) and thank them for this amazing story. 
    http://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2017/01/editors-note-gender/ 

20. Go to your Facebook search bar and type "(your county name) County Democratic Party" and LIKE the page. Sign up for updates if possible, too! Following your county's Democratic Party Facebook page is a great way to stay up to date with recent news and any upcoming events (townhalls, coffee meetings, etc.). Attending these events is also a good way to get intimate with your county's Democratic Party to make sure your voice is heard!

12/23/16  To-do List                                                  

There is no special way to attack this action list. If it seems overwhelming, just do the first two items to make it easier.  If you have a little more time, do the third….and the fourth…. Or, choose items that speak to your heart.  Some people cut and paste the list, print it off and take it with them so they can check items off while they are out and about during the day and just waiting or driving.  Others click and do items as they work on their computer or phone.  There is no right way to do this.  Just do something!  Remember, too, that many of the suggestions made on earlier days are still doable.

I will be taking a few days off from list making over the Christmas holiday so that I can spend time with my loved ones.  If you are so motivated, please feel free to go back through these lists and work on items you've not done yet. Many of them are still active and need your help.  Thank you for understanding.

1. Tell your Senator to vote no on the confirmation of Betsy DeVos for Secretary of Education:  https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-your-senator-to-vote-no-for-betsy-devos?source=direct_link&  if you’d like to do more, click here:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/144TRjqgFKNs9Xm8fEm9Q_u00D4LMLlNrlg9NthB1ACU/edit

2. Tell state legislatures: Dismantle the outdated Electoral College system by joining the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact: http://act.credoaction.com/sign/popular_vote_compact/

3. Something we all should read:  Peter Drier’s “Preparing for President Trump A 10-point plan for activists, politicians, the press and everyday citizens” on Bill Moyer’s website:  http://billmoyers.com/story/list-anti-trump-liberals-progressives/

4. Help impeach Maine Governor Paul LaPage.  On Election Day, Maine voters approved an increase in the minimum wage to $12 an hour, a major step forward in the fight against income inequality. But Gov. Paul LePage told his Department of Labor not to enforce the new $12 minimum wage law.   http://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/impeach_lepage

5. If you are a doctor, please call upon the AMA to rescind its endorsement of Tom Price for Secretary of Health and Human Services:  https://www.change.org/p/american-medical-association-american-medical-association-rescind-endorsement-of-tom-price-for-secretary-of-hhs  If you are not a doctor, please consider some of these other action items: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wqoZnjtVzR1B3kmpTx8by1kSV0y9KSMZQwUjyHHAob4/edit

6. Here is the link to a Tea Party playbook from 2009 by the PAC called Right Principles.  The document is called “Rocking the Town Halls – Best Practices”.  http://d35brb9zkkbdsd.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/townhallactionmemo.pdf

7. While Flint struggles to get adequate healthy water, Nestle pumps water from a Michigan aquifer for pennies.  Your voice will make a real impact. Michigan is still accepting public comment until March 2017. Send them to:  deq-eh@michigan.gov  Here’s the story:  http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2016/12/why_nestle_pays_next_to_nothin.html

8. The Rockettes have been signed to perform at the inauguration.  They are not all happy about this.  Unfortunately they have no say in where/when they perform. But... there is something YOU can do. Tell Radio City that you don't support the decision and that you as a consumer believe they should reconsider. Flood their phones and email inbox. Do something outside of a Facebook rant. Take action. Email the following:  feedbackradiocity@MSG.com  and Call AGVA (American Guild of Variety Artists) as well at 212-675-1003.  Make sure you express that if a Rock does not wish to perform, she shouldn't have to, and there should not be a repercussion."

9. “How Extreme Politicians are Trying to Shut Down Planned Parenthood — And What You Can Do To Fight Back”  https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/blog/how-extreme-politicians-are-trying-to-shut-down-planned-parenthood-and-what-you-can-do-to-fight-back

10. Please join EarthJustice, a nonprofit environmental law organization, in opposing Jeff Sessions as U.S. Attorney General:  https://secure.earthjustice.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1931&_ga=1.181135271.1625515243.1482521528

12/22/16  To-do List                                                    

There is no special way to attack this action list. If it seems overwhelming, just do the first two items to make it easier.  If you have a little more time, do the third….and the fourth…. Or, choose items that speak to your heart.  Some people cut and paste the list, print it off and take it with them so they can check items off while they are out and about during the day and just waiting or driving.  Others click and do items as they work on their computer or phone.  There is no right way to do this.  Just do something!  Remember, too, that many of the suggestions made on earlier days are still doable.

I will be taking a few days off from list-making over the Christmas holiday so that I can spend time with my loved ones.  If you are so motivated, please feel free to go back through these lists and work on items you've not done yet. Many of them are still active and need your help.  Thank you for understanding.

1. Please consider joining the new Facebook group Dems Reunited For Action if you are interested in re-creating the Pantsuit Nation concept, but specifically for action. The group administrators believe that we can build a group twice the size of PSN that can mobilize in a major way to stop Trump. The group jumped up to 800 members in under 36 hours and is at 1300.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1697184557260308/

2. Thanks in part to our petition signing, “MoveOn.org delivered over 341,000 signatures to the White House, collected by MoveOn.org and allied organizations, including DRUM (Desis Rising Up and Moving), CREDO Action, MomsRising, Bend the Arc Jewish Action, and the ACLU. This coalition of groups is representative of the larger, diverse, vocal, and committed constellation of organizations who will not stand silently by as anti-Muslim attacks accelerate and discriminatory policies are enacted.  Last week, hundreds of MoveOn members and allies, led by Muslims who would be affected by Donald Trump's registry, marched to the White House as part of a big campaign to demand that President Obama do his part to prevent the registry from being built.  President Obama and the Department of Homeland Security are officially shutting down NSEERS once and for all.¹ There's much more to do, but today's victory puts one more critical hurdle in Trump's way to prevent him from targeting Muslim communities and starting a Muslim registry”.  http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/22/politics/obama-nseers-arab-muslim-registry/

3. A good read for now, “How to Convince Someone When Facts Fail”:  https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-convince-someone-when-facts-fail/

4. This is a repeat, but it is a good one:  Text the word DAILY to 228466 to receive daily positive action items via text, that you can undertake to further Democratic and progressive political agenda. Then, sign up three friends!

5. If you want an email sent to you each day with an action item, then sign up for the Every Day Project here:  https://www.everydayproject.org/

12/21/16  To-do List

There is no special way to attack this action list. If it seems overwhelming, just do the first two items to make it easier.  If you have a little more time, do the third….and the fourth…. Or, choose items that speak to your heart.  Some people cut and paste the list, print it off and take it with them so they can check items off while they are out and about during the day and just waiting or driving.  Others click and do items as they work on their computer or phone.  There is no right way to do this.  Just do something!  Remember, too, that many of the suggestions made on earlier days are still doable.

I will be taking a few days off from list-making over the Christmas holiday so that I can spend time with my loved ones.  If you are so motivated, please feel free to go back through these lists and work on items you've not done yet. Many of them are still active and need your help.  Thank you for understanding.  

1. Let’s make January 20^th a “Power of the Purse” Day!  For more information check here:  https://www.docdroid.net/6HhI3O5/power-of-the-purse.pdf.html

2. We can’t let climate deniers undo years of research and unfund future research.  Say you support climate change work:  https://www.barackobama.com/keep-up-the-fight-for-climate-action/

3. How to approach change:  1)  find 10 FRIENDS (and invite them to your house), 2)  find an existing ORGANIZATION (that shares your concerns), 3) OPPOSE, OPPOSE, OPPOSE (to block his agenda), 4) by TARGETING members of Congress (who are terrified of losing reelection).  Easy to remember:  spells FOOT

4. These are unofficial, but it might be fun to weigh in on some Fox News’ polls:  http://nation.foxnews.com/poll/index.html

5. From Standing Rock:  We at Standing Rock need to be given the right to bring our own attorneys from out of State. The lawyers in North Dakota are very limited in number, some of them hostile towards our cause.  The North Dakota Supreme Court has placed our Petition to Permit Temporary Provision of Legal Services by Qualified Attorneys From Outside North Dakota up for comment on the Court's web site. To support the fight against DAPL, we urge all to submit supportive comments and cc them to the Water Protectors Legal Collective at volunteer4water@gmail.com  Comments on the proposed amendments must be submitted before 4:00 p.m., Friday, December 30, 2016. Send comments by email or snail mail to: supclerkofcourt@ndcourts.gov   Penny Miller, Clerk of the Supreme Court 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Bismarck, ND 58505-0530

6. Here is a list of action items by Robert Reich, President Clinton’s Labor Secretary, “The First 100 Days Resistance Agenda”:  http://robertreich.org/post/153401540180

7. Highlights (magazine for children) is being attacked for normalizing and representing LGBT families. Let's thank them for their inclusivity!! This could be the only exposure some kids get to families that are different from their own.  To applaud the magazine's efforts to include many different types of families in their pages (especially in light of the current political climate) call 1-888-372-6433 or email them at https://www.highlights.com/customer-service/contact-us

8. A charitable gift idea from a Facebook friend :  “ Back on November 20, thousands sent donations to Planned Parenthood in "honor" of Mike Pence and had a thank you note mailed to him. I remember seeing something suggesting we do this every month on the 20th, anniversary of Inauguration Day. For December 20, I sent a donation to ACLU on behalf of Steve Bannon. For January 20, what is the organization that The Unnamed One would really hate seeing a donation made to in his name?”

9. From the RISE When We Fall FB group:  Educate yourself on your elected officials in 4 easy steps:  1)  Find your 2 senators and 1 representative (and their contact information) at https://www.callmycongress.com/, 2)  Sign up on their websites to receive regular email updates and invites to local events, 3) Review their: a) voting history at http://votesmart.org/ and b) biggest campaign contributors at http://opensecrets.org/.  Bookmark both of these sites to review regularly. See how they've voted recently.
   If you agree with an issue you care about, call (using the contact info from step 1) to give your thanks and ask that they continue to focus on the issue. If they voted in a way you disagree with, call and let them know -- remind them that you'll keep this vote in mind as they're up for reelection. 4) 4. Sign up for a Google news alert here for each legislator:https://google.com/alerts

10. Over the holidays our legislators are often out and about in their districts.  Try to find where they will be and meet up with them!  If you can’t find their schedules on their websites, use the “contact” button to write and ask them when they will be in your area:  https://www.callmycongress.com/