1/31/18

Contact Federal Government Officials

Find senator’s contact info here: https://goo.gl/RLiotu

Find representative’s contact info here: https://goo.gl/5i7SXC

Fax legislators for free:  Reps:  https://faxzero.com/fax_congress.php

and Senate: https://faxzero.com/fax_senate.php

********************************

Many newspapers, including New York Times and Washington Post require subscriptions, but without one we can see a few articles each month.  We can also check with our local libraries to find out how to get online access through them.

1.       Yesterday, on the Today Show, Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, “Americans were "sick and tired of being inundated with Russia fever.”  http://www.businessinsider.com/samantha-guthrie-grills-sarah-huckabee-sanders-on-today-show-2018-1  Let’s all tell Sanders just how many of us are NOT sick and tired of the Russia fever, in fact, we are sick and tired of the Russia cover up.  Let’s write her: The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500 or leave a message for her:  202-456-1414 or tweet her:  @SarahHuckabee

2.      “Last year was the deadliest on record for the United States’ LGBTQ community, according to a report by the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs.”  http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/370236-report-anti-lgbt-violence-surged-in-2017 Let’s let our MoCs know that we want better federal protections for our brothers and sisters. 

3.      Last March, Trump repealed Obama’s “Fair Pay, Safe Workplaces” rule, put in place to protect workers from wage theft and unsafe working conditions by employers bidding on federal contracts: http://www.govexec.com/oversight/2017/03/senate-passes-repeal-obama-fair-pay-safe-workplace-rule/135939/  Now, the Communication Workers of America has filed its fourth complaint, this time on behalf of those working at call centers serving Medicare and ACA beneficiaries. “C.W.A. estimates that thousands of low-wage workers employed by General Dynamics Information Technology stand to recover over $100 million in back wages.”  Let’s help defend these and all workers by demanding that the Wage and Hour Division of the Labor Department investigate and act on the CWA’s complaint: 866-487-9243.  Or we could contact the Secretary of Labor R. Alexander Acosta at 1-866-487-2365 or 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington DC 20210

  

4.      Former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara (fired by Trump) and Former NJ Governor (Republican) Christine Todd Whitman have penned an excellent op-ed together about how our norms must be codified into law as Trump shows us how thin the guardrails are:   https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2018/01/29/trump-abuses-show-we-must-turn-traditions-into-laws-preet-bharara-christine-todd-whitman-column/1063619001/ Let’s share this with our MoC while reminding them of the need to #ProtectMueller and #ProtectRosenstein

5.      Trump judicial pick Michael Brennan testified before the Judiciary Committee last week, and seems set to move on to the full Senate. The fact that they’re moving forward with Brennan is an attack on a decades-old tradition to keep extremists off the courts (https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2018/01/24/trump-court-pick-michael-brennan-faces-senate-judiciary-committee/1061965001/). In his hearing, he refused to acknowledge racial bias in the justice system, a particularly disturbing comment in light of his expressed skepticism about the glass ceiling. And the progressive Alliance for Justice has found he’s willing to accept largely unchecked executive power, a view more dangerous than ever in the age of Trump. Let’s call our senators and tell them that between standing up for Senate tradition, insisting that social realities be recognized and the importance of checks and balances, there’s more than enough reason for them to say no to Michael Brennan.

6.      FEMA is calling off its effort to supply Puerto Rico with food and water. “Some on the island believe it's too soon to end these deliveries given that a third of residents still lack electricity and, in some places, running water.”  https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/01/29/581511023/fema-to-end-food-and-water-aid-for-puerto-rico   Let’s contact our MoC to urge them to ensure that Puerto Rico is really getting all of the aid it needs.

7.      “The Trump administration said on Monday that it is resuming the admission of refugees from 11 countries with additional screening that it said will increase security but which refugee groups say will make it harder for Muslims to find safe haven in the United States…. Officials from refugee resettlement agencies said that while they welcomed the resumption of admissions, the announcement reinforced their view that the administration was determined to quash arrivals from Muslim countries by making it harder for them to qualify for approval.” https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/29/us/muslim-refugees-trump.html Let’s contact our MoCs to make sure they know we won’t stand for a Muslim ban of any kind.

8.     “The Trump administration announced Thursday it is doing away with a decades-old air emissions policy opposed by fossil fuel companies, a move that environmental groups say will result in more pollution.”  https://www.apnews.com/646836ad590c4230b730fc17cfbcb967/EPA-ends-clean-air-policy-opposed-by-fossil-fuel-interests  The NRDC (National Resources Defense Council) was quick to speak out against this removal of protections, “This is among the most dangerous actions that the Trump EPA has taken yet against public health,” John Walke, the group’s clean air director, said in a statement. “This move drastically weakens protective limits on air pollutants like arsenic, lead, mercury and other toxins that cause cancer, brain damage, infertility, developmental problems and even death. And those harmed most would be nearby communities already suffering a legacy of pollution.”  http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/370786-epa-loosens-rules-on-some-major-air-pollution-sources  Once again, Trump is favoring the wants of industry over the needs of the people.  It is time for to let our MoCs know that these kinds of protections need to be written into law.

9.      Steve Wynn has resigned as the finance chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC) following multiple allegations that he engaged sexual misconduct. Since then, two Republicans—Susan Collins (R, MN) and Lindsey Graham (R, AZ)—have called on the RNC to return Wynn’s donations. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/28/republicans-steve-wynn-donations-sexual-harassment If our MoC are Republicans, let’s urge them to follow Collins and Graham’s example in calling for the RNC to return Wynn’s donations. 

Election 2018 - General

1.       The new Democratic trifecta in Washington State is making real progress for democracy and progressive policies, passing an expansion of voting rights and same-day registration along with laws increasing transparency in state election spending and banning conversion therapy (http://www.seattlepi.com/local/politics/article/Connelly-A-State-Senate-on-steroids-passes-12511241.php). But there are only eight Democratic trifectas across the entire country. Let’s follow Washington’s lead and change that. We can help win legislatures by volunteering for Flippable here:  https://flippable.org/volunteer/

2.      New American Leaders offers a Political Leadership program, designed by and for immigrants. If we are potential candidates who are African, Arab, Asian Pacific Islander, Latino or Caribbean American, we can learn how to message, target, fundraise, embrace our heritage and become a successful candidate. Trainings are held regionally throughout the year. If this description does not apply to us, we can share this information with someone it does. More information and application here: 

https://americanleaders.smapply.io/prog/ready_to_lead//

3.      Higher Heights offers support to Black women interested in running for office in several ways. If this describes us, we can get training, meet li-e minded people and have our work recognized and highlighted.  If this description does not apply to us, we can share this information with someone it does. Training is available in person and online. The website offers a series of one-hour webinars on running for office. Past webinars are available on the website and we can sign up here to be notified about new ones:  http://www.higherheightsforamerica.org/trainings

Election 2018 – By State

Other Actions

1.       Many of us are confused about all the hirings/firings/resignations in the Trump administration.  This piece from The Loyal Opposition helps us understand and gives us a few important things we can do:  https://www.theloyalopposition.net/daily-ctas/in-trumps-saturday-night-massacre-rosenstein-will-get-axed-not-mueller/

2.      The Ann Arbor Jammers have released a resistance song, "Hear Our Voice," on iTunes and a companion video on YouTube. The song captures the anger of many Americans as they watch women's rights, LGBTQ rights, immigrant rights, and many basic human rights eroded under the Trump administration. The YouTube video was timed for a release on January 15, 2018, Martin Luther King Day. The video can be seen at:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGFqEBoPhPY&t=  The song was released as a single in early January, and proceeds will benefit progressive non-profit groups the National Women’s Law Center, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and the American Civil Liberties Union.  For more information, contact ResistanceMusic2018@gmail.com For more information on the music collective, go tohttps://www.meetup.com/Ann-Arbor-Acoustic-Jam/ Let’s support this creative resistance effort.

3.      We now have a searchable interactive database that tracks the Trump administration's continuing attacks on scientific research. "The Silencing Science Tracker is a joint initiative of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law and the Climate Science Legal Defense Fund. It tracks government attempts to restrict or prohibit scientific research, education or discussion, or the publication or use of scientific information, since the November 2016 election." Let's just say that there are already 100 entries: 

http://columbiaclimatelaw.com/resources/silencing-science-tracker/

4.      A special election is coming up in Florida's District 72. Sisterdistrict.com has this to say about the race: "Florida is a swing state with more registered Democrats than Republicans, but due to Republican gerrymandering, the state Senate and House are controlled by Republicans, and only 11 of Florida’s 27 Congressional seats are held by Democrats. In 2010, Florida voters passed a constitutional amendment to curb gerrymandering. The amendment has survived court challenges and the courts required new maps to be drawn. 2018 is the first year that the new, more fairly drawn maps will be in effect." No matter where we live, let's help out Margaret Good and get a Democrat in that seat! Visit:  https://www.sisterdistrict.com/programs/phonebanking/ to sign up for phone banking, text banking, postcards, and other actions

5.      We’ve all been entertained by the Resistance Revival Chorus and it was a treat to see them on the Grammy Awards this week singing with Kesha.  https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8097171/the-resistance-revival-chorus-you-dont-own-me-cover   This remarkable group has now gives us guidelines for creating our own local resistance choruses:  https://www.facebook.com/ResistanceRevivalChorus

6.      Teaching Tolerance now has a lesson on Digital and Civic Literacy Skills: “The internet is an amazing tool for teaching and learning. But, before we can teach students to harness its power and become good citizens of the web, we need to understand the intricacies of how it works and how it can be manipulated to mislead and even harm users.”  https://www.tolerance.org/frameworks/digital-literacy If we are teachers, let’s take a close look at these skills we can teach our students.  If we are not teachers, let’s pass this resource on to teachers we know.

7.      “Fox News’s Chris Wallace on Thursday said the Trump administration is trying to “undercut” the credibility of the investigation into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to win the 2016 election.”  http://thehill.com/homenews/media/370774-chris-wallace-white-house-is-trying-to-undercut-mueller-investigation  Let’s thank Chris Wallace for speaking truth to his Trump-supporting audience:  Fox News, 1211 Avenue of The Americas, New York, NY 10036 and let’s tweet thanks to Fox News, too:  @FoxNews ‏

Marches/events/webinars/Tweetstorms to attend/organize

1.       Tune in tonight at 10PM ET for the BET News special “Angela Rye’s State of the Union.”. The special will feature Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) delivering an exclusive rebuttal to the president’s state of the union address.

2.      Resistbot (https://resist.bot/), a tool which helps us connect with our senators and representatives, is offering a streamlined way to help take action, should Special Counsel Mueller be fired. If we text "mueller" to 50409 on our cell phones, Resistbot will tell us where our nearest rapid response rally will be and will help us RSVP for the event so that we can be notified ASAP when it's time to take action. To be safe, you can also sign up at the actual site:  https://www.trumpisnotabovethelaw.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response/search/  Remember, the same goes if Rosenstein is let go.

States

1.       MI: Governor Snyder has responded to the Michigan Pipeline Safety Advisory Board (MPSAB) recommendation that Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline be temporarily decommissioned, rejecting the proposal entirely http://bit.ly/2Gy70ig Meanwhile, the protective coating on the pipeline remains in disrepair http://bit.ly/2ANjmjL Let's be sure to contact Governor Snyder and hold him accountable for his decision to do nothing. Email: governorsoffice@michigan.gov Mail: Governor Rick Snyder P.O. Box 30013 Lansing, Michigan 48909 Phone: 517-373-3400

Reading/Watching

1.       “Solar Employs More People In U.S. Electricity Generation Than Oil, Coal And Gas Combined” - https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2017/01/25/u-s-solar-energy-employs-more-people-than-oil-coal-and-gas-combined-infographic/#34f32f312800

2.      “The stability of American society depends on conservatives finding a way forward from the Trump dead end” - https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/01/frum-trumpocracy/550685  

3.      “I’m a Republican. Why Is My Party Gaslighting America?” - https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/01/30/republican-party-release-the-memo-gaslighting-america-216554

1/30/18

Contact Federal Government Officials

Find senator’s contact info here: https://goo.gl/RLiotu

Find representative’s contact info here: https://goo.gl/5i7SXC

Fax legislators for free:  Reps:  https://faxzero.com/fax_congress.php

and Senate: https://faxzero.com/fax_senate.php

********************************

Many newspapers, including New York Times and Washington Post require subscriptions, but without one we can see a few articles each month.  We can also check with our local libraries to find out how to get online access through them.

1.       The support for DACA is strong.  87% of us want Dreamers to stay:  http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/369487-poll-nearly-nine-in-10-favor-allowing-daca-recipients-to-stay  Both houses of Congress have a Dream Act of 2017 stuck in committee (S. 1615/H.R. 3440)  Let’s ask our MoCs to sign on as cosponsors.  Then, let’s the members of those committees to vote it out of committee:  The Senate Judiciary Committee members:  https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/about/members and the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security members:  https://judiciary.house.gov/subcommittee/subcommittee-on-immigration-and-border-security/ Then, let’s get on Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) to get to their respective floors for a vote.  The majority of Americans want this to happen.

2.      Apparently, FBI Director Christopher Wray pressured FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe to step down sooner than he originally planned to do so.  https://www.axios.com/mccabe-pressured-by-fbi-director-to-step-down-9746af2e-bd53-4476-ac09-9214a4b2b139.html  With McCabe out of the picture, it appears that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein is in the crosshairs of the Trump/Russia investigation:  https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/29/rosenstein-in-spotlight-in-latest-russia-probe-fracas.html Our MoCs need to know that we want the Mueller investigation to be played out without interference from the GOP or the White House.

3.      The Senate voted 98-2 for the Russia Sanctions bill.  The House voted 419-3 for the Russia Sanctions bill.  Trump has now missed two deadlines in implementing and enforcing these passed bills, which were to punish Russia for past election meddling and to help stave off future meddling, saying there is no longer a need. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/01/30/trump-administration-says-no-need-new-russia-sanctions-despite/ By not taking the voted-upon sanctions seriously, Trump is aiding and abetting the Russian hack on our Democracy all while the CIA has already said that Russia will interfere with our 2018 elections.  Let’s tell our MoCs that we need them to find a new way to help protect our upcoming elections.

4.      The Senate may have blocked the unconstitutional 20-week time limit on a woman’s right to choose, but 51, far too many, senators voted in favor. And those who didn’t continue to confirm Trump’s judicial nominations. Trump has promised to appoint Supreme Court justices who will overturn Roe v. Wade, and many of his picks for the bench are a real threat to women’s rights (https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/01/22/579661047/in-trumps-first-year-anti-abortion-forces-make-strides). Let’s contact our senators and let them know we are part of the majority of Americans who support Roe v. Wade, and we will hold them responsible for confirming judges who curtail it.

5.      The Senate is still one vote shy of securing the passage of a resolution to overturn the FCC's ruling on net neutrality. While all Democrats are in favor of the resolution, we need the support of one more Republican senator. If our senator is Republican, let's make sure to call them and ask them to promise to vote in support of the resolution. Then, let's all make sure we call our Representative to ensure they are favor of restoring net neutrality. We can check each Senator and Representative's stance at Battle for the Net:  https://www.battleforthenet.com/scoreboard/

6.      While the latest stopgap funding bill reauthorized funding for CHIP, it failed to allocate money for the Community Health Center Fund (CHCF) http://bit.ly/2E4E14C While having financial support for healthcare is a essential, it must be combined with an assurance that each individual will have access to that healthcare; this is where community health centers come in http://bit.ly/2GrMS10 Let's be sure to tell our senators that their CHIP victory is no victory at all, unless it comes with a Community Health Center Fund renewal.

7.      Earlier this month Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced the “Defending Elections from Threats by Establishing Redlines (DETER) Act,” S. 2313, which lays out specific foreign actions against U.S. elections that would warrant penalties from the federal government. Now, Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Brad Schneider (D-IL) have now introduced the House version of the bill, H.R. 4884. (Source: The Hill) The Senate bill has already been referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.  If either of our Senators is on this committee, let's contact them to urge them to consider S2313 as soon as possible.  Let's also contact our own representatives in support of HR4884. 

8.     Although Trump thinks that polar ice caps are “setting records”, he has indicated a potential willingness to rejoin the Paris Climate agreement:  

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-01-28/trump-hints-he-d-be-open-to-remaining-in-paris-climate-pact Let’s let him know that we do expect the United States to rejoin this agreement (along with every other country on the planet): The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20500

9.      The news that Trump tried to fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller in June should have us fired up: http://thehill.com/homenews/sunday-talk-shows/371118-republican-lawmakers-consider-need-to-protect-mueller Let’s be very clear with our MoC that we expect them to protect Mueller at this critical time.

10.  Many have said that the courts will bear Trump's most lasting legacy. That should scare us all because his nominees have been qualified but right-wing at best and unqualified and extremist at worst. "After public outcry, Trump withdrew two of his especially egregious judicial nominees from consideration. Brett Talley and Jeff Mateer were highly unqualified ideologues who had no business serving lifetime federal appointments on the courts. Unfortunately, several more of Trump’s extreme nominees have moved forward. This has big ramifications. From civil rights to the environment and beyond, federal judges wield tremendous power to decide issues that affect us all." Here's a great guide from Indivisible about how our senators can resist the latest wave of nominees:   https://www.cnn.com/2017/12/20/politics/trump-judicial-nominations/index.html, especially if they are on the Senate Judiciary Committee:  https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/about/members. This link comes complete with a call script:  https://www.indivisible.org/resource/senators-can-stall-trumps-terrible-judicial-nominees-heres/

11.   Today, let's channel a little bipartisan spirit and call on both our Democratic and Republican representatives to return all money from Harvey Weinstein and Steve Wynn. Or better yet, let's ask them to donate that money to #MeToo! 

https://metoomvmt.org/

12.  Although it sounds positive, the notion of requiring work to keep/get Medicaid because it would help lead to self-sufficiency, is not rooted in good research.  “The most inclusive, long-term research shows that requiring work in order to get government benefits reduces the use of benefits and increases employment. It does not, however, reliably produce enough income gains to lift people out of poverty or free them from reliance on other government assistance.”  http://www.politifact.com/punditfact/statements/2018/jan/26/heartland-institute/do-work-requirements-lead-self-sufficiency/  Let’s remind our MoCs about this when we have them on the phone.

Election 2018 - General

1.       Political Charge is a new website “where you can come to get the information you need to take charge of your political activism. Our democracy gets stronger when more people are actively engaging and shaping the political process. I am inspired by YOUR desire to affect change and am here to give you the tools and ideas you need. If you want to know how to take the first step, read Getting Started in Political Activism. This blog is also the home of the BlueWave Interview. I get so energized when I speak with the everyday citizens who have made the choice to be politically active in their communities and are affecting change right now. You can read those interviews here.”

Election 2018 – By State

Other Actions

1.       With FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe out of the picture, it seems that the Trump administration is posturing itself to go after Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein as a way to limit or stop the Mueller investigation.  We need to #ProtectRosenstein! Firing #Rosenstein is a red line, just as firing Mueller is. We need to be prepared to march if Rosenstein is fired. Sign up for rapid response alerts here:  https://www.trumpisnotabovethelaw.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response/search/

2.      Consumer product company Kimberly-Clark said the savings it receives from the new tax-cut law will help them pay for a restructuring program that includes layoffs and plant shutdowns. The company claims it had been considering the restructuring program before Congress approved the tax legislation. (Source: The Hill.) If we are unhappy with Kimberly-Clark's decision, we can choose not to buy their products and/or let them know how we feel by contacting Kimberly-Clark's corporate offices. 

3.      From one of our own:  I saw the movie The Post last night. It served as a reminder to me that resistance matters, protecting freedom of the press matters, and that our nation has faced crisis before and persevered. Today I feel more energy for my efforts.

4.      For those of us planning to boycott Trump’s State of the Union Address tonight, here are some constructive ways to use that time instead:  A) Share this link to promote voter registration: https://indivisible.turbovote.org/, and B) Choose an action or two (or three!) from today’s Rogan’s List!

5.      “The Cleveland Indians will no longer use the Chief Wahoo logo on team uniforms starting in 2019….MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement to the newspaper that the logo, which is a cartoon depiction of a Native American, is ‘no longer appropriate for on-field use.’”­­­  http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/371224-cleveland-indians-to-drop-chief-wahoo-logo-from-uniforms Let’s thank Rob Manfred for this move away from racist imagery. Twitter: @MLB. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlb/. Phone: 212-931-7800. Mail: Robert D. Manfred Jr., Commissioner, 245 Park Avenue, 31st Floor, New York, NY 10167.

6.      The FCC has killed net neutrality at the federal level and overturning that decision doesn't look realistic at this time. However, states and municipalities can take steps to protect net neutrality on a smaller scale, using new incentives and legislative changes. To find out quickly and easily what you can do to promote innovative solutions in your area, check out Indivisible's cool interactive map. https://www.indivisible.org/resource/protecting-net-neutrality-state-local-level/

7.      Manufacturing divisions among Americans is a strategy of Trump and his GOP enablers. We can resist by creating community. A new opportunity for doing this is “Now Read This,” a national book club by the PBS News Hour and the New York Times.  https://www.pbs.org/newshour/features/now-read-this/ Let’s read together and start talking to each other! Join the Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/NowReadThisBookClub, or subscribe: 

https://pbs.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=8aa1c620fd96b27384151c36e&id=2fe6581b35

8.     Applications are now open for the Spring 2018 Kairos Fellowship Equity Cohort, a full-time paid eight-month fellowship for emerging civic tech and online organizers of color. Including field organizers, writers, and media-makers who want, to learn more about online organizing and tech skills.  The deadline to apply is February 2, 2018. The Fellowship runs from May 7-December 2018. The Kairos Fellowship is designed to address the racial and gender disparity within civic technology and organizing by pairing robust recruitment with a training and mentorship program to develop a new network of tech-savvy leaders of color. Kairos will match and place up to 15 fellows with leading national and state organizations where Fellows will work mostly on issue advocacy campaigns. Upon completion of the eight-month program, fellows may be offered a permanent position with the organization. The deadline to apply is February 2. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Some of the placements are virtual and others are location based.  We can find out more about the program and apply here:  http://bit.ly/Kairosfellows18

9.      While the NRA uses every excuse to promote its “Guns in Schools” agenda, Moms Demand Action, has successfully opposed many of their bills to do so. Now, if we are educators, we can join Educators Demand Action to keep our schools safe. If we believe schools are no places for guns, we can sign up below. Teachers, principals, professors, deans, school board members, athletic coaches, and all education professionals are needed to defeat the gun lobby and keep guns out of our schools and campuses: https://everytown.ngpvanhost.com/?source=moms-campaign-educators-page If we are not educators, we can help by asking ones we know to join the campaign. We can learn more about this movement here:  https://momsdemandaction.org/campaigns/educators/ We can see the latest victories here:  https://momsdemandaction.org/campaigns/educators/victories/

Marches/events/webinars/Tweetstorms to attend/organize

1.       Instead of watching Trump’s State of the Union this evening, let’s join the many resistance organization and attend or watch online The State of OUR Union at 8pm:  https://www.thestateofourunion.org/

2.      Let’s remember to watch the Democratic response to the State of the Union, given by Rep. Joe Kennedy (D-MA). 

3.      Another alternative to the State of the Union address is to make a short video explaining your hopes and dreams for a progressive, inclusive America. Post video TUES (1/30) at 9pm EST sharp on all your platforms with the hashtag #StateOfTheDream. Then, retweet all the videos you see with that hashtag.

4.      Tune in Wednesday, January 31 at 10PM ET for the BET News special “Angela Rye’s State of the Union.”. The special will feature Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) delivering an exclusive rebuttal to the president’s state of the union address. 

5.      The ACLU has been on the frontlines fighting Trump since the first days of the administration, and they’re gaining steam with their efforts to build a nationwide political force to counter the right and push progressive policies (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-11-08/the-aclu-wants-to-be-the-nra-without-all-the-guns). As part of their People Power program, they’re holding webinars on effective strategy and tactics for activists starting on January 30th and running throughout the month of February. We can check out the options and sign up at this link.

States

1.       KY:  State Senate bill SB71 the so-called "Abstinence before marriage bill" just passed in the Kentucky state senate. The bill would require sex education classes to contain content including this: "Abstinence from sexual activity outside of marriage is the expected standard for all school-age children."  Opponents fear that only abstinence will be taught in some school districts if the bill becomes law. (Source: WHAS11/ABC) If we are Kentuckians, we need to contact our state representatives to tell them that we oppose this narrow-minded bill that ignores today's realities.

Reading/Watching

1.       Trump's latest Muslim ban is still in effect, wreaking havoc on myriad lives. Let's take a moment to read through the stories of those who have had to suffer the painful consequences https://www.aclu.org/issues/immigrants-rights/living-muslim-ban

2.      “The #Resistance Trump ignited will shape politics for a generation” - http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/election/article195678009.html

3.      Poverty in America, in photographs:  http://time.com/poorest-states-america-photos/