12/20/16  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. Were you, or someone you know, hurt by Steve Mnuchin and OneWest Bank’s predatory business practices? Please share your story.   https://democrats.senate.gov/ForeclosureKing/#.WFSNnBsrLIU

2. Here is a link to a call to action against Tom Price for HHS Secretary. It comes complete with contact info, scripts, talking points, Twitter handles, hashtags, and links to relevant statements from organizations as well as to online petitions and other calls to action -- all in one place.  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tgeC2oENnwxB3vM60Rc7HUB4EAN2lU0V9cF7kdzEfhs/edit

3. Now in a .pdf version,  Indivisible:  a Practical Guide for Resisting the Trump Agenda  https://www.indivisibleguide.com/

4. This is a meme that conservatives are now sharing. It is the comments, however, that are so confusing. We really need to find ways to bring together our common values. I trust there are many. We have to help each other sort out the misconceptions and the truths.  https://www.facebook.com/redflagnews/photos/a.10150140108168854.337792.116727628853/10154875360528854/?type=3&theater

5. What to do This Week call to action (scroll down for more recent dates and to sign up to be notified when updated):  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1R_lys-eeg3iDBYequVfquXvuaEJm9wWNRD4vS5jSEZk/mobilebasic

6. Here is the National Conference of State Legislatures list of all the states’ legislatives calendars for 2017:  http://www.ncsl.org/documents/ncsl/2017sessioncalendar.pdf

7. Another item from the National Conference of State Legislatures is a list of all state social media sites:  http://www.ncsl.org/research/telecommunications-and-information-technology/legislative-social-media-sites.aspx

8. Top Ten Resist and Act Resources   https://padlet.com/liliraytolan/3m7dul9mr7ma

9. Amon Bundy (the man who coordinated the armed takeover of Malheur Wildlife Refuge) is nearly winning the Person of the Year vote in an Oregon newspaper. Will you please vote today for Jason Goodding, the Seaside police officer who died in the line of duty (who is nearly winning as well). We can't let militants think they're winning.  http://www.oregonlive.com/living/index.ssf/2016/12/2016_oregon_person_of_the_year.html

10. Here is a valuable resource that is updated on a weekly basis, Weekly Actions to Resist Trump.  If you scroll down to the bottom of the page you will see where you can sign up to get a weekly email of an action item (with other items you can do, if so you choose).  http://www.weekly-resistance.online/

11. Thousands of people remain locked in federal prison right now even though both parties have admitted the law they were sentenced under was wrong – too harsh and racially biased. We can help them and send a message to Trump we’ll continue the fight against mass incarceration. We’re calling President Obama to demand commutations for all those who’ve been abandoned, to bring them under the Fair Sentencing Act like everyone else.​  Call the White House at 202-456-1111.  Try this for a sample script:  Hi, I’m [name]. I’m asking President Obama to grant clemency to all those still imprisoned under the abandoned crack cocaine sentencing laws. Both parties have agreed the policies that put these folks behind bars so long were unfair, and they shouldn’t have to keep paying for that failure. If the President doesn’t act now, we know Trump won’t, and it’s going to cost them years of their lives. Please tell him to commute their sentences to what they would be today.

12. Contact your state and local representatives and urge them to support Sens. Durbin and Graham on The Bridge Act, which will protect the legal status of 740,000 immigrants who arrived in the US as children.  Read more here:  https://attritioncoalition.org/support-the-bridge-act/

12/19/16  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. We tried.  We worked so hard, but the nature of the Electoral College was too big a force to change.  http://www.npr.org/2016/12/19/506188169/donald-trump-poised-to-secure-electoral-college-win-with-few-surprises

2.      Here’s hoping our pressure is helping!  These three need phone calls of thanks and support in their bipartisan request for a new Senate Select Committee on Cyber to investigate recent reports of Russian interference in the 2016 election and to develop a comprehensive legislative package to address gaps in current cyber laws to better deter and defend against further cyber attacks.  Call:  Sen. Schumer (202) 224-6542 and Sen. McCain (202) 224-2235 and Sen.Graham (202) 224-5972    http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/18/us/politics/senators-push-to-broaden-inquiry-on-election-hacking.html?_r=0

3.      While you are at it, call your own senators asking them to join forces with Senators Schumer, McCain, and Graham asking for this.  Find your senator here:  http://www.senate.gov/senators/contact/

4.      Let’s start making this happen for us!! Create gatherings and invite your legislators!!  https://www.facebook.com/MicMedia/videos/1324933644196089/

5.      Whether you are able to go or not to the Women’s March on Washington next month, you can at least get the shirt!  http://merch.womensmarch.com/

6. The DNC is asking for input on the future of the party. The link says, "add your name," but it also has a comment field for your thoughts about the directions of the DNC.       https://my.democrats.org/page/s/rebuild

7. If you’ve not already joined Emily’s List, please considering doing so.  They “ignite change by getting pro-choice Democratic women elected to office”.  You can sign here to welcome eight new women to the House, including six women of color! them.https://secure.emilyslist.org/page/s/20161108_website_House?&source=WPSOW_digital_homepage_20161109_House_r4

8. Please, if you haven’t signed this petition regarding Trump’s conflicts of interest, sign and share. Phase II: Delivery to Republican Congressman Jason Chaffetz and to Democratic Congressman Elijah Cummings when Congress reconvenes in January.   http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/rep-jason-chaffetz-probe?mailing_id=36307&source=s.icn.em.cr&amp%3Br_by=17042769&r_by=15875449

9. You can sign up here for Sen. Cory Booker’s Book Club.  The book chosen for the beginning of 2017 is   Elizabeth Kolbert’s Pulitzer-prize winner, The Sixth Extinction.   http://act.corybooker.com/page/s/2017-booker-s-book-club

10. Here is another petition, this one asking Congress for an independent bipartisan investigation into Russia’s unprecedented interference in our 2016 elections:  https://my.democrats.org/page/signup/tell-congress-investigate-russian-hacking

11. If you are looking for a weekly action item to pursue, you may want to consider subscribing to “Wall of Us”.  Click on “subscribe” in the upper right corner:  https://www.wall-of-us.org/

12. Here is a “Stop Betsy DeVos Toolkit” by The Network for Public Education:  http://networkforpubliceducation.org/2016/12/join-us-in-stopping-the-confirmation-of-devos-npe-toolkit/

Michigan  

1.      A bill is on its way to Gov. Snyder that will prohibit local communities and municipalities from banning plastic bags and other containers with the goal of reducing plastic litter.  Call Michigan Governor Rick Snyder at 517-373-3400 or 517-335-7858 and tell him to veto SB 853.

12/18/16  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. If you live in NC, make your voice heard and let House Speaker Tim Moore (919)-733-3451) and Senate President Pro-Tem Phil Berger (919) 733-5708 know that you are against their shameful and unprecedented political power grabs to take power away from Governor-elect Roy Cooper.  You can also sign this petition:  http://action.ncdp.org/page/s/stop-ncgop-powergrab

2. Let’s join Sen. Jeff Merkely (D-OR) in the resistance!            http://www.jeffmerkley.com/petition/join-the-resistance/a/

3. If you are a writer, you may be interested in this volunteer project supporting the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Teaching Tolerance project:  https://www.facebook.com/melissasimonesher/posts/10154625178944845?__mref=message_bubble

4. Although nearly ten years old, perhaps this book should be on our reading lists:  Conservatives Without Conscience by John Dean (former Nixon White House Counsel)  https://www.amazon.com/Conservatives-Without-Conscience-John-Dean/dp/0143038869

5. The Penn Program in the Environmental Humanities Lab at the University of Pennsylvania, is seeking programmers and data scientists! Call to action: we need your help to preserve climate and environmental data that has become more vulnerable under a federal administration that denies ongoing climate change. DataRefuge needs your help to *Download/scrape data  *Provide server space -- Volunteers for this effort can contact DataRefuge via their Help Form:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc0C7eQySKrDvDtFKAFUEwRNx6-tPueCqZMZzMhMit-XN653A/viewform?c=0&w=1

6. Sign the petition to Joe Biden and Senate Democrats: Confirm Merrick Garland to Supreme Court on January 3   https://www.dailykos.com/campaigns/petitions/sign-the-petition-to-joe-biden-and-senate-democrats-confirm-merrick-garland-to-supreme-court-on-january-3rd

7. Please consider signing this proposal for a compromise candidate to stop Trump:       https://www.change.org/p/u-s-electoral-college-house-unite-for-america-a-proposal-for-a-compromise-candidate-to-stop-trump

8. Tell Republican Congressional leaders:  “Launch an immediate and public investigation into all of Donald Trump and his cabinet’s inappropriate financial ties to the Russian government.”  http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Investigate_Trump_Russia/  

9. If you are an attorney, you may want to consider signing this Letter from Attorneys Opposing Stephen Bannon's Appointment as White House Chief Strategist to the Presidenthttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNpd-ixtkXmgTFewOHtJdRlv_ERao2Dl88sO7RcWK6Q_NEdA/viewform

10. Join with the Environmental Defense Fund to Tell your Senators: Don't Let Oil and Gas Run the Country   https://secure2.edf.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2870

11. Momsrising.org has a petition to stand up and speak out against Trump appointments:  http://action.momsrising.org/sign/oppose_trump_cabinet/

12. If you use Chrome as your browser and you use Twitter, you can now download a extension that will automatically fact-check tweets by Trump (@realDonaldTrump).   https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/realdonaldcontext/ddbkmnomngnlcdglabflidgmhmcafogn

12/17/16  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. From Elizabeth Warren:  Trump wants to hand Steve Mnuchin the keys to the Treasury Department, where he can make big banks even richer at the expense of America’s families. Were you or someone you know hurt by Steve Mnuchin and OneWest Bank’s predatory business practices? The Senate Democrats are asking people to come forward and share their stories.  Here is the link:  https://democrats.senate.gov/ForeclosureKing/#.WFSNnBsrLIU

2. Occupy Inauguration is a mass rally and protest taking place in Washington D.C. during the Presidential Inauguration and the seven year anniversary of the Citizens United ruling. January 20th-21st, 2017.  For more information and to join:  http://www.occupyinauguration.org/ or their Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/OccupyInauguration/

3. Please sign Sen. Tulsi Gabbard’s request for support for her bill that the USA stop arming terrorists:  http://aloha.votetulsi.com/page/s/acq-stop-arming-terrorists-dec2016?

4. Ask to join this closed Facebook group, Postcards for America, which will help us stay connected with our representatives in DC.  The Group page gives current topics, district addresses of all Senators and Reps involved and even suggested wording for the Postcards. (These are both within posts and listed under the "Files" tab.) Also, the Suggested postcard-writing parties are like Group Therapy.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/postcardsforamerica/

5. Reading:  Nine Ways to Oppose Donald Trump:  http://www.newyorker.com/news/john-cassidy/nine-ways-to-oppose-donald-trump

6. Amnesty International is co-sponsoring the Women’s March on Washington!   http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/press-releases/amnesty-international-usa-to-co-sponsor-women-s-march-on-washington-on-january-21

7. Please consider signing this petition U.S. Citizens Officially Request Emergency Electoral Assistance From The United Nations                                    https://www.change.org/p/u-s-citizens-officially-request-emergency-electoral-assistance-from-the-united-nations?utm_medium=email&utm_source=notification&utm_campaign=signature_receipt&share_context=signature_receipt&recruiter=10114308

8. Tell Congress: Immediately investigate Trump’s ties to Russia:  http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Investigate_Trump_Russia/

12/16/16  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. If you are considering going to your state capitol on Monday for the Electoral College vote, check in here for info:  http://december19.us/

2. TODAY urge your representative to support the Protecting Our Democracy Act, H.R. 6447, which will "establish a truly bipartisan, independent commission to investigate Russia’s efforts to undermine our elections and democratic institutions."  Find your rep's phone number here: http://www.house.gov/representatives/

3. The lawyers group is trying to get this to all Senators and Congressmen, but there is no automatic way to do it (and best to come from a constituent). Please encourage your networks to share:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-jnY6gQhlDbVUrS4Et69l3SAKb1H4znwniKl7fPe4js/mobilebasic

4. This is what happens when a Republican governor thinks that schools should be run like businesses and when the conservatives in the state are anti-union and pro-charter/pro-vouchers.  A precursor to Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education, perhaps? http://www.eclectablog.com/2016/12/the-fallout-from-gop-attacks-on-teachers-20-year-old-literacy-program-in-detroit-cancelled-due-to-lack-of-teachers.html

5. And this tidbit regarding charter schools, Michigan, and Betsy DeVos:  http://www.eclectablog.com/2016/12/betsy-devos-steve-ingersoll-and-michigan-as-a-cautionary-tale-for-american-education.html

6. Here is a doc you might find helpful as you organize:  Rudimentary Guide to Action for Democracy and Human Rights https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lnVIxGb5P9Bm47v-SzUm-CjBnUBYBZgyObdi8smRq-g/edit

7. You may remember the “No Bannon” postcard avalanche from a few weeks ago.  The organizing group has regrouped and if you’d like to be kept aware of upcoming postal events they may do, “like” their Facebook page, Postcards for Democracy:  https://www.facebook.com/postcards4democracy/

8. If you are concerned about the ethical issues of Ivanka and Jared Kushner occupying the white house with business conflicts-of interest thru the "exception" to the anti-nepotism law that they seem to have avoided, call the US Office of Executive Government Ethics at 202-482-9286 or  202-482-9207. 

9. If you are interested in 1) pushing for a full investigation of Russian interference, 2) having a briefing of electors BEFORE they vote, and 3) saying no vote on Monday until this is completed, call these offices: Homeland Security Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI chair) 202-224-5323, Sen Clair McCaskill 202-224-6154, and Minority Tom Carper (D –DE) 202-224-2441. You can also call Senate Intelligence Com. Richard Burr (R-NC) 202-224-3154 and Diane Feinstein, minority chair (D-CA) 202-224-3841or 415-393-0707.

Michigan

1. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has extended the public comment period regarding Nestlé Waters North America, Evart, Osceola County, for a proposed increased large quantity water withdrawal made under Section 17 of the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act, 1976 PA 399. Comments will be accepted until March 3, 2017.  Written comments can be emailed to deq-eh@michigan.gov  The application information package can be found here:  http://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/odwma-nestleapplicationpackage72016_540428_7.pdf

12/15/16  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. Word has it that Sen. Pelosi wants to be able to approach President Obama with a significant number of citizens behind her when she asks for a delay in the Electoral College vote.  Here is the link to contact her:     http://www.democraticleader.gov/contact-us/ and here is a sample script:  I am concerned about the influence foreign nation states may have had on this election. Accordingly, I urge Rep. Pelosi to reach out to President Obama a request a delay of the Electoral College vote.

2. Picking the CEO of one of the largest and most environmentally destructive fossil fuel corporations in the world to serve as America's top diplomat is not only unprecedented, it's irresponsible and dangerous.  The Sierra Club wants us to contact our senators and demand that they block this appointment of Rex Tillerson.  https://sierra.secure.force.com/actions/National?actionId=AR0062873&id=70131000001DisJAAS&data=8c5858afc26c5c93d79bcaf54b7a2416318c5cb5097b1fad8bc4ba50fb651beb2f4d51c05bc268c345b3b75ce5c3d186&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sierraclub&utm_campaign=beyondoil

  

3. Another anti-Tillerson petition from Sen. Martin Heinrich encouraging the Senate to reject him.  With Tillerson’s billions wrapped up in Russia, his conflict of interest could endanger America's standing in the world.   http://nm.martinheinrich.com/page/s/reject-donald-trump-s-secretary-of-state-nominee                        

4. Call the White House and urge President Obama to declassify reports of Russian interference in November’s election before electors cast their votes next Monday.  Here is the number to call:  855-999-1663.      You can also leave a message here:  https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact

  

5. Contact Jill Stein and ask her to use any of her leftover recount funds to help defend Republican electors who are considering "flipping" their Trump elector vote on Monday, but are afraid of getting sued!! A lawyer is advising them for free but has started a LEGAL DEFENSE fund for them! Use her contact page:  http://www.jill2016.com/contact_us or email her at  HQ@Jill2016.com  and put your subject line in all caps, such as: URGENT RECOUNT REQUEST.  Here is a sample message: 
   
   

Dear Ms. Stein:

I contributed to your recount fund and would like to urge you to immediately get in touch with Mr. R.J. Lyman to donate a significant portion of your unused recount funds to his efforts to defend Electoral College members who are afraid of being sued if they do not vote for Donald Trump On Dec. 19. Mr. Lyman is the lawyer quietly advising a couple dozen Republican electors — all deliberating individually — about their right to break with their states’ majority vote to oppose Trump.

There may be more than a few dissenters when the Electoral College meets Monday — but not currently enough to deny Donald Trump the presidency. That’s according to R.J. Lyman. Perhaps the required number of 37 Republican electors would come forward to flip their vote if they knew there was financial protection for them as these are not all wealthy people.

In light of the numerous recount issues and the Russian hacking, not to mention Mr. Trump's many conflicts of interest and being unfit to serve, the electors are our last chance at preventing a Trump presidency. Please give this your immediate and urgent attention TODAY

Thank you for your many efforts on behalf of voters everywhere.

Sincerely,

6. Good reading for future action:  Indivisible: A Practical Guide for Resisting the Trump Agenda  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DzOz3Y6D8g_MNXHNMJYAz1b41_cn535aU5UsN7Lj8X8/preview#heading=h.he8mndfdfxw9

7. Contact your US senators and representatives to ask that they demand that the electors be debriefed on the CIA information on Russian interference prior to Dec. 19, and to delay the electoral vote if that's not possible, given the time-frame.  Find your legislators here:  http://act.commoncause.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sunlight_advocacy_list_page

8. Contact the U.S. Attorney General and ask that the Electoral College vote be postponed until a full investigation of Russian interference and the Trump campaign's potential coordination with Russia is complete. You can reach the Attorney General's office at 202-514-2000 (Comment line...press 4)

9. The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund is sponsoring a petition to stop the confirmation of Jeff Sessions who is anti-LGBT:  http://www.grassrootsact.com/vf-fb-sessions

10. Sign Sen. Al Franken’s open letter to Senate Republicans asking them to do their job and hold hearings on President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee:  https://www.alfranken.com/landing/w1603sc/?subsource=WL-AF-SCO-A02-FB-FBLP.D-OCPM-US-PO2-BO-18p-T02-H02-I01

11. Here is another cell phone campaign that you can you sign up for:  To join the Daily Action group, text the word “DAILY” to the number 228466 (or “A-C-T-I-O-N”) today. You can also sign up at www.dailyaction.org     Backstory here:  http://www.vogue.com/13512847/daily-action-alerts-cell-phone-fight-trump/

12. Here is a mobile campaign by ALF-CIO to   you’re your legislators not to gut or privatize Medicare:  http://aflcio.shpg.org/48/177551?link_id=2&can_id=154e534c000149396abc18cf07d5c554&source=email-we-delivered-your-petition-to-protect-medicare-now-share-this&email_referrer=we-delivered-your-petition-to-protect-medicare-now-share-this&email_subject=we-delivered-your-petition-to-protect-medicare-now-share-this

12/14/16  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. Ask James Clapper, Director of National Intelligence,  to give the electors an intelligence briefing on Russia's interference in our US elections before they cast their ballot in 5 days.  James Clapper, U.S. Director of National Intelligence 703.733.8600. Here is a sample script:  My name is ---- -----, and I am calling to let Director Clapper know that I’m deeply disturbed by the CIA's statement on Russia’s interference in the 2016 election. I strongly urge Director Clapper to immediately grant the Electoral College a full intelligence briefing on the extent of Russia’s involvement and attempts to sway the election in Trump’s favor. The Electoral College has a duty to preserve the integrity of the election process. In order to do their duty effectively, the Electors must have all of the facts about Russia’s influence before they cast their votes on December 19.

2. Join the call for election integrity:  https://www.change.org/p/barack-obama-join-the-call-for-electoral-integrity

3. Read this open letter to electors that is currently running in major newspapers around the country.  Sign the petition that is associated with it:  https://www.change.org/p/electoral-college-make-hillary-clinton-president-on-december-19-4a78160a-023c-4ff0-9069-53cee2a095a8/u/18783737?tk=zkwxXtNTmgtlm5V8fRiqH_NtSjff-8QAkGSUS21btVw&utm_source=petition_update&utm_medium=email

4. Please sign this Friends of the Earth petition and contact your senators to block the appointment of Rick Perry as Secretary of Energy.  Donald Trump nominated Rick Perry to head the Energy Department. Perry is a climate denier and Big Oil crony who once vowed to abolish that very agency.  http://action.foe.org/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=20806

5. Contact your representatives and governors to ask that they demand that the electors be debriefed on the CIA information on Russian interference prior to Dec. 19, and to delay the electoral vote if that's not possible, given the time frame;

6. Contact the U.S. Attorney General and ask that the Electoral College vote be postponed until a full investigation of Russian interference and the Trump campaign's potential coordination with Russia is complete. You can reach the Attorney General's office at 202-514-2000 (Comment line...press 4)

7. The GSA has determined that unless Trump divests all financial interest in the new Trump hotel in DC, housed in the former post office, he will be in violation of the lease on the property.  We made calls about this one!  http://www.politico.com/story/2016/12/trump-hotel-general-services-administration-232620

8. This linked document is a tool for fighting Trump's appointments. It lists who he has appointed for what, why they are bad news and gives all the necessary committee information to contact senators and work to block the appointment. It was put together by a group of activists and will be keeping us plenty busy. Feel free to share widely. https://docs.google.com/…/1j4wKONjrrE3ZiDXvc8_2ktSMdXw…/edit#

9. Yet another way to contact members of the Electoral College:  https://makedemocracymatter.org/

10. Contact your legislators asking them to join Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) in his notion of delaying the Electoral College vote until after the electors can be briefed on the Russian hacking situation. Here is some background:  https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/virginia-congressman-calls-for-delay-in-electoral-college-vote/2016/12/14/98022426-c21b-11e6-8422-eac61c0ef74d_story.html?hpid=hp_local-news_beyer-1230pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.c4b27b99095c 

Michigan

1. There is still a chance that the MI House will try to bring back SB 0638, a 2015 campaign finance bill that if enacted would essentially eliminate campaign finance limits by getting rid of rules that prevent SuperPACs (which can raise unlimited amounts of money) from coordinating directly with candidate campaigns. This would have the practical effect of allowing one (b)millionaire to fully finance a political campaign by themselves.  At the moment we are proceeding on the assumption that this will happen and will gear up to deal with it over the course of this starting tomorrow.  Please call the following Republican House members and urge them to oppose the Campaign Finance Bill SB 0638. You can leave a message on their voice mail. You do not have to live in their districts.

Anthony Forlini (District 24) 517-373-0113
Ed McBroom (DIstrict 108) 517-373-0156
Dave Pagel (District 78) 517-373-1796
Thomas Hooker (District 77) 517-373-2277
Ed Canfield (DIstrict 84) 517-373-0476
Ken Yonker (District 72) 517-373-0840

2. Please call your Michigan state reps and state senators ASAP and urge them to vote NO on these awful union-busting bills.  SB 279 and 280 are both likely to come up for a vote TODAY (Wed. 12/14), tomorrow at the latest. Find a rep here: http://www.house.mi.gov/mhrpublic/ and find a senator here: http://www.senate.michigan.gov/fysbyaddress.html

3.      Use this form to help fight a big change to our no-fault auto insurance system:  http://www.viethconsulting.com/action.php?orgcode=CPAN&laid=171981  Here is the backstory:  http://michiganradio.org/post/movement-auto-insurance-legislation-provides-lame-duck-surprise

4.      Love seeing our own Sen. Gary Peters’ name on this letter about saving Medicare and Medicaid!  Keep those calls going to Sen. Debbie Stabenow and our representatives!  http://www.peters.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/12_7_16%20Trump%20Medicare%20Medicaid%20letter%20FINAL.pdf

5.      Consider helping to fund an organization which is wanting to make signs that say “Hate Has No Home Here”:  https://www.gofundme.com/HHNHHWestMI

12/13/16  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. On this fourth anniversary of the Sandy Hook tragedy, please consider becoming part of the Sandy Hook Promise. Take the pledge, donate, and/or work for reasonable gun control that could help save lives.  http://www.sandyhookpromise.org/

2. CALL YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO URGE THEM TO SPEAK OUT FOR AN IMMEDIATE INDEPENDENT/BIPARTISAN INVESTIGATION Talking Points:  1)  I am calling because I believe the American people deserve information about the Russian intervention into our election. 2)  Dozens of leaders on both sides of the aisle have clearly identified this as a bipartisan issue that is a threat against all of us, regardless of party. 3)  I ask you to work to create an independent, bipartisan investigation to reflect the seriousness of this threat and the need for a process that is seen as rigorous and credible to all Americans. If it is not an independent commission, the process will be seen as partisan and will only further divide our nation instead of bring it together to safeguard our democracy.  Find your Senator/Representative phone numbers here:  https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials

3. Petition to Urge Attorney General to bring a case to the US Supreme Court for a Clinton victory:  https://www.change.org/p/new-york-attorney-general-eric-schneiderman-urge-ny-attorney-general-to-bring-a-case-to-the-us-supreme-court-for-a-clinton-victory?recruiter=57712148&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=share_twitter_responsive

4.      Sign this petition asking President Obama to declassify all evidence of Russian interference and host intelligence briefing for electors before Electoral College votes on December 19:  http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/direct-the-cia-to-declassify?akid=174635.34223440.FwOrCm&rd=1&source=mo&t=2

5.      If you are an attorney, you may want to sign your name to this growing list of concerned lawyers:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6x-UlGD3UPrwoXOtHiISAZGDObRNDUn089JQavnyNlcCBHQ/viewform?embedded=true

6.      Please sign this letter to Congress re: investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election:   https://www.change.org/p/letter-to-congress-re-investigation-of-russian-interference-in-2016-presidential-election

7.      Join Sen. Tom Udall in the fight to save Medicare:  http://www.tomudall.com/landing/w1611med/?subsource=WL-TU-MED-A01-FB-FBLP.D-CPC-MED-US-T01-H01-I01

8. U.S. Congressman Devin Nunes (R-CA), Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, has announced he does not want any further investigations to be opened into Russia's hacking and interference in the U.S. election. Rep. Nunes happens to sit on the Trump Transition team's executive committee.  Let’s let him know that we feel it IS important to do it and do it now!  http://nunes.house.gov/contact/  Let’s contact some of the other majority members of that committee, too!  http://intelligence.house.gov/about/hpsci-majority-members.htm

9. For good measure, let’s also contact the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence members:  http://www.intelligence.senate.gov/

10. Join the Environmental Defense Fund in thanking President Obama for all we have accomplished—and pledging to defend his impressive environmental legacy.  http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/613/064/806/

11. There is a new group out there called Pantsuit Action Network.  It is not affiliated with Pantsuit Nation. Please do not confuse them.  There is concern that the group does not have the same goals as we do.

12. Contact your representatives and governors to ask that they demand that the electors be debriefed on the CIA information on Russian interference prior to Dec. 19, and to delay the electoral vote if that's not possible, given the time-frame

13. Contact the U.S. Attorney General and ask that the Electoral College vote be postponed until a full investigation of Russian interference and the Trump campaign's potential coordination with Russia is complete.  You can reach the Attorney General's office at 202-514-2000 (Comment line...press 4)

14. For college/university current/retired teachers, consider adding your name to the Professor Watchlist https://actionnetwork.org/forms/add-my-name-to-the-professor-watchlist?source=direct_link&

15. Please join Friends of the Earth in telling the Senate to block the appointment of the Exxon CEO, with ties to Russa, as Secretary of State!  http://action.foe.org/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=20791

16. How to Communicate with Congress written by a former Senate staffer and now a federal science policy wonk:   https://lookaside.fbsbx.com/file/congress-workshop-1pager.pdf?token=AWx1xInKey_aHV9lnjs0PbLSyAqiHfb8gyFAFJYGv7E8kGVu2NLWY9upVQm16MguqitDXIchQm5rHP0g71N0c9q_Re3gfc3KxdPZS0L7ztRTNaq4Gbm_it8KJhjxEy5g-FNjz0z3Og5Ss0O2QPt8vO4r

17. Should you wish to mail him, this appears to be Mike Pence’s temporary address.  Be kind. Send him a holiday card with your wishes:  3333 Tennyson St. NW, Washington, DC 20015

18. Gov. Kasich of Ohio vetoed the 6-week abortion bill on his desk today, and instead signed into law a 20-week abortion ban.   http://www.reuters.com/article/us-ohio-abortion-idUSKBN1422PT

Michigan

1. The Michigan Senate plans to adjourn for the year Thursday without taking up the strict voter identification proposal!  They got so many calls that they realized that this was not going to happen!  http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2016/12/13/tame-duck-strict-voter-bills-stall-senate/95379382/

12/12/16  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. Wow!  A professor at Connecticut has made it incredibly easy for us all to write to members of the Electoral College!  Here you will find labels and letters to 260 (at this time) electors.  http://directelection.org/

2. Add your name to the joint NEA/AFT growing list of people who are for supporting success in public schools:  https://actionnetwork.org/forms/add-your-name-commit-to-student-success

3. Join Sen. Tammy Baldwin and fight for LGBT equality:  https://www.tammybaldwin.com/landing/w1608lgbt/?subsource=WL-TB-LGBT-A02-FB-FBLP.D-OCPM-US-LGBT-BO-18p-T02-H02-I02

4. Tell the EPA:  Retract your draft report claiming that fracking is safe:  https://act.credoaction.com/sign/epa_fracking_draft?sp_ref=252795437.4.177388.f.562582.2&referring_akid=.11201896.2IpBcW&source=fb_share_sp

5. Petition demanding a new vote:  https://www.change.org/p/barack-obama-we-the-people-demand-a-new-vote

6. For a better insight into the white supremacy movement, read Jodi Picoult’s Small Great Things https://smile.amazon.com/Small-Great-Things-Jodi-Picoult/dp/0345544951/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481553891&sr=8-1&keywords=small+great+things   For an article by someone who left the movement, click here:  http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/26/opinion/sunday/why-i-left-white-nationalism.html?smid=fb-share

7. Posted from an FB group with permission:  If people are able to shoot videos saying "I believe you" at their protests too that would be amazing. We are creating a compilation directed at the women who came forward to speak out about Trump's sexual behavior. Telling them "Thank you and it doesn't matter if he ever gets criminally tried- I believe you." I have an editor in LA who will be helping put these all together to be released before the EC votes. Email to ibelieveyou2016@gmail.com

8. Time to ask all our electors to join this request for an intelligence briefing before their vote..  They need all the information possible.   http://www.politico.com/story/2016/12/electors-intelligence-briefing-trump-russia-232498   Contact electors here:  http://directelection.org/

9. This action list was posted on a group today with permission to share!  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vFF9jzXYITs_FVt-cbWU-G7UI6WAY44fSRa0g4zlCa8/edit

10. Sign here to encourage Congress to create a national hate crimes hotline:  https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/push-congress-move-forward-bill-create-national-hate-crimes-hotline

Michigan

1. The Progress Women of Michigan Summit is planning a gathering in Lansing at the State Capitol on January 21.  Go here for more information and to register:  http://www.pwofmsummit.org/registration.html

2. We are in the final week of this legislative session and there is much to do!  Sign the ACLU’s petition telling MI legislators to oppose discriminatory voter ID bills:  https://ssl.capwiz.com/aclu/issues/alert/?alertid=74477626&type=ML&ms=web_161208_aff_MI_voting_rights

3. Other bills this week include:

Prohibiting Union Release Time and Community College Dues Deduction

SB 279 and 280 passed the Senate, and were approved by a House Committee. They now await a vote on the floor of the Michigan House. The bills would do the following if enacted:

1.       Prohibit local school districts and unions from jointly negotiating to include paid union release time in collective bargaining agreements (SB 280);

2.       Prohibit the union from paying into MPSERS for employees on union release time or for those employees to get retirement service credits for time on release (SB 279);

3.       Ban community colleges from collecting union dues through paycheck deduction from those who choose to be union members (SB 279);

Click here to send an email to ask your legislators to oppose these bills.

Bills Fining Citizens $1000 for Free Speech Await Action in the Senate

HB 4643 adds a $1000 fine for any individual and $10,000 for any who pickets and impedes the "lawful work" of a business or a road or sidewalk, among other things. HB 4630 repeals the requirement that employers must include in job notices if the position is meant to fill a vacancy created because of a strike or lockout.

Unemployment Insurance Fraud Detection Fix Heads to Senate

HB 4982, which addresses the urgent need for reforms to the computerized fraud detection program used by the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency, passed the Michigan House by a vote of 108-0. Our brothers and sisters who have been wrongly accused of fraud by a computer and fined multiple times over the unemployment benefit they received are much closer to justice. The bill now awaits action in the Senate.

Restraint and Seclusion Bills Pass Michigan House

House Bills 5409-5417, which limit the use of restraint and seclusion to emergency situations to protect the safety of students and school employees, passed the Michigan House on December 7. The bills were referred to the Senate Education Committee, which is not currently scheduled to meet next week. Lt. Governor Brian Calley is continuing work in the Michigan Senate to send the bills to Governor Snyder before the end of the year.

      4.  Use the info here to call Gov. Snyder and tell him how you feel about the pending voter ID bill:  https://www.facebook.com/events/875991649202470/

      5.  Here is the info about the rally at the Capitol on the day the electors meet in Lansing:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1123202864431054/

12/11/16  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. Given the news about the Russian interference in this election, this would be another good time to once again contact our electors and remind them that we are watching and that we know that our founders had three main purposes in creating the Electoral College:  1) to stop a demagogue from becoming president, 2) stop foreign interference in election, and 3) prevent poor administration of government.  It seems we’ve hit the jackpot in this election. 

2. Sign this White House petition calling for a new election in the wake of Russia’s involvement in our process:  https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/call-new-election-wake-russias-involvement-supporting-trump

3. While you are at it, please thank the bipartisan leadership of Senators Schumer (D), Reed (D), McCain (R), and Graham (R), for seeking a full investigation into the CIA findings of Russian interference.  These people know that their country is more important than their parties.  https://www.schumer.senate.gov/contact/email-chuck    https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-mail-senator-graham    https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact-form   https://www.reed.senate.gov/contact

4. Add your name to uphold marriage equality:  http://www.grassrootsact.com/vf-fb-marriage

5. From an FB post:  “Here is an action you can take: call the US attorney's office and the White House and ask them to halt the transfer of power immediately. The attorney general's office and the White House announced yesterday that an investigation into election hacking and the trump/Putin relationship will begin in two weeks, and won't end until January 20th. Please call the attorney General 202-353-1555 and Obama's message line 202-456-1111 and tell them you support a full investigation, but it needs to happen now, not in two weeks. Tell them you support halting the transfer of power until a full investigation is completed, and that trump should be investigated for treason. Call your representatives too. This link is easy to use. Click, type your zip code and tap the number to dial http://m.house.gov/representatives/ *pass this information on and encourage others to call. 4.5 million people signed the petition to the electoral college. Jill Stein raised 7 million dollars in a matter of days, and Clinton won the popular vote by a large margin. We can collectively stop the Trump from hijacking democracy if we are all vocal"

6. Sign a White House petition asking SCOTUS, given the Russian hacking, to invalidate the election results and order a new election:         https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/scotus-invalidate-election-results-2016-order-new-election

7. Tell the EPA to finalize strong tailpipe pollution standards before Trump takes office:  https://sierra.secure.force.com/actions/National?actionId=AR0062635&id=70131000001iOuIAAU

8. Join Food and Water Watch’s effort to stop the appointment of Scott Pruitt to the EPA:  https://secure.foodandwaterwatch.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2842&s_src=fbad&s_subsrc=120716b

9. Sign the ACLU petition asking President Obama to delete the discriminatory registration program:  https://action.aclu.org/secure/nseers?ms=web_161206_religiousliberty_racialjustice_immigrantrights_nationalsecurity_nseers

10. Take part in “Postcards for Democracy” and send postcards to our electors .All the details you need are here:   https://www.facebook.com/events/213538899090938/

11. Hit the phones and ask your Representative to support the 1) Protecting Our Democracy Act and the 2) Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act of 2016.  Find your reps here:  http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/   For the backstory:  https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/global-opinions/wp/2016/12/10/lets-get-the-facts-right-on-foreign-involvement-in-our-elections/?postshare=4931481421487081&tid=ss_tw&utm_term=.43a25e168e65

12. Join a Care2 petition asking these companies to revaluate their ads on Breitbart:   BMW, Chipotle, Dell, Chase, Nissan/Acura, Amazon, McDonald's    http://www.thepetitionsite.com/953/831/865/sign-now-ask-these-companies-to-reevaluate-their-ads-on-breitbart/?taf_id=31790742&cid=fb_na

Michigan

1. If you’d like to write letters (the kind one mails) to our Michigan electors, this link provides names and addresses:  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1K7lvJIHaLhsoCIc7ByV0OPOFM8vMrhMbkhvxu7tJT-g/edit#gid=288852803

2. The Michigan Election Reform Alliance (MERA) is a non-profit, non-partisan, pro-democracy, grassroots organization dedicated to the realization of election processes that consistently uphold the principles of democracy to ensure the confidence of voters and maximize representation of all citizens of the United States of America.  You can sign up for updates here:  http://michiganelectionreformalliance.org/

3. Those in District 1 have a retiring US representative in Dan Benishek who is no longer willing or interested in listening to his constituents.  His replacement, Jack Bergman, does not begin until sworn in on January 3.  It is not too early to start chatting with him.  Try his FB page:  https://www.facebook.com/bergmanforcongress/; or this email:  jack@bergmanforcongress.com; or his Twitter account:  https://twitter.com/JackBergman_MI1

4. This information gives one pause.  We need to find a way to correcting this situation in our state.  http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2016/12/10/what-if-michigan-held-key-presidential-election/95142214/