May 11, 2023
Cruelty at the border, Russian terrorism, Mother’s Day, and more!
Contact all members of Congress:
- By phone: (202) 224-3121
- By email: democracy.io
- By US mail: Representatives / Senators
- By fax: Representatives / Senators
- By Resistbot: Resist.bot
Contact White House or other federal agencies:
- REJECT THE REPUBLICAN “SECURE THE BORDER” IMMIGRATION BILL: House Republicans are expected to vote today on HR 2 “Secure the Border” Act of 2023. Among other provisions that would limit the rights of asylum-seekers, the bill would allow for continuing the destruction of a border wall, allow minors to be deported and lengthen the amount of time families with children could be kept in detention. Even though the bill is unlikely to pass in the Senate and would be vetoed by the White House, we still need to speak out against a xenophobic narrative that pegs asylum-seekers as criminals and justifies putting children in jail. Let’s tell our MoCs that we think H.R. 2 is cruel and inhumane, and we would rather see our resources put into treating those who cross our border with dignity and respect.
- SUPPORT UKRAINE WITH ACTION AGAINST PRO-RUSSIA MERCENARIES
The Wagner Group are private mercenaries who have taken a leading role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and Russia has relied on them to press their agenda across the world. They’re responsible for atrocities in Ukraine and elsewhere, including the abduction of children, sexual violence, torture, and murdering journalists. Support has been building among our allies to treat them as what they are: terrorists. In December, a bipartisan group of members of Congress proposed legislation designating the Wagner Group a foreign terrorist organization, which could help us cut off their funding and criminalize providing them with support. Since then, other nations have taken the first step: Britain is on the verge of formally blacklisting Wagner as a terrorist group, and the government of France is encouraging all 27 members of the European Union to do the same. Let’s contact Congress and let them know we’d like to see action on the HARM Act (reference S.416 and H.R.506). The Biden Administration has also said they’re considering taking this step on their own. Let’s call the White House and encourage them to do so.
- LEARN TO THROW A FUN AND ENGAGING POLTICAL HOUSE PARTY WITH RED WINE AND BLUEWe know our candidates are great and we know our issues are important, but how do we get our friends on board? Throw a party and make it fun! We can join Red Wine and Blue online this Thursday, May 11 from 7:30 to 8:30 pm ET, and learn how to host an in person or virtual event to engage, inspire and enthuse people to go out and make a difference. Force Multiplier members, who hold regular house parties for House and Senate candidates will be on hand to share their best strategies with us too. We can click here to learn more about this Thursday’s Troublemaker Training: Make Politics Fun – How to Throw a House Party, and sign up here. https://secure.everyaction.com/lbWefdkKfEyPRgBtW04KuA2
- MOTHER’S DAYLet’s give Mom what she really wants: an assault weapons ban! Moms Demand Action has called for Mother’s Day rallies nationwide in support of a ban. We can find the nearest rally to us here: https://momsdemandaction.org
- WRITERS ARE STRIKING WORKERSLarge and growing inequalities in the United States are a consequence of the decline in labor union membership and strength. The Writers Guild of America represents 11,500 members who write and produce TV shows and movies that all of us enjoy. The WGA went on strike in early May—let’s read their list of demands for compensation, benefits, and job security. Then, let’s consult the WGA’s Take Action page to see how we can support the union. If we have the means, we can donate to the Entertainment Community Fund, a humanitarian fund to help writers weather the strike so they can stay strong in negotiation