Make Virginia blue again, support a Mississippi abortion fund and your favorite black-led organization, electrify local school buses, 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:
- ALL EYES ON THE VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE
Virginia’s legislative elections this November, in which a narrow Democratic majority in the state senate and a narrow Republican majority in the House of Delegates are at risk, could have huge implications both locally and nationally. Voters could give Governor Glenn Youngkin a clear path to implementing a conservative agenda and a national platform as he continues to be mentioned as a possible 2024 presidential candidate, or they could send a signal to the nation that we’re fed up with Republican fearmongering. Let’s sign up to phonebank in tight Virginia races with Silver Spring Progressive Action here, or we can donate to key candidates here. - END TAX ABUSE BY BILLIONAIRES WITH PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS
All told, the private charitable foundations of the uber-wealthy hold more than $1 trillion in assets. These foundations pay no taxes, and in return, are required by law to use their assets to provide a public good—for example, making valuable, privately owned art accessible for public viewing, or funding anti-poverty programs. But some billionaires take millions in tax deductions and use their foundations not for the benefit of the public, but for their own self-enrichment, according to a ProPublica investigative report. They get away with it because Congress has neglected to issue adequate guidance, and because the underfunded IRS is too weak to conduct enforcement. Let’s share this link to the report (https://www.propublica.org/article/how-private-nonprofits-ultrawealthy-tax-deductions-museums-foundation-art) with our Members of Congress, and let’s tell them we want legislation to stop this draining of the public treasury and better enforcement via a fully funded IRS.
- HELP A MISSISSIPPI ABORTION FUND AVOID CUTS
With abortion access more and more difficult across large swaths of the country, the task of abortion funds is bigger and more complicated than ever. They’re facing more callers and higher costs, even while the post-Dobbs wave of donations has tapered off. Among those facing the most severe challenges is the Mississippi Reproductive Freedom Fund, a shining light for reproductive rights in the South. In a state where the story of a 13-year-old rape survivor forced to give birth has garnered headlines, they are the institution best positioned to help. Let’s consider a donation to help them keep their doors open if we’re able, or spreading the word about their work in our networks and on social media. (We can consider giving to this verified GoFundMe for the Mississippi family featured in this tragic story.)
- NOMINATE A BLACK-LED GROUP FOR DIGITAL ORGANIZING SUPPORT
Black August is a month-long celebration of Black resistance to oppression in many forms, including slavery, incarceration, and the many forms of institutionalized racism black people are still experiencing today. To celebrate the spirit of Black August, Movement Labs will be helping up to 10 progressive Black-led organizations by donating a total of 100,000 texts ($10,000 in value) and giving assistance with digital organizing tools like landing pages and ads. We can find out more and nominate an organization here. We can also apply directly here or share the nominating form here.
- SCHOOL BUS ELECTRIFICATION FUNDING – DEADLINE TOMORROW
Thanks to the infrastructure law, we’re set to convert much of our nation’s fleet of 500,000 buses to run on batteries and alternative fuels. But if school districts want to take advantage of this funding, they have to apply *before the grant deadline TOMORROW, August 22nd,* and many mayors and other officials don’t know the opportunity exists. Let’s use this toolkit from Climate Changemakers to prompt our school districts and communities to get on board. (h/t Chop Wood, Carry Water)
- CHANGE GRADUATION VENUE
Chaska and Chanhassen High Schools in Minnesota have been holding their joint graduation ceremonies at an evangelical church for 15 years or so. They pay the church 28K yearly for this service. This church, however, espouses extreme views that are anathema to most students at Chaska HS. The pastor preaches against LGBTQ people, trans people, divorce (even in the case of domestic abuse), evolution, and abortion, among other things. One trans student skipped graduation this year because he felt so threatened by the church’s stances. A young person has started a petition to ask the school district to move the graduation to another venue. It’s begun to get some news coverage, which is great, but it doesn’t even have 1000 signatures yet. Let’s sign it and share it with others. (h/t Chop Wood, Carry Water)
STATE-SPECIFIC ACTIONS
- NH – KEEP PRAGER OUT OF OUR SCHOOLS
PragerU, the unaccredited conservative YouTube channel that aims to indoctrinate kids with right-wing values, has already been approved for use in Florida public schools, and they have their sights set on classrooms in New Hampshire. Over the objections of educators and public school advocates, the State Board of Education is considering allowing students to get credit for taking a financial literacy “course” from Prager. A spokesperson for the state’s education commissioner has claimed they have not received any concerns about PragerU’s credibility and recommended approval, but the board has delayed the final vote until at least September 14th so they can seek more information. Let’s contact the commissioner and the members of the board of education before their next meeting and make sure they understand Prager’s political project has no place in our schools.
AND FINALLY, SOME GOOD NEWS
- LAST WEEK’S WINS
We’re in this battle for the long haul, so it’s important to acknowledge the victories we’re earning along the way. Here’s a summary of some of the best news from the last week from our friend and ally Jessica Craven at Chop Wood, Carry Water, including local leadership for climate action, resistance to the transphobic agenda in Virginia, and protesters shutting down Ron DeSantis in Iowa.