ON WEDNESDAYS, WE WRITE LETTERS
Updated weekly, you can find below a list of call-to-actions for our continued participation in democracy, social justice, and protection of human rights.
[Join Mary live on Instagram at 12pm PT every Wednesday to fill out forms, sign petitions, and make calls together.]
Happy April, Wednesday friends. It’s been…quite a year so far. I know it has been filled with a lot of fear, frustration, and trepidation, but hopefully we find some hope together, too.
I find you all very inspiring, and I appreciate us coming together to work towards the greater good.
🧡
Reminder - A great resource for daily/weekly actions is the 5 Calls App. Download it (it’s free!), type in your zip code, and it will give you a list of issues to call your Reps about. Select one that you feel any-which-way about, and it’ll give you a script to use when making your call. It will also provide you with the phone number and name of your Reps, and you can just click and call from there. (Put the call on speaker phone so you can read the script at the same time!)
NEW - WEEK OF APRIL 28TH
WRITE A LETTER - Tell your Senators to Oppose Trump's Anti-Wildlife USFWS Nominee
“Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) threatens the future of wolf recovery and endangered species protections and would almost surely reverse what progress has been made in addressing the biodiversity and climate crises.
The Senate must reject the nomination of Brian Nesvik to lead the USFWS. His record demonstrates a disregard for endangered species conservation and environmental protection and extreme deference to hunting, trapping, and oil and gas interests.”
Source: Endangered Species Coalition
SIGN THE PETITION - Make 25% of Domestic Violence Shelters Pet Friendly by the End of 2025
“Domestic abusers often use pets as tools for coercion and manipulation because they are a survivor's greatest source of emotional support. Nearly three out of four pet-owning women entering domestic violence (DV) shelters report an abuser threatened, injured, or killed a pet for revenge or control. But because most domestic violence shelters nationwide can't welcome pets, DV survivors are faced with an agonizing decision: abandon their pets or continue to endure abuse.
No one should have to choose between their pet and their safety.
You can help RedRover and our partners ensure that 25% of domestic violence shelters in the United States can welcome survivors and their pets by the end of this year by joining the 25 by 2025 campaign.”
Source: Red Rover
*TOP PRIORITY* WRITE A LETTER - Ask your reps to reach out to the DOJ to reinstate CASA funding for victims of child abuse and human trafficking
Here is a great breakdown of what happened, provided by V Spher of Under the Desk News
”On the federal cuts made by the DOJ - particularly Court Appointed Special Advocates (aka CASA) - and how Donald Trump may have been targeting an immigration advocacy group instead.”
Taking Action:
You can find your reps here, and below is a sample letter they’ve drafted if you reach out:
Dear (Senator or Representative Name):
The Department of Justice’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy for children and youth who have experienced abuse and neglect. The National CASA/GAL Association, together with its state and local member programs, supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy so every child who has experienced abuse or neglect can be safe, have a permanent home, and the opportunity to thrive. There are over 900 CASA/Guardian ad Litem (GAL) state organizations and local programs in 49 states and the District of Columbia. CASA/GAL volunteers are appointed by judges in judicial proceedings related to abuse and neglect to advocate for children’s best interests. This best interest advocacy makes a life-changing difference for children who have experienced abuse or neglect, many of whom are in foster care.
On April 22, the National CASA/GAL Association unexpectedly received Termination of Award notices for their active grants for the Department of Justice’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program.
I am requesting that you immediately contact the Department of Justice to inquire about the award terminations and express your concern about the impact of this far-reaching decision to CASA/GAL programs across the country and the children and youth served. Thank you in advance for your assistance and your support.
SIGN THE PETITION - Stop Trump’s illegal mass deportations
Petition to Congress:
We urge you to call for an end to mass deportations, the illegal imprisonment of legal residents, and the deportation of U.S. citizens. The recent deportation of three children who are U.S. citizens is another alarming, illegal action of this administration.
Source: Demand Progress
SIGN THE PETITION - Stop Trump from taking away birth control
“The Supreme Court is on the verge of handing Donald Trump the power to gut one of the most essential parts of the Affordable Care Act—and his allies are already lining up to make it happen. If they succeed, millions could lose access to no-cost birth control, cancer screenings, HIV prevention, and more.
This case challenges the federal task force that decides what preventive services insurance must cover. If the Court sides with right-wing activists, it could strip that authority and allow Trump’s Department of Health and Human Services to decide what care is “essential”—giving his administration the power to slash coverage for birth control and other lifesaving services.”
Source: Civic Shout
PREVIOUS - WEEK OF APRIL 21ST
SIGN THE PETITION - Protect The Migratory Bird Treaty Act
”The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which has safeguarded over 1,000 bird species for more than a century, is under direct attack. The Trump Interior Department has revived a dangerous legal interpretation that lets corporations off the hook for killing birds—so long as it’s “unintentional.” That means oil spills, hazardous waste, and deadly infrastructure can now wipe out entire bird populations with no accountability.
Under this policy, a company that causes a mass bird die-off won’t face a single consequence. This rollback, previously struck down in court, is being forced through again—despite overwhelming opposition from scientists, conservationists, and the public.
Stand up to Trump's attacks on birds and wildlife. Add your name now to the petition now.”
Source: Civic Shout
SIGN THE PETITION - Defend Head Start
”Donald Trump is trying to kill Head Start—the vital early education program that’s lifted millions of children out of poverty for nearly 60 years.
His latest budget proposal guts all federal funding for Head Start, slamming the door on over 800,000 low-income kids who count on it for free pre-K, meals, and health care. In some states, regional offices have already been shuttered. If Congress doesn’t act fast, thousands of classrooms could close, and struggling families will be left with nowhere to turn.
Support young learners. Defend Head Start. Add your name to the petition.”
Source: The Juggernaut Project
Tell the Smithsonian - Stand strong against the Trump administration’s attempts to erase U.S. history.
”The Trump administration has targeted nonpartisan institutions with threats to withhold federal funding or other resources critical to their ability to survive if partisan ideological changes aren’t made to satisfy Trump’s racist worldview.
Now, Donald Trump’s next target is the Smithsonian and its 21 museums and 14 education and research centers -- including the National Museum of the American Indian.
At the end of March, Trump issued an executive order titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History” that aims to do exactly the opposite. In it, he accused the Smithsonian of “replacing objective facts with a distorted narrative driven by ideology rather than truth.”
The order explicitly named the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the forthcoming American Women’s History Museum, targeting exhibits on slavery and transgender women. But the threat to the Smithsonian goes far beyond these examples or any individual exhibit. The entire future of these museums are at stake.
If the Smithsonian Institution does not follow Trump’s narrow worldview, the order mandates the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to withhold potentially as much as $1.3 billion in federal funding appropriated by Congress.” (more at link)
Source: Native Organizers Alliance Action Fund
WRITE TO YOUR REPS - Protect America’s Workforce
Tell the House to pass the bipartisan Protect America’s Workforce Act and defend federal workers’ rights
”Donald Trump dealt a blow to federal workers when he signed an Executive Order on March 27th that denied federal employees their collective bargaining rights.
Under the order, employees at more than 30 federal agencies would lose their collective bargaining rights. Some of these agencies include the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, the Office of Refugee Resettlement, and the Administration for Children and Families.
These same agencies are already under harsh attack due to the Trump administration summarily firing tens of thousands of employees. Without collective bargaining, the employees who keep their jobs will be left in an even more precarious situation.
Unlike other unions, federal unions have limited bargaining rights—they can’t go on strike, and they can’t bargain over things like wages or benefits because these are laws set by Congress. What federal unions can do is help workers address workplace issues without fear of retaliation and without disrupting the work of the federal government.
Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the House that would nullify Trump’s executive order and restore the bargaining rights of thousands of federal employees—the Protect America’s Workforce Act. We need to demand that House leadership bring it to the floor for a vote immediately.”
Source: CHN Action
WRITE TO YOUR REPS - TELL CONGRESS: Legalize Marijuana and End the Federal Ban
”It’s long past time for Congress to end the failed War on Drugs and modernize our marijuana laws.
The Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA) would finally bring federal law in line with the will of the people and the reality on the ground in dozens of states.
Here’s what the bill would do:
Remove cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances Act
Expunge past nonviolent federal marijuana convictions
Let states make their own cannabis laws without interference
Create a federal regulatory system for cannabis products
Tax cannabis sales and reinvest in communities most harmed by criminalization
Support small businesses and equity applicants trying to enter the cannabis industry
Expand medical research and improve access for veterans
Millions of Americans already live in states where marijuana is legal. This bill would ensure federal law finally catches up—and that the people most hurt by outdated policies are prioritized in what comes next.
Add your name to demand Congress pass the CAOA and end federal cannabis prohibition now”
Source: Left Click
WRITE TO YOUR REPS - Block billionaire insiders from pocketing public funds"
”After gutting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration, and more, Musk is now positioning his companies to fill the very gaps he’s created.
This corrupt self-dealing is only possible because of gaping loopholes in our ethics law. But a groundbreaking new bill from Senator Jeanne Shaheen would BLOCK special government employees (SGEs) like Musk from receiving federal contracts.
This kind of firewall already exists for members of Congress. Here’s how it works: S.1365 would use the Securities and Exchange Commission’s definition of company ownership: If an SGE owns 5% or more of a company, that company would be ineligible to contract with or receive payment from the federal government. When the SGE steps away from their government role, the ban is lifted, plain and simple.
It’s basic ethics. S.1365 is a long overdue step toward strengthening public trust and accountability. By urging your senators to support it, you’re helping ensure government work done in the public interest — NOT in the service of billionaire kleptocrats.
SGEs are supposed to serve the country, not exploit it for private gain. Yet with no law stopping them, they’d write policy with one hand and sign contracts with the other.
That’s how Musk can sabotage public services and undermine our democracy while reaping billions in federal funding for SpaceX, Starlink, and Tesla. We can’t promise that we can stop Musk’s hostile takeover of our government fast enough to avoid more harm. What can we guarantee? Nothing will change if organizations like ours, and people like you, sit on the sidelines.
Join us: Let’s send Capitol Hill a crucial message and slam the door on Musk’s corruption and self-dealing. Tell the Senate to cosponsor and pass S.1365, and end federal contracts to SGEs!”
Source: Win Without War
SIGN THE PETITION - Demand the end of persistent human rights abuses at Rikers Island
”Right now, there are people held at Rikers Island caged in tiny showers, sleeping on excrement-smeared floors, and they are being subjected to dangerously inhumane environments that will impact their mental health and wellness for years to come.
These are our fellow human beings—and they are being treated without respect, decency, or dignity.
Take action to demand the end of persistent human rights abuses at Rikers Island. Add your name.
Rikers has a long-standing history of dangerous conditions for incarcerated individuals and staff, marked by frequent violence, insufficient health care, and persistent overcrowding.
More corrections officers won’t help. More police won’t end it. More people locked up won’t stop these disgusting and persistent human rights abuses.”
Source: Progress America
SIGN THE PETITION - Tell Congress to reject Trump’s $175 billion expansion of ICE
”The Trump administration is planning a massive expansion of ICE’s detention system, and taxpayers like you would foot the bill.
Leaked documents obtained by the ACLU reveal a sweeping effort to detain more than 100,000 immigrants every day by vastly expanding ICE’s detention network. This includes new contracts with private prison corporations like GEO Group and CoreCivic, who profit from human suffering while delivering horrifying conditions and little accountability. And now, the Trump administration is asking Congress to approve $175 billion in new ICE funding to make it all happen.
We cannot allow our taxpayer dollars to bankroll a cruel, bloated immigration system that enriches private companies and rips families apart.”
Source: The Juggernaut Project
CALL YOUR REPS - Keep routine food inspections (FDA), and Pete Hegseth must resign
Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲 and Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
I’m calling for a couple of reasons. First, I understand that the FDA is planning on ending routine food inspections. Seriously? Are we supposed to just take our chances that what we eat won’t sicken or even kill us? This is outrageous. The Senator/Congressmember must oppose these changes and work to keep our food inspection system fully intact.
Second, Pete Hegseth must resign. Now. The news about another Signal leak—this one involving his wife—should be the final straw. We are not safe with him in charge of our national defense. The Senator/Congressmember needs to call for him to go now.
Finally, due process matters. Kilmar Abrego Garcia and others like him must be brought home at once. The constitution applies to everyone or it applies to no one. Thanks.
Source: Jessica Craven, Chop Wood Carry Water
ADDITIONAL - SIGN THE PETITION RE: THE FDA (source: civic shout)
Take Action - May Day
”This May Day, communities across the country are mobilizing to reject the billionaire agenda. Their agenda wants us to abandon our neighbors in favor of a future where only the ultra wealthy and political elites profit.
However, the majority of us believe in a world where it's workers, students, immigrants, and working class communities who thrive. We are the ones who should get to make decisions about our democracy and our economy. And we are the ones who know that our strength comes from solidarity that bind us together, not our differences that set us apart.
We know that our communities and the planet deserve better -- and we are going to fight for it! While Congress hesitates to take action on behalf of our communities, we'll be in the streets to demonstrate where the real power is.
A real democracy in the U.S means that we prioritize the well-being of our people and the planet, not profits for corporations. On May Day, we are demanding an investment in things our people need like housing, education, and healthcare. The billions of dollars spent on weapons and bombs to fuel in the ongoing genocide of Palestinian people in Gaza could be billions of dollars going to our families, our schools, our hospitals, and more.
The authoritarian regime wants to squash worker and labor organizing, they want to attack our efforts to protect LGBTQ people, they want to abduct and detain dissent, they want to strip away rights that our movements fought for and won -- on May Day, we come together to let them know they will not push us back
Want to learn more and get ready for May Day? Register for the national call happening tomorrow, April 23 at 8pm et
See you in the streets on May Day!
In solidarity,
Rising Majority
Digital Defenders: Infosecurity for Everyday Activists
”The U.S. government is escalating digital surveillance—searching phones at the border, combing through messages and apps, tracking social media activity of immigrants, flagging protest and political speech as threats, and deploying AI to monitor posts and affiliations without context, consent, or due process.
This isn’t hypothetical—it’s happening now. And it’s disproportionately targeting activists, immigrants, and anyone who dares to dissent.
Dr. Heather Woods and Dr. Leslie Hahner will guide us through the basics of infosecurity—helping us protect our data, defend our communities, and strengthen our resistance in an era of digital repression.
What you’ll learn:
How to identify your digital vulnerabilities
Tools to reduce exposure to government surveillance and far-right doxxing
Practical, collective strategies for safer online organizing
Trump's fascist regime wants us silent, scared, and isolated. But we have each other—and we have the tools to fight back.”
Source: Women’s March
Tell the Senate: Reject the No Rogue Rulings Act and Protect Judicial Power Now
House Republicans just passed a bill that would gut federal judges’ power to stop unconstitutional actions, all to appease Donald Trump and his MAGA allies. It’s called the No Rogue Rulings Act, and it’s a dangerous, calculated attempt to cripple judicial oversight nationwide.
For decades, when a federal court rules that a law or policy is unconstitutional, that decision applies nationwide, not just to one person, one state, or one district. That’s what makes the judiciary a powerful check on government overreach. But Trump doesn’t want checks. He wants obedience.
This bill would strip judges of the ability to issue nationwide injunctions. If passed, people would have to file lawsuits in every single state, just to block laws that violate our rights. That’s not just impractical. It’s the death of equal justice under law.
And we know exactly why Republicans are doing this: because federal courts stopped Trump’s most extreme and illegal policies. From banning immigrants, to ending birthright citizenship, to mass firings in the federal government, judges have said no. And now MAGA Republicans want revenge.
We cannot let this power grab stand. Demand your Senators reject theNo Rogue Rulings Actimmediately.”
Source: National Campaign for Justice
SIGN THE PETITION - TELL CONGRESS TO STOP TRUMP FROM BLOCKING HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE
”The Trump administration just took aim at one of the most essential safety net programs in America: LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
LIHEAP helps millions of low-income families afford heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer — basic necessities for survival in extreme weather. But now, in a deeply alarming move, the Department of Health and Human Services has fired the entire federal staff responsible for running the program.
Without proper administration, LIHEAP will be slower, less effective, and less accessible to the families who depend on it. And those families include seniors, people with disabilities, and children — many of whom live in communities already facing extreme heat, cold, or energy insecurity.
As the climate crisis intensifies and energy costs remain high, gutting LIHEAP is cruel and irresponsible. Congress must step in now to protect this life-saving program and demand answers from the Trump administration about these reckless staffing decisions.
Add your name to demand that Congress protect LIHEAP, restore its staffing, and ensure vulnerable families get the energy assistance they need to stay safe and healthy.”
Source: Civic Shout
PREVIOUS - WEEK OF APRIL 14TH
CALL YOUR REPS - THIS IS A CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS - TRUMP IGNORES SCOTUS RULE TO BRING KILMAR ABREGO GARCIA HOME
Call Your Senators (find yours here) and Your House Rep (find yours here) about Kilmar Abrego Garcia📲
[See extra talking points at the end of the script!]
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______. I’m deeply alarmed that the Trump administration is ignoring the Supreme Court’s order to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia home. Trump is in clear violation of the Constitution, which the Senator/Congressmember has taken an oath to protect and uphold. If the government can bypass courts for Abrego Garcia, they can potentially do it to any of us. We are in a Constitutional crisis. What is the Senator/Congressmember doing about it?
[If GOP add:] If the Senator/Congressmember won’t act to uphold our constitutional rights then they should resign. And shame on them.
[If Dem add:] I understand that Senator Chris Van Hollen has announced that if Kilmar is not home by midweek he plans to travel to El Salvador to check on his condition and discuss his release. EVERY DEMOCRAT should be saying the same.
If your lawmaker’s staffer says “but he is a criminal/gang member” you can say “first of all, that’s false and your office shouldn’t be spreading lies. He’s been neither accused nor convicted of any crimes in the U.S. or in El Salvador. Would you like me to send you the article debunking that misinformation? There are several. And even if he were a criminal, he’s still entitled to due process, which isn't optional in America—it's guaranteed.
If they say “he’s not a citizen” you can say: He was here legally. Let me read to you from the Supreme Court’s ruling: The United States has acknowledged that Abrego Garcia was subject to a withholding order forbidding his removal to El Salvador, and that the removal to El Salvador was therefore illegal," The Justice Department acknowledged the removal was the result of an “administrative error.” This is very cut and dried. He needs to be returned to the U.S.
If they say “the President no longer has jurisdiction over this. El Salvador needs to do it,” say: “So Donald Trump is admitting that he’s weaker than the President of El Salvador? That’s pathetic. It’s also not true. If we could extract Kristi Noem from that prison we can extract an innocent man. We need to do so now.”
Source - Jessica Craven, Chop Wood Carry Water
SIGN THE PETITION - STOP TRUMP’S AUTHORITARIAN VOTER SUPPRESSION SCHEME
“Donald Trump just signed an executive order requiring voters to show proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote—a clear attempt to suppress millions of eligible voters, especially young people, immigrants, and communities of color. This dangerous move is not just undemocratic—it’s unconstitutional. Election law is determined by Congress and the states, not by presidential fiat. "Trump's executive action is an attempt to take away our right to vote or make it so hard that we don't participate," said Common Cause President and CEO Virginia Kase Solomón. "The people reject these tactics." The courts should block this illegal power grab—but whether or not they do, Congress must act immediately. Congress should pass a resolution rejecting Trump’s executive order and making clear that he does not have the authority to dictate federal or state election law. That power rests with Congress and the states—not with an authoritarian ex-president trying to rig the system in his favor.”
Source: Civic Shout and Chris Bowers
SIGN THE PETITION - STOP TRUMP’S RENDITIONS TO EL SALVADOR’S MEGA-PRISON
While meeting with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele this week, Trump said he supports deporting U.S. citizens.1 He also made clear that he had no plans to bring home a Maryland man that his administration mistakenly sent to a horrific El Salvador mega-prison along with nearly 300 other people.2
The federal government is planning to deny more people due process and send them to El Salvador and other countries where they can’t access courts to challenge their imprisonment.3 Trump’s actions are a serious breach of human rights, our system of laws, and the foundations of our democracy. Congress must demand an end to these horrific renditions.
Sign the petition: Stop Trump’s renditions to El Salvador’s mega-prison!
Last week, the Supreme Court lifted lower federal court orders that barred the Trump admin from sending nearly 300 people to El Salvador as part of a March 15 executive order.
In a pointed dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor called the SCOTUS decision “indefensible.” She warned that non-citizens and citizens, “could be taken off the streets, forced onto planes, and confined to foreign prisons with no opportunity for redress if judicial review is denied unlawfully before removal. History is no stranger to such lawless regimes, but this Nation’s system of laws is designed to prevent, not enable, their rise.”4
Sotomayor’s warnings were confirmed by Trump this week. All while Trump’s ICE Director says he wants deportations to run like “Amazon Prime for human beings.”5 This is a crisis moment for our country and our democracy.
Sign the petition: Congress must take a stand against Trump’s renditions to foreign prisons before it’s too late.
Sources:
MSNBC, “Trump says he supports deporting U.S. citizens,” April 14, 2025.
Kaitlan Collins on X, “President Trump and President Bukele both made clear...” April 14, 2025.
MSNBC, “Trump says he supports deporting U.S. citizens,” April 14, 2025.
SCOTUSblog, “Supreme Court requires noncitizens to challenge detention and removal in Texas,” April 7, 2025.
The Guardian, “Ice director wants to run deportations like ‘Amazon Prime for human beings,’” April 9, 2025.
SIGN A PETITION - TAKE ACTION TO SAVE FEDERAL FUNDING FOR LIBRARIES
“In a new executive order, President Trump has targeted the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the federal agency charged with distributing Congressionally approved funds to state libraries and to library, museum, and archives program grant recipients.
The Executive Order states that IMLS must be reduced to its "statutory functions.” It also requires that “non-statutory components and functions …shall be eliminated to the maximum extent…”.
We are extremely concerned that the wording of this E.O. could result in cuts to the core functions of IMLS. The Administration and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have used similar E.O.s to dismantle the other federal agencies.
IMLS’s statutory obligations to state libraries include federal funding through the Grants to States program, the National Leadership Grant program, and all current contracts, grants, and awards. This core work cannot be disrupted or dismantled by DOGE.”
Source: Every Library - Powered by NationBuilder + Nation Digital
Really love the libraries and want to do more? Here are more petitions dealing with library related issues!
SIGN THE PETITION - TELL THE WHITE HOUSE: DO NOT FAST TRACK DEEP SEA MINING
“Donald Trump is reportedly considering an executive order that would fast-track deep sea mining in international waters and let mining companies bypass a UN-backed review process. This reckless action risks damaging marine ecosystems and threatening species that are critical in preventing climate change. The environmental and ecological risks associated with deep sea mining are immense, and its implementation could lead to irreversible damage to marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Deep sea mining is not a viable solution to the climate crisis, and its promotion would only perpetuate harm to our planet. Sign the petition to tell Donald Trump not to fast track deep sea mining. Deep sea mining involves extracting precious metals from the ocean floor, which requires disturbing delicate ecosystems that have taken millennia to develop. These ecosystems are vital not only for marine life but also for global climate regulation, as they play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. The destruction of these habitats could result in the loss of irreplaceable biodiversity, threatening marine species that are already under strain due to climate change and overfishing.”
Source: Civic Shout via The Tipping Point
WRITE TO YOUR REPS - ICE has NO BUSINESS IN YOUR TAX RECORDS
“The Trump administration is using IRS data to track down and deport immigrants, without warrants, due process, or even criminal charges.
This is a direct violation of privacy, a backdoor abuse of power, and a dangerous step toward a surveillance, totalitarian state. And it turns the IRS into a weaponized arm of an anti-immigrant agenda. It breaks the promise that your private tax information is, and always will be, confidential.
Everyone, including immigrants, has the right to file taxes without fear of retaliation, surveillance, and deportation.
Congress has the power to stop this. They can pass legislation that blocks federal agencies like ICE from accessing tax data without a court order.”
Source: Rick Weiland, Takeitback.org
WRITE TO YOUR REP - Tell Congress to reject attacks on gray wolves
“Legislation in Congress could strip wolves of Endangered Species Act protections and open the door to unsustainable hunting and trapping.
Representative Lauren Boebert (R-CO) put forth legislation that would kick wolves off of the endangered species list from coast-to-coast and allow states to set hunting and trapping seasons. It would even prevent courts from reviewing the action.
Most worryingly, this bill is often included in annual, must-pass bills as a "poison pill rider." Recent anti-wolf riders have been removed from must-pass bills in the final negotiations - thanks to pressure from wolf advocates.
These bills would result in grave damage to wolf populations and the Endangered Species Act if they become law. We are seeing the results of state management of gray wolves in the Northern Rockies states of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming where few limits are in places to prevent unethical and unsustainable killing and–in Idaho–even bounties are offered for dead wolves.
Please contact your representative and ask that they oppose bills to strip protections for wolves.”
Source: Endangered Species Coalition
WRITE TO YOUR REPS - FREE RUMEYSA OZTURK: No one who writes an op-ed should be arrested, detained, or deported for expressing their free speech point of view.
“On March 25, as 30-year-old Tufts University Ph.D. student Rumeysa Ozturk left her home to meet friends and eat after a 13-hour Ramadan fast, she was handcuffed by masked, plain-clothed federal agents and forced into an unmarked SUV.
The abduction took place in broad daylight on a public street. Without warning, due process, or even the ability to contact a lawyer, Ozturk was taken to an undisclosed location. (Fortunately, nearby cameras captured it on video, or it's possible no one would've known it happened.)
It appears Ozturk was targeted because she co-authored an opinion editorial in the student newspaper a year ago calling on the university to divest from companies with ties to Israel because of the war in Gaza.
The Trump administration has revoked Ozturk’s visa, and she remains in custody on the path to deportation.
Freedom of the press is guaranteed by the U.S Constitution and must be fiercely protected by everyone who believes in the rule of law. Watch the CCTV recording of her arrest and then sign on by adding your name now:
Free Rumeysa Ozturk:
No one who writes an op-ed should be arrested, detained, or deported
for expressing their free speech point of view.”
Source: National Campaign for Justice
PREVIOUS - WEEK OF APRIL 7TH
WRITE TO CONGRESS - Please reassert congressional authority over tariffs (text and contact provided)
“Against the advice of virtually all economists, Donald Trump single-handedly plunged the world into economic chaos with his sweeping tariffs.
It is wrong that a single person can do this, without any checks and balances.
In the United States, tariffs have the force of law. In order to pass a new law in the United States, or to repeal an old one, it is necessary for both Congress and the President to agree. This should be the case for tariffs: both Congress and the President have to agree.
To solve this urgent problem, and to restore checks and balances to our system, members of both parties in Congress are rapidly signing onto bipartisan legislation that would reassert congressional authority over tariffs. In the Senate, Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, and Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington, have introduced new legislation that would "require the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of such an imposition and for Congress to explicitly approve any new tariffs within 60 days. The bill also would allow Congress to end any tariff at any time." As of this writing, seven Democrats and six Republicans have already signed onto this legislation. A companion bill has been introduced in the House, also with bipartisan support.”
Source: Bowers News Media
SIGN THE PETITION - BAN STOCK TRADING BY MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
“Donald Trump’s chaotic tariff announcements created massive volatility in the stock market — with trillions of dollars gained or lost in just days. Trading on advance knowledge of these policy moves would amount to illegal insider trading, but also presents an enormous opportunity for personal profit. That’s why it’s not enough to simply investigate potential wrongdoing after the fact. No member of Congress should be allowed to trade individual stocks — period. There was already suspicious trading activity reported shortly before Trump’s tariff pause was announced, raising serious concerns about who knew what and when. Lawmakers are elected to serve the public, not to exploit insider access for personal gain. Their investments can and should be placed in blind trusts, just like other public officials.”
Source: Civic Shout
CALL YOUR CONGRESSPERSON - REJECT THE “SAVE” ACT
“House Republicans want to make voting harder for you – no matter where you live. Use this form to call your representative and urge them to reject the "SAVE" Act and protect voters.
To get started, click the "Make a Call" button. You'll receive a call from an 844 number. Pick up to get connected to your representative.
Once you’re connected, here’s what you could say:
"My name is ____ and I'm one of your constituents from [CITY].
I urge you to oppose the anti-voter “SAVE” Act because it would scare newly naturalized citizens out of voting and make it harder for millions of eligible voters to cast a ballot. Please reject this legislation."
If no one picks up, please leave a message – it’ll count!”
Source: Common Cause
WRITE TO YOUR REPS - DISSENT IS NOT GROUNDS FOR DEPORTATION
“The message:
Our First Amendment is under attack: The Trump administration's actions are the biggest threat to freedom of speech since the Red Scare.
The unconscionable and unconstitutional arrests of Mahmoud Khalil, Rümeysa Öztürk, Badar Khan Suri, and other international students and scholars should alarm every one of us. ICE has illegally snatched multiple people from their homes and neighborhoods, threatened their legal status, and shipped them across the country with no notice to their loved ones or legal team – all in retaliation for constitutionally protected speech. But our right to free speech includes advocacy for Palestine, Israel, or any population, movement, or cause – including criticizing our own government and officials. That's not our opinion: it's central to the Constitution.
If the government can come after one of us for speech the administration disagrees with, they can – and will – come after any of us. We must draw a line in the sand: Tell Congress to defend our right to free speech and vote NO on any bill that would punish noncitizens for exercising their First Amendment rights.
Note: If you are not a citizen, please do not provide your real name in the "First Name" and "Last Name" fields for your security.
The recipient:
U.S. House and Senate”
Source: ACLU
CALL YOUR REPS - Protest the unlawful Deporation of Venezuelan immigrants to El Salvador
Source: 5 Calls App
WRITE TO YOUR REPS - Save Medicaid (pre-written)
Medicaid is the largest single source of health coverage in the U.S., providing necessary care for more than 72 million low-income Americans, including children, seniors, veterans, hardworking families, and people with disabilities.
Some policymakers in Congress are considering cutting Medicaid funding that could threaten millions of Americans’ healthcare coverage.
Send a message to your Members of Congress to tell them: Protect Medicaid Coverage for American Families!
Source: Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare
SIGN THE PETITION - Don’t let Musk and Trump destroy Social Security
Petition to Congress:
We urge you to oppose the Department of Government Efficiency and cuts to Social Security.
Musk and Trump aren’t slowing down their attacks on our Social Security system.
This Trump admin announced 7,000 more job cuts at Social Security just a few days ago, after weeks of firings and Musk’s dangerous disinformation about the benefits program.1 Musk recently said that anyone complaining about a missed Social Security check is a “fraudster.”2
The head of Social Security under Pres. Biden amplified his warnings that benefit checks could be delayed by the reckless actions of Trump and Musk.3 Congress must stand up and save the benefits checks that tens of millions of Americans rely on.
Sign the petition: Protect Social Security from Trump and Musk!
Trump’s government has gone after SSA with a complete disregard for the income that seniors and people with disabilities need to live. Destroying the social safety net that has kept millions out of poverty is the priority, no matter what happens to the American people.
We need to fight for Social Security right now, before Musk and DOGE delay and cut benefits for millions of seniors.
Sign the petition: Don’t let Musk, DOGE, and Trump destroy Social Security!
Sources:
Washington Post, “Social Security faces thousands more job cuts even with service in tailspin,” April 4, 2025.
Common Dreams, “Musk Berated for 'Absurd' Social Security Fraud Lies,” March 28, 2025.
Daily Beast, “Ex-Social Security Head: This Is When Elon Musk Will Stop Checks Going Out,” April 3, 2025.
Need some good news? Here’s Your Daily Dose of Climate Hope
Take action to protect the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
"The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)’s mission is to protect American consumers from illegal scams and unfair practices that endanger their financial health.
The CFPB is extraordinarily effective: It has secured more than $21 billion in relief for consumers like you and me over the course of its existence. But in February, the bureau’s new acting director told CFPB staff to stop working and stay home.
Every American deserves protection when big companies try to cheat us with illegal or dishonest behavior.
The CFPB does invaluable work to protect all Americans, especially veterans, the elderly, and homeowners.
Many financial institutions charge overly punitive overdraft fees, which mostly penalize customers with the least money to lose -- commonly charging about $35 per overdraft, sometimes several times in a single day. But the CFPB released a rule to curb excessively punitive overdraft fees, a move that could save consumers billions of dollars every year.
The CFPB is the agency that holds lenders accountable for cheating military servicemembers. Since it was first created, the CFPB has secured over $180 million in relief for servicemembers and veterans when companies broke laws like the Military Lending Act.
Bills owed for medical care are not indicators of poor spending behaviors, but medical debt could still have a disastrous impact on your credit report. The CFPB finalized a rule in January that removes medical debt from most credit reports, protecting patients with medical debt from the harmful effects of a negative credit report.
And that’s just a sampling of the CFPB’s actions over the last 13 years.
We need a CFPB that will continue to protect us from illegal scams and unfair practices that endanger our financial health.
Tell acting director Russell Vought not to shutter the CFPB.
Overall, the CFPB has helped make avoiding scams and securing a financially healthy future much easier for Americans everywhere.”
Source: United States Public Interest Research Group & The Juggernaut Project
PREVIOUS - WEEK OF MARCH 31ST
WRITE A LETTER, MAKE A CALL - THANK SENATOR BOOKER FOR HIS HEROIC DISPLAY OF LEADERSHIP
Yesterday, April 1, 2025, Senator Cory Booker (New Jersey) broke the record for longest filibuster/holding of the Senate floor, at 25 hours and 4 minutes. Senator Booker and his staff prepared over a thousand pages of testimony from American citizens, policy issues, and statistics on the destruction that the Trump administration has inflicted on our social services since the inauguration in January. Senator Booker did not waste the time reading from the phone book or children’s stories as many conservative law makers have done in the past. He used this time to give voice to the people that he represents, and the ones that he does not.
Today, we’re calling to say thank you - just as impactful of a phone call as a demand for justice or more action. This is the action we have been tirelessly asking for, and it was action tirelessly given.
Here are three numbers to reach Senator Booker’s office.
973 639 8700
856 338 8922
202 224 3224
Write him a note here. Don’t forget to thank his staff for their hours of work on this, as well. It was a team effort, and one I am personally very inspired and invigorated by.
-Mary
WRITE A LETTER - DEMAND CONGRESS SAVE THE UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
“The Trump administration has abruptly slashed legal services for unaccompanied children, completely terminating funding for legal counsel for 26,000 children. This will force thousands of children, some too young to read or write, to represent themselves alone in court before an immigration judge and against a trained government lawyer.
As the administration plans to ramp up the deportation and detention of children, we must take a stand to defend vulnerable kids. The Unaccompanied Children Program is essential to making sure that vulnerable children are not alone, and have the legal representation and support they need to remain safe in their communities and government custody. Contact your members of Congress and demand that they take action to defend this life-saving program.
The rights of children are under direct attack. The Acacia Center for Justice received a near-total shutdown order for our unaccompanied kids program on Friday, March 21st.”
Source: The Acacia Center for Justice
SIGN THE PETITION - Demand that Pete Hegseth resign as Secretary of Defense
“Pete Hegseth has shown he is unfit to serve as Secretary of Defense—and the nationwide calls for his resignation are growing louder by the day. New reporting reveals that Hegseth participated in a private Signal group chat in which National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and others discussed classified military plans and advocated for unauthorized military action. The chat, which was accidentally shared with a journalist, represents a stunning breach of protocol and a threat to national security. As Secretary of Defense, Hegseth had a duty to immediately shut down the conversation and report any potential violations. Instead, he remained silent—and may have encouraged it. This is not just a lapse in judgment. It is a failure of leadership and a violation of the public trust. Hegseth has proven he cannot be trusted with the immense responsibility of overseeing the U.S. military. A growing number of public figures are demanding his resignation. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has called for his immediate dismissal, warning that Hegseth “risked American lives and likely violated the law.” Senator Mark Kelly and Representative Ruben Gallego, both military veterans, have also said Hegseth should step down. Even the Star Tribune, Hegseth’s hometown newspaper, has called for his resignation. This is not a partisan issue. It’s a matter of national security. Add your name now to join the growing chorus demanding that Pete Hegseth resign immediately as Secretary of Defense.”
Source: Civic Shout, via Chris Bowers
SIGN THE PETITION - Oppose the No Rogue Rulings Act
Petition to the U.S. House:
We urge you to OPPOSE the No Rogue Rulings Act, H.R. 1526. Our democracy depends on checks and balances and the independence of the courts. Please oppose all efforts to undermine judicial oversight.
Federal judges have been one of the strongest checks on the Trump administration’s right-wing, anti-democracy agenda. Now, the GOP is trying to take power away from judges by passing the “No Rogue Rulings Act.” And a vote is imminent in the U.S. House.
Top Trump adviser, Stephen Miller, is leading the charge to spread propaganda about so-called “activist judges” — claiming that any judge to rule against Trump is “communist” and “extreme.”1 This is a clear, dangerous Trump administration power grab and we must stop it.
Sign the petition: Oppose the No Rogue Rulings Act and save the judicial checks on Trump’s power!
Trump and Elon Musk have already called for impeaching judges that have done their job, protected the constitutional rights of Americans and the rule of law, and ruled against the administration’s illegal actions. Now, Republicans are trying to take power away from judges via legislation.
Trump’s illegal funding freeze, illegal mass deportations, and many other of the destructive policies of the administration have been halted by judges. We can’t let Congress take judicial powers from district judges in a vote happening SOON.
Sign the petition: Protect federal judges from the GOP attempt to strip away their power.
Sources:
Stephen Miller on Twitter, “There are 677 local district judges...” March 28, 2025.
CALL YOUR REPS - BLOCK $8 BILLION IN BOMBS TO ISREAL
“This week, Senator Bernie Sanders will force a vote to block $8.8 billion of Trump weapons sales to the Israeli military, including more than 35,000 massive 2,000-pound bombs.
Warmongering groups like AIPAC are already lobbying to keep these weapons flowing — so we need you to act now.
Source - Jewish Voices for Peace
PREVIOUS - WEEK OF MARCH 24TH
WRITE A LETTER - DEMAND CONGRESS SAVE THE UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
“The Trump administration has abruptly slashed legal services for unaccompanied children, completely terminating funding for legal counsel for 26,000 children. This will force thousands of children, some too young to read or write, to represent themselves alone in court before an immigration judge and against a trained government lawyer.
As the administration plans to ramp up the deportation and detention of children, we must take a stand to defend vulnerable kids. The Unaccompanied Children Program is essential to making sure that vulnerable children are not alone, and have the legal representation and support they need to remain safe in their communities and government custody. Contact your members of Congress and demand that they take action to defend this life-saving program.
The rights of children are under direct attack. The Acacia Center for Justice received a near-total shutdown order for our unaccompanied kids program on Friday, March 21st.”
Source: The Acacia Center for Justice
CALL YOUR REPS & SIGN THE PETITION - DEMAND SENATE/CONGRESS CALL FOR THE RESIGNATION OF PETE HEGSETH AND MICHAEL WALTZ
As you most likely have heard, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz were discovered to be holding top secret war planning conversations over the private chat app, Signal. Not only that, they accidentally added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg. read the article here.
Trump and his “but her emails” team are calling this monumental error and dangerous move a “minor glitch,” but it’s just one more “what is happening” moment that highlights the incompetence of this unqualified group of people.
Below are links for contacting your reps, and a script to use, courtesy of Jessica Craven (Chop Wood, Carry Water - Substack), as well as a petition to sign via The Six Pac.
Call Your Senators (find yours here) and Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
I’m calling to demand that the Senator/Congressmember call for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz to resign immediately due to their reckless and illegal disclosure of national security secrets. Their actions have put our country at risk and immediate accountability is necessary. If they don’t resign, I am asking the Senator/Congressmember to call for their impeachment. I also want the Senator/Congressmember to demand hearings to establish what other operations may have been exposed, which U.S. servicemembers have been endangered, and what records may have been illegally destroyed. I would like a response and will be following the Senator's/Congressmember's social media for a statement. Thanks. [H/T]
Extra Credit ✅
Let’s call the House Armed Services Committee (202) 225-4151 and the Senate Armed Services Committee (202) 224-3871 and say:
I’m calling to demand that an independent prosecutor investigate everyone involved in this week’s National Security breach for potential violations of laws on classified information. I also want this committee to demand Pete Hegseth’s and Michael Waltz’s resignations. What happened is a scandal, an outrage, and an embarrassment. We are all endangered by it—especially our men and women in uniform. Make sure there are consequences. Thanks.
If you can’t get through to the House Committee number (I couldn’t) call its chair Mike Rogers at (202) 225-3261 or (334) 745-6221 and tell his staffer you’re calling him in his capacity as Chair of the Committee. Then use the above script or just say what you want. I just did it. It felt good.” Source: Jessica Craven, Chop Wood, Carry WaterSource: Jessica Craven, Chop Wood, Carry Water
SIGN THE PETITION - DEMAND JUSTICE FOR UNLAWFULLY DETAINED RESIDENTS
“Doctors, students, researchers, and tourists are being arrested and detained in the U.S. despite having valid visas or permanent residency.
Why? Because they expressed views the Trump administration didn’t like.
These are people who were invited here to study, to work, to build lives. Instead, they’ve been pulled from classrooms, airport terminals, and homes—locked in detention centers without ever being charged with a crime. Sometimes it’s over a tweet. Sometimes a private message. In every case, it’s a violation of basic rights.
We need to call this out for what it is: a disturbing, authoritarian practice that has no place in our democracy.”
Source: Left Click
PREVIOUS - WEEK OF MARCH 17TH
WRITE AN EMAIL - PROTECT PEACEFUL PROTESTORS - RELEASE MAHMOUD KAHALIL, US PERMANENT RESIDENT
“On March 8, DHS agents abducted Mahmoud Khalil, a U.S. permanent resident and student activist for Palestinian rights, from his New York apartment. Mahmoud was targeted for his political speech and activism in support of Palestinian freedom, and for demanding an end to the Israeli genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.
He is currently being held in an ICE facility in Louisiana over a thousand miles away from his home and eight-months-pregnant wife, a U.S. citizen. The Trump administration is threatening to deport him.
These are the actions of a fascist government, and we must fiercely resist and speak out, and generate overwhelming public outrage and pressure to ensure Mahmoud's release and to demand that elected officials and universities start protecting students from the reach of the Trump regime.
Email your elected officials right now and demand that they do everything in their power to secure Mahmoud's release and protect student activists and immigrants.
IMPORTANT: In this urgent moment, it's most effective to call your members of Congress. Click here to make calls using a script provided by JVP Action.”
Source: Jewish Voice For Peace
SIGN THE PETITION - TELL CONGRESS TO STAND UP AGAINST THE COUP AT THE EPA
"Donald Trump and Elon Musk are dismantling the Environmental Protection Agency to do the bidding of fossil fuel interests.
Already, they have told more than 1,000 EPA employees to stay home and prepare to be “fired immediately.” This purge would be a boon for fossil fuel interests and fossil fuel executives. Musk and Trump are dismantling the programs that measure the impacts of burning fossil fuels, and the first cuts are the staff that support poor and minority communities disproportionately affected by pollution.
Musk has already illegally ordered the shutdown of USAID, with a purge of most USAID employees. Employees at the Energy Department’s office of energy equity, which is intended to ensure that poor and minority communities have access to affordable energy, were ordered to stay home on January 23.
This is the canary in the coal mine. Unless we speak up now, the EPA and the Energy Department will be completely gutted and then re-staffed with fossil fuel friendlies. And they won’t stop there―the Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, and more are in their crosshairs.
Remember: We already have the technology to create enough clean power to end our reliance on fossil fuels. Musk and Trump are acting as instruments of the dying gasps of fossil fuel billionaires who are trying to cling to their fortunes. Instead of clinging to dirty energy, we should use the technology we have to create jobs, grow the economy, and provide abundant, clean, American power!
Tell Congress: Stand up to the coup at the Environmental Protection Agency! Fire Elon Musk!”
Source: Left Click via the Action Network
SIGN THE PETITION - FREE JEANETTE VIZGUERRA
“Jeanette Vizguerra, a longtime NDWA member, worker leader and activist, was just taken by ICE without warning.
Jeanette has called Colorado home for over two decades and now could be torn away from her children, grandchildren and the community.
This is urgent. Jeanette is in detention right now and facing unjust deportation. Add your name to stand with Jeanette and call for her immediate release.
Let's be clear: The abduction and disappearing of people from our communities is an assault on our families, and our right to live safe, dignified lives.
We will not allow our communities to be torn apart, or our friends, neighbors and loved ones to be terrorized for speaking out. We will protect each other.”
Source: National Domestic Workers Alliance
PREVIOUS - WEEK OF MARCH 10TH
WRITE A LETTER - Email Congress: Demand the release of student activist Mahmoud Khalil. (Text provided)
“On March 8, DHS agents abducted Mahmoud Khalil, a U.S. permanent resident and student activist for Palestinian rights, from his New York apartment. Mahmoud was targeted for his political speech and activism in support of Palestinian freedom and for an end to the Israeli genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.
Mahmoud is currently being held in an ICE facility, reportedly already moved out of New York, and could face imminent deportation. His wife, a U.S. citizen, is eight months pregnant.
These are the actions of a fascist government, and we must fiercely resist and speak out, and generate overwhelming public outrage and pressure to ensure Mahmoud's release and to demand that elected officials and universities start protecting students from the reach of the Trump regime.
Email your elected officials right now and demand that they do everything in their power to secure Mahmoud's release and protect student activists and immigrants.
IMPORTANT: In this urgent moment, it's most effective to call your members of Congress. Click here to make calls using a script provided by JVP Action.”
Source: Jewish Voices for Peace
CALL YOUR SENATORS - STOP TRUMP’S EO TO INCREASE LOGGING IN OUR NATIONAL FORESTS
Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
First, I want the Senator to fight back against the Trump administration’s executive order to increase logging in our national forests. He wants to to bypass important environmental laws to destroy our public lands, harm wildlife, and mess up our air and water quality, all so the timber industry can profit. No way!
Also, there’s new evidence that Musk and his team of college students are accessing Americans’ most private data at the Social Security Administration in ways that are both dangerous and wildly inappropriate. It’s the largest data leak in American history and all of us are at risk. Even worse, people who’ve worked at the agency for decades are testifying that DOGE’s access is endangering the entire system and that it could soon collapse. I’m furious and scared. What is the Senator doing to get Musk and DOGE out of the Social Security Administration? And out of our government!
Thank you for your time.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
First, I want the Congressmember to fight back against the Trump administration’s executive order to increase logging in our national forests. He wants to to bypass important environmental laws to destroy our public lands, harm wildlife, and mess up our air and water quality, all so the timber industry can profit. No way!
Also, there’s new evidence that Musk and his team of college students are accessing Americans’ most private data at the Social Security Administration in ways that are both dangerous and wildly inappropriate. It’s the largest data leak in American history and all of us are exposed. Even worse, people who’ve worked at the agency for decades are testifying that DOGE’s access is endangering the entire system and that it could soon collapse. I’m furious and scared. What is the Congressmember doing to get Musk and DOGE out of the Social Security Administration? And out of our government!
Thank you for your time.
Extra Credit ✅
From
:
Over the weekend Speaker Johnson rolled out a Trump-approved appropriations bill to keep the government operating through September 30th, the end of the current fiscal year. We could see a vote as soon as tomorrow. Even with the current deal set to expire midnight Friday, it’s an absolute non-starter.
Democrats have been demanding provisions to ensure that Trump actually spends the money he’s legally required to. Instead what we’ve gotten is a blank check for Trump, a slush fund without even the standard checks on administration action of a normal appropriations bill. This is a go-ahead to let the Trump-Musk thefts continue.
Republicans can pass this bill in the House without a single Democratic vote – but they’ll need almost total unanimity. And in the Senate, they’ll need all of their members plus seven Democrats to break the filibuster. Let’s contact our members from both parties and tell them to reject this power grab and any appropriations deal that does not end the Trump-Musk coup. We can send this Resistbot message by texting SIGN PZOBQT to 50409.
Source: Jessica Craven, Chop Wood Carry Water
WRITE A LETTER (AUTO FILLED) - DEMAND THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF PALESTINIAN STUDENT ACTIVIST MAHMOUD KHALIL FROM DHS DETENTION
Note: If you are not a citizen, please do not provide your real name in the "First Name" and "Last Name" fields for your security.
On the evening of March 8, 2025, Columbia University student activist Mahmoud Khalil was detained by the Department of Homeland Security. The arrest comes on the heels of the Department of State’s announcement that it plans to deport students affiliated with pro-Palestine protests. The student, who is Palestinian, is a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
Columbia University, which recently published a new protocol on its plans to cooperate with ICE, has targeted Khalil for his Palestinian identity and outspoken activism on multiple occasions over the last 17 months. He served as a lead negotiator during the Gaza Solidarity Encampment last spring and has frequently appeared in media interviews and press conferences. Columbia’s continued acquiescence to federal agencies and outside partisan institutions has made this situation possible. Like many other Arab and Muslim students, Khalil has been the target of various zionist harassment campaigns, fueled by doxxing websites like Canary Mission. This racist targeting serves to instill fear in pro-Palestine activists as well as a warning to others. Add your name to demand the immediate release of Palestinian student activist Mahmoud Khalil from DHS detention and a reversal to Columbia University's protocol permitting ICE on campus without a warrant.
Source: Deportation Defense via Action Network
SIGN THE PETITION - DENOUNCE THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S BAND ON TRANSGENDER TROOPS
“The Trump administration has launched a disgraceful assault on the rights and dignity of transgender service members.
By reinstating and expanding this cruel, discriminatory ban, they are turning their backs on the very people who put their lives on the line to protect our country.
Transgender service members have fought, bled, and sacrificed alongside their fellow troops. They have proven their courage and dedication time and time again.
This policy does nothing but strip them of their hard-earned honor and destabilize military readiness by forcing out skilled, battle-tested personnel for no reason other than bigotry.
We stand shoulder to shoulder with our transgender troops. We recognize their service, their sacrifice, and their undeniable right to be treated with dignity and respect.”
Source: Left Click via Action Network
PREVIOUS - WEEK OF MARCH 3RD
CALL YOUR SENATORS - STOP THE ATTACK ON AND PRIVATIZATION OF SOCIAL SECURITY
Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
I am deeply alarmed about DOGE’s attacks on the Social Security Administration. The former Commissioner is saying we’re going to see the system collapse and an interruption of benefits within the next 30 to 90 days. This is an emergency! Musk and Trump want to privatize Social Security so they’re hollowing it out from the inside. Stop them, now. I expect the Senator to make this a top priority. [Optional add:] I care about this deeply because [insert personal story about SS and how it affects you or someone you love.] Thanks.
[If Democrat add:]
Also, I want to request that the Senator boycott Trump’s address tonight. This is a corrupt government performing illegal, traitorous acts. The Senator shouldn’t legitimize it with her/his presence.
[If Republican add:]
I understand that Republicans aren’t speaking up because they fear for their personal safety, but enough is enough. We’re all afraid. We still have to be brave. It’s time for the Senator to summon his/her courage and speak out against what’s happening. S/he knows it’s wrong. If s/he can’t do that s/he should resign. Thanks.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
I am deeply alarmed about DOGE’s attacks on the Social Security Administration. The former Commissioner is saying we’re going to see the system collapse and an interruption of benefits within the next 30 to 90 days. This is an emergency! Musk and Trump want to privatize Social Security so they’re hollowing it out from the inside. Stop them, now. I expect the Congressmember to make this a top priority. [Optional add:] I care about this deeply because [insert personal story about SS and how it affects you or someone you love.] Thanks.
[If Democrat add:]
Also, I want to request that the Congressmember boycott Trump’s address tonight. This is a corrupt government performing illegal, traitorous acts. The Congressmember shouldn’t legitimize it with her/his presence.
[If Republican add:]
I understand that Republicans aren’t speaking up because they fear for their personal safety, but enough is enough. We’re all afraid. We still have to be brave. It’s time for the Congressmember to summon his/her courage and speak out against what’s happening. S/he knows it’s wrong. If s/he can’t do that s/he should resign. Thanks.
Source - Jessica Craven, Chop Wood Carry Water
CALL YOUR REPS - DEMAND A TOWN HALL MEETING
Congress is on recess and back in their home districts next week!
From Indivisible:
CALL YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS RIGHT NOW AND DEMAND AN IN-PERSON TOWN HALL. If Republicans want to vote to gut the social safety net and hand billions to Elon Musk, they should have to face their constituents and explain themselves. As for Democrats, we need them to be out there, loudly, explaining to their constituents what’s going on and how they’re going to fight back.
Use Indivisible’s Town Hall call tool and scripts to:
Call your Republican Senator -- If they’re gutting Medicaid and Social Security, they should say it to your face.
Call your Republican House member -- They’re looting the government for billionaires. Make them explain why.
Call your Democratis Senator -- They need to hold the line against extreme MAGA cuts and demand real guardrails to protect against the Trump-Musk coup.
Call your Democratic House rep -- They need to hear from us. No deals. No blank checks. No business as usual.
🔎 FIND A TOWN HALL -- OR REPORT ONE. If you know of a town hall happening, tell Indivisible here.
IF THEY WON’T SHOW UP, START PLANNING YOUR EMPTY CHAIR TOWN HALL. We will call them out. We will invite the press. We will make sure every voter in their district knows exactly what kind of coward they are (just for fun, we came across this video we did back in 2017 on putting together an empty chair town hall, and figured you'd also like to see it). And if your Republican senator or representative is dodging, reach out to a neighboring Democrat to stand in for them at your empty chair town hall.
Marches and Protests!
A few upcoming events:
Today there are protests around the country with 50501. Find yours here.
Then in the next week or so:
Stand Up for Science on Thurs. Mar 7: At the National Mall in DC and all over the country! Look up your local protest here.
Join the Women’s March on Sat. Mar 8 for International Women’s Day to Unite & Resist: Find an event near you or sign up to host.
Source: Jessica Craven, Chop Wood Carry Water
SIGN THE PETITION - TELL TRUMP TO STOP SIDING WITH PUTIN AND RUSSIA OVER UKRAINE
“Donald Trump has made it clear where he stands in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine—and it’s not with democracy, freedom, or our allies. Instead of supporting Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty, Trump is aligning with Vladimir Putin, threatening to withdraw military aid and jeopardizing Ukraine’s future.
In a recent interview, Trump echoed Kremlin narratives, blaming Ukraine for Russia’s aggression and hesitating to affirm continued U.S. support for Ukraine's defense. His Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, further undermined U.S. alliances by criticizing NATO and suggesting that restoring Ukraine's pre-war borders is "unrealistic." These statements prompted Senator Roger Wicker, the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, to express that he was "puzzled" and "disturbed" by Hegseth's remarks.
Add your name to the petition demanding that Donald Trump stops siding with Russia over Ukraine.”
Source: Bowers News Media
SIGN THE PETITION - TO CONGRESS: WE URGE YOU TO OPPOSE DOGE AND CUTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY
“Elon Musk’s DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) team is firing employees at the Social Security Administration (SSA), closing local Social Security offices, and posing a threat to the benefits that millions of people rely on to survive.1
The American Prospect reports that the Trump administration is seeking a fifty percent reduction in the SSA workforce2 — a devastating blow to the Social Security program and all beneficiaries. Congress must take a stand and protect people receiving Social Security from the reckless actions of the richest man in the world.
Sign the petition: Protect Social Security from Elon Musk!”
Source: Demand Progress
SIGN THE PETITION - BEGOME A GRASSROOTS CO-SPONSOR OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY EXPANSION ACT
“Social Security is not going broke. Social Security has a $2.85 trillion surplus in its trust fund and can pay every promised benefit to every eligible American until the year 2035. After that, the Social Security Administration estimates that there will be enough funding available to pay 80 percent of promised benefits.
Given this reality, Congress must not to cut Social Security. Congress must expand Social Security and extend its solvency so that everyone in America can retire with the respect that they have earned and deserve after a lifetime of hard work. That’s what the Social Security Expansion Act, introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders in the Senate and Reps. Jan Schakowsky and Rep. Val Hoyle in the House, is all about.”
Source: Social Security Works, via Action Network
ADD YOUR COMMENT - TELL THE FCC THAT IT MUST HONOR ITS RESPONSIBILITY TO UPOLD FREE SPEECH AND FREEDOM OF THE PRESS
“The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is investigating CBS over claims raised by President Trump that their editing of a Kamala Harris interview was deceptive. We cannot allow the FCC–an independent, nonpartisan agency–to be used by Trump as a weapon to target his foes. Tell the FCC that it must honor its responsibility to uphold free speech and freedom of the press.”
Source: Fight for the Future
SIGN THE PETITION - TELL CONGRESS NO WEAPONS TO NETANYAHU
“Israel has blocked all humanitarian aid to Gaza as the ceasefire falls apart AND violence against Palestinians in the West Bank intensifies.1
U.S. funding continues to support Israel’s violence in Gaza and the West Bank and punishment of civilians in need of food, water, and medical aid. Now, Trump is attempting to bypass Congress to send over $11 billion in weapons to Israel.2,3
Senator Bernie Sanders and members of the House led by Rep. Pramila Jayapal have introduced legislation to stop Trump’s U.S. weapons sales to Israel.4 We need our lawmakers to finally take a stand and stop the flow of American weapons fueling Israel’s atrocities against Palestinians.
Sign the petition: Stop Trump’s weapons sales to Netanyahu!
“With Trump and Netanyahu openly talking about forcibly displacing millions of Palestinians from Gaza – in other words, ethnic cleansing – it would be unconscionable to provide more of the bombs and weapons Israel has used to kill so many civilians and make life unlivable in Gaza,” Sen. Sanders said.5
The World Health Organization and United Nations have expressed grave concerns about rising violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.6
Trump’s plan to send billions more in weapons to Netanyahu, and his recent statements supporting ethnic cleansing, are green lights for Israel to intensify its atrocities against Palestinians. American support for these horrors must end.”
Source: Demand Progress
SIGN THE PETITION - CALL ON CONGRESS TO DEFEND CRITICAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
“In just the first few weeks of the second Trump term, critical environmental enforcement offices have been closed, federal funding for environmental projects has been frozen, and thousands of federal workers have been laid off.
In just the first few weeks of the second Trump term, critical environmental enforcement offices have been closed, federal funding for environmental projects has been frozen, and thousands of federal workers have been laid off. Important offices within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice, tasked with holding polluters accountable and ensuring vulnerable communities have equitable access to a healthy community, have been shut down. The administration has also fired nonpartisan public servants with deep scientific expertise and removed staff essential for impartial, science-based policies. More agencies responsible for upholding bedrock environmental protections and protecting our planet could be next. Earthjustice, the leading environmental law nonprofit, is telling Congress that it’s time to fight back. Add your name to urge lawmakers to hold the line and do everything in their power to ensure agencies like the EPA have the tools and expertise to continue protecting our health and the environment.
Source: Civic Shout
PREVIOUS - WEEK OF FEBRUARY 23RD
CALL A REP - SAVE CHILDREN’S LUNCHES IN HAWAI’I - HB 757 NEEDS A HEARING IN THE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
For non-Hawai’i residents:
email: repyamashita@capitolhawaii.gov
Subject: Please Schedule HB 757 for a Hearing
Dear Chair Yamashita,
My name is ____, and I strongly support HB 757, which would ensure all students in Hawai’i have access to breakfast and lunch at school. No child should go hungry due to financial barriers.
Although I am not a Hawai’i resident, I care deeply about food security for all children. School meal programs improve academic perfoamnce, attendance, and student well-being. With the rising cost of living, many families who don’t qualify for free meals still struggle to afford them, leaving children food insecure.
I urge you to schedule HB 757 for a hearing in the House Finance Committee so this critical bill can move forward. Investing in students’ nutrition is investing Hawai’i’s future.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[your name, city/state]
——
Feel like calling? Here’s the number 808 586 6200 , and your script:
Hello, my name is ____, and I’m calling from _____ to urge Representative Yamashita to schedule HB 757 for a hearing in the House Finance Committee.
I may not be a Hawai’i resident, but I care deeply about food security for all children. HB 757 ensures that all students in Hawai’i have access to breakfast and lunch at school, so no child has to go through the day hungry. With the rising cost of living, too many families who don’t qualify for free meals still struggle to afford them.
Please pass my message along to Rep. Yamashita so that a hearing may be scheduled. Mahalo for your time.
Source: Hiiliylani
CALL YOUR HOUSE REPS about the GOP Budget that was passed
find your House Rep here
[If Democrat or Massie]
I’m calling to thank the Congressmember for voting against Republicans’ awful budget resolution last night. I am deeply upset that it passed. [Tell a personal story about how you or someone you love will be affected by cuts to Medicaid, the ACA, or SNAP, or why you’re worried about the cuts to clean energy tax credits]. I am asking the Congressmember to keep fighting with everything s/he has to make sure this budget doesn’t ever pass. Americans won’t tolerate losing services and blowing up the deficit so billionaires and corporations can get more tax cuts. We want their taxes to go up, not down. Please fight for that. Thanks.
[If Republican except for Massie]
I’m calling to express my absolute rage that the Congressmember voted for the budget resolution last night. How dare they? [Tell a personal story about how you or someone you love will be affected by cuts to Medicaid, the ACA, or SNAP, or why you’re worried about the cuts to clean energy tax credits]. This is a breathtakingly irresponsible and cruel budget and the fact that the Congressmember voted for it sickens me. I want him/her to change course right away. Americans won’t tolerate losing services and blowing up the deficit so billionaires and corporations can get more tax cuts. Oppose this budget. Thanks.
Source: Jessica Craven, Chop Wood Carry Water
Californians: Make Polluters Pay
"Since the start of 2025, we've seen more than $250 billion in damages from the Los Angeles wildfires. In addition to that, in the last 5 years prior, California has faced more than $50-100 billion in damages for extreme weather events like atmospheric rivers, unprecedented winters, and other wildfires. We only expect that number to go up.
The companies who are responsible for these climate-fueled disasters should be the ones to pay for the damages, not California residents.
It's time for California to make polluters pay into a climate superfund that will get money to communities most in need of recovery and resilience.
Vermont and New York already passed a Climate Superfund, let's make California next!”
Sponsored by Fossil Free Media, via ActionNetwork
WRITE A LETTER - Tell Congress: Reject Trump’s Plan for Gaza
“Palestinians in Gaza deserve the right to rebuild their lives and homes after Israel’s devastating 15-month war. Despite U.S. support for Israel’s genocidal attacks, Palestinians are committed to remaining on their land and should be provided support for humanitarian and reconstruction efforts.
Take Action: Tell your Members of Congress to do all they can to condemn and block Trump’s attempts to forcibly remove Palestinians from Gaza, commit ethnic cleansing, and make way for a U.S. occupation of Gaza.
In this time of fragile ceasefire, Trump is fanning the flames of war in the entire region.”
Source: MPower Action and Action Network
SIGN THE PETITION - Denounce Trump’s attack on press freedom
“Donald Trump has seized control of the White House press pool, personally picking and choosing which friendly media outlets are allowed inside the Oval Office and brutally punishing those who stand in his way.
He has banned the Associated Press for using "Gulf of Mexico" instead of his moronic "Gulf of America."
And at the White House press briefings, he is replacing legitimate media outlets with friendly right-wing podcasters who will toe the Republican Party line.
Donald Trump's attacks on press freedom, a fundamental right enshrined in the First Amendment, are the mad ravings of a dictator. We must fight back.”
Source: Progressive Reform Network and Civic Shout
WRITE A LETTER - Tell Congress that our coastal communities need protections from the dangers of offshore drilling
Source: Earth Justice and Dara Starr Tucker
CALL YOUR REPS - SAVE THE USPS
“Do this, and also share it!
The Washington Post reported that Trump is planning to sign an executive order to fire the entire Postal Board of Governors and place the USPS under the control of Wall Street billionaire Howard Lutnick, the newly appointed Commerce Secretary.
This is a worst-case scenario. It’s an illegal takeover that defies the Constitution, which gives Congress, not the president, authority over the Postal Service.
If Trump succeeds, the USPS will be at risk of massive service cuts, much higher costs for mail delivery, and delays for prescription medications, and Social Security checks. Trump might even try to sell off parts of USPS, which provides critical services that millions of Americans rely on every day.
This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. Congress must use their power to stop this attack, and they need to hear from you right now.
The American Postal Workers Union has put together an easy to use tool to call our Senators and demand they fight back against Trump’s USPS takeover. Please make your call now! (When you’re done with your first call hit star to be put through to your next Senator.)
I simply said:
My name is _______ and I’m a constituent from [zip]. I understand that Trump is planning to sign an executive order to fire the entire Postal Board of Governors and place the USPS under the control of Howard Lutnick. This is a disaster. It’s an illegal takeover that defies the Constitution. Congress, not the president, has authority over the Postal Service. Please do everything you can to stop this privatization attempt. Thanks.”
Source: Jessica Craven, Chop Wood Carry Water
PREVIOUS - WEEK OF FEBRUARY 16TH
WRITE TO YOUR REPS - PROTECT THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
As you likely heard, on Valentine’s Day, the Trump administration fired over 1,000 employees from the Nation Park Service - rangers, educators, protectors of our most treasured natural environments. (Read about it here)
So what can we do? First step is to let our representatives know how upset we are by this, and demand that they do the work to get these employees reinstated, and to not allow further cuts to our park systems.
find your Senator here
find your House Rep here
Copy/Paste THIS EMAIL and hit senD!
Source: Will C. De Man, National Park History
WRITE A LETTER - Tell Congress: Don’t fund Trump’s Guantánamo Bay immigrant prison
“Details are still emerging, but Trump and his allies are quickly working to revive Guantánamo’s shameful legacy with an unprecedented effort to imprison tens of thousands of people on the island.
The New York Times reports that migrants are already being housed in the same prison that once held individuals accused of being members of Al Qaeda. The very idea that facilities synonymous with torture could be used to detain people fleeing incredible violence and political instability is abhorrent. The potential for trauma, corruption, and human rights violations is sky-high.”
Source: Able Dems
WRITE TO YOUR REPS - Defend Birthright Citizenship and our Constitution. STOP H.R. 569
“On his first day in office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order ending birthright citizenship, an order that a Reagan-appointed judge called “blatantly unconstitutional.”
Now, dozens in the House of Representatives are co-sponsoring H.R. 569, which would also deny citizenship to children of non-citizens.
Birthright citizenship has been the law of the land since the Supreme Court ruled in US v. Wong Kim Ark that the Constitution granted citizenship to American-born children without a citizen parent.
Tell your members of Congress: NO to ANY changes in birthright citizenship. STOP H.R. 569.”
Source: Able Dems
WRITE TO YOUR REPS - OPPOSE THE SAVE ACT VOTER SUPPRESSION BILL
“H.R. 22, the SAVE (“Safeguard American Voter Eligibility”) Act is a voter suppression bill introduced by Republican Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) in the 119th Congress that would require all Americans to show either their passport or birth certificate in order to register to vote – no other IDs would be acceptable.
Student IDs, Drivers Licenses, Military IDs, and more would no longer be valid proof to cast your vote in our democratic system. With roughly 150,000,000 Americans without a passport and many more without proper access to their birth certificate, this could be one of the most destructive voter suppression bills in modern history.
69 million women lack a birth certificate that matches their current legal name, creating additional barriers.
Elderly Americans are the least likely to have a passport or immediate access to their birth certificate.
In 7 states, less than one-third of citizens have a valid passport.”
Source: CHN Action and The Workers Circle
SIGN THE PETITION - Investigate corruption in Trump’s DOJ
Sign the petition to the Senate Judiciary Committee urging them to investigate a possible quid pro quo concerning the Trump administartions dropping charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
“On Thursday, February 13, Danielle Sassoon, the acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, resigned her position instead of dropping the Department of Justice's corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. In her resignation letter, Sassoon alleged that "the New York mayor’s attorneys “repeatedly urged what amounted to a quid pro quo” to help Trump on immigration if the case was dropped." Several other senior figures in the Department of Justice also resigned rather than drop the charges against Adams. Following their resignations, four deputy mayors of New York City also resigned.
It is important to note that these are not partisan allegations from Sassoon. Less than one month ago, on January 21, 2025, she was appointed to her position in the Department of Justice by Donald Trump himself. Sassoon clerked for conservative Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, recently penned an op-ed criticizing President Biden's pardons, and is a member of The Federalist Society. She is a conservative with impeccable credentials. You can read her full resignation letter here.
Mayor Adams denies that he has entered into a quid pro quo with Donald Trump to assist his immigration crackdown in exchange for the charges against him being dropped. However, this is all pretty damming, and at the very least demands an outside investigation. While we all know that there is no way the Republican-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee will conduct that investigation, if and when Democrats regain control of the Senate Judiciary Committee, they must do so.”
Source: Bowers News Media
SIGN THE PETITION - Stand with Bernie to protect Medicaid from Massive cuts.
“To Congress: We urge you to oppose funding cuts to Medicade and more tax breaks for the ultra-rich.”
Source: Our Revolution
PREVIOUS - WEEK OF FEBRUARY 10TH
SIGN THE PETITION - Protect Will Rogers State Beach From Toxic Waste
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a toxic waste sorting site at Will Rogers Beach, sparking outrage among residents, environmentalists, and local businesses. The site will be used to process wildfire debris containing asbestos, heavy metals, dioxins, and other hazardous pollutants—all just steps from the Pacific Ocean.
…
We recognize the extreme devastation the recent fires have caused—homes reduced to ash, businesses lost, and lives upended. The urgency of cleanup is undeniable. But this decision is not a solution—it is a new crisis.
Toxic contaminants from the wildfire debris could leach into the soil and waterways. Onshore winds will carry hazardous particulates, compromising the air quality where people live, work, and play. The risk to our ocean’s health is just as alarming.
Source: Change.org
CALL YOUR SENATORS - OPPOSE The SAVE Act (H.R. 22 / S. 128) - A Voter Suppression Bill
This bill, which would create unnecessary barriers to registering to vote, would require a passport or birth certificate to vote, and would require that names on both match. See major issues for women who have chosen to take their partner’s names, among others. This would also require in-person registration, disenfranchising seniors, the disabled community, and low-income citizens.
Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲
Script:
Hi, my name is _____, and I am a constituent from _______.
I’m calling to demand that Re. ______ oppose the SAVE Act, S. 128, which would create unnecessary barriers to voter registration by requiring a passport or birth certificate for registration. Millions of eligible voters don’t have easy acccess to those documents. The bill would disenfranchise countless voters, especially women, seniors, and low-income citizens.
This bill is designed to block voters despite no real evidence of widespread fraud. Rep ____ must vote against it.
Thank you for your time.
IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL - Please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied.
Script Source - 5 Calls
CALL YOUR SENATORS
Source: Jessica Craven, Chop Wood Carry Water
Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
I’m calling to demand that the Senator vocally support the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and protect it from being dismantled by the Trump administration. The CFPB does vital work to protect consumers like me from being scammed by predators. A block to its funding is both illegal and also puts me at direct risk for financial harm. [H/T]
Speaking of which, almost everything Elon Musk is doing is illegal. Does the Senator stand for law and order or doesn’t s/he? If s/he does, then s/he needs to fight to take Congress’s power back. Agencies like the CFPB and USAID can’t be shut down without Congressional approval. That’s the LAW. Standing up for it is literally the Senator’s job. Thanks.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
[If Republican:]
I’m calling in strong opposition to defunding USAID. Why is Congress letting Musk do this? It’s illegal. Any closing of an agency established by Congress can only be approved by Congress. Also, USAID gives the US massive influence overseas, it keeps diseases at bay, and it gives U.S. farmers a place to sell their produce. By gutting it you are hurting Americans. Please restore support for USAID immediately. I didn’t vote for Elon Musk and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let him hurt my country. Thanks.
[If Democrat]
I’m upset about the gutting of USAID. I appreciate Democrats’ support for it, but the message needs to be stronger, louder and more effective. Congress needs to take its power back—any major reform or closing of an agency established by Congress can only be approved by Congress. More needs to be done now to stop the dismantling of USAID and other vital agencies, and to provide appropriate protections to the federal workforce. Thanks.
Extra Credit ✅
The Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, a former leader in gender-affirming health care in the bluest of blue states, has stopped offering vital health care to new patients, cancelling scheduled appointments for hormone treatments. We know that a lack of access for trans kids leads to higher rates of depression and suicide so we must call this out for what it is, a callous and fear-based decision to capitulate in advance to a transphobic White House trying to rule by Executive Order. Gender affirming care is protected under California state law so denying this care is also illegal.
CHLA's patient relations line is 323-361-4682 (you have to let the entire outgoing message play to get to the VM. The “press pound” function doesn’t work.
Say something like:
My name is ____ and I am deeply disappointed by CHLA's decision to stop providing gender-affirming care to new patients. This sends a terrible message to the rest of the country that even hospitals in blue states are unwilling to provide vital healthcare for trans patients. It also goes against California State Law. Please reverse this horrible decision. It will only lead to increased rates of depression and suicide for trans children. Thank you.
You can also call California Attorney General Rob Bonta. He's written a letter to put CHLA on notice, but needs to know that is not enough. His office's number is 1-800-952-5225 (press 1 for English, then 7 to leave a message). If you live in CA be sure to say that but you can call even if you don’t.
My name is ____ and I want to make sure you're doing everything you can to protect trans kids in our communities. I was extremely disappointed to hear that Children's Hospital of LA recently stopped providing gender-affirming care for new patients. This sets a dangerous precedent for other medical providers in California and violates the Unruh Civil Rights Act. I understand your office has put CHLA on notice but we need you to do more until this dangerous decision is reversed. Thank you.
Source: Jessica Craven, Chop Wood Carry Water
SIGN THE PETITION - Tell Trump hands off the Department of Education
“Sign this petition to demand that Congress block Trump’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education. Public education is a right, not a political bargaining chip. The future of our students—and our democracy—depends on it.”
Source: Civic Shout
IF YOU LIVE IN SC, GA, FL, AL, WV, IN, IA, MO, AR, LA, TX, KS, NE, SD, MT, UT, AK
These states have filed lawsuits challenging Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act - a foundational civil rights law that guarantees Disabled people access to education and protects them from being denied services by federally funded entities.
These stares are suing the US government, not only opposing the new protections but also seeking to repeal Section 504 entirely. They claim the law is unconstitutional and argue that no one should be required to comply with it.
If Texas v. Becerra succeeds, it could dismantle over 50 years of legal protections that ensure accessibility and civil rights for millions of Disabled Americans.
Under Section 504, the law also write:
• Hospitals must provide accessible medical equipment and interpreters for Deaf and Hard of Hearing patients.
• Doctors cannot deny care based on disability.
• School and hospital websites must be accessible.
The court will begin hearing arguments on February 25. States that support disability rights may submit legal breifs defending Section 504.
If your state is a part of the lawsuit, contact your Attorney General and demand they withdraw. While drafting your letter or leaving a voicemail, if you have one, consider sharing your personal story and how Section 504 has either protected you, your child, or someone you know. Personal stories, and your voice, make an incredible impact.
Source: Cripple Media - The first media company run by & for disabled people.
PREVIOUS - WEEK OF FEBRUARY 3RD
CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES - ELON MUSK HAS TAKEN OVER THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT [email instructions below]
I don’t like to start things off in all caps, but this one is a big one, happening in real time, and an immediate security issue.
I’m going to copy/paste what Jessica Craven so thoughtfully wrote up in her newsletter, along with her directives and script for calling your senators and reps. I appreciate Jessica for all of her up-to-date information, and can confirm that she is never, ever an alarmist. So, this one feels different.
“The long and the short of it is that we have a very big, very important, and very urgent task in front of us. As I know you all know already, Elon Musk has essentially hijacked the department of Treasury and purged it of all the civil servants who should be protecting our money. He has with him a group of six college students about whom no one knows anything. Despite their having no training, experience, or clearance, they, too have been given full access. No one knows what they’re doing with it. It’s an absolute crisis.
Another issue of great concern is the confirmation vote for Russell Vought that’s coming up later this week. Vought, of course, was Trump’s OMB head during his first term. He’s one of the main authors of Project 2025 and the consensus is that it was he who orchestrated last week’s failed funding freeze. He’s a huge advocate of draconian cuts to government programs, a white nationalist, and basically just evil incarnate. In order to protect our funds—and democracy— we need to stop him, too. (Indivisible has a good two-minute explainer video about him here).
So. All of that is the problem. Take a deep breath, now, as we’re now going to talk about solutions. Indivisible’s calls to action are as follows:
First, they want us to call our reps, for sure, and I’ve put scripts below. But they’re also urging us to go in to our U.S. Senators’ offices in person between now and Thursday. They’ve created a toolkit to tell us how to do it. I know it sounds daunting, but remember, these offices are there for constituents and they’re supposed to be willing to meet with anyone who asks. You won’t talk to the lawmaker, of course, but to a staffer who will convey what you say to them. I’m going to Senator Padilla’s L.A. office with a group of Indivisibles on Wednesday—if you’re in the L.A. area email me and you can join us. We will be demanding a NO vote on Russell Vought and an immediate ejection of Elon Musk.
(Oh, and if you don’t know where your lawmakers’ offices are guess what? Resistbot has a keyword for that! Text the word VISIT to 50409, follow the simple prompts, and they’ll give you all of your lawmakers’ office addresses.)
Second, if you live in the D.C. area they are asking you to show up in person on Tuesday, tomorrow, at 5PM, at the Treasury Department. They want a large showing, so please go if you can.
Finally, and this is actually an ask from Heather Cox Richardson, talk to your Republican and non-voting friends and family. They literally have no idea this is happening, or how it will effect them. Watch Cox Richardson’s Politics Chat from last night here, then get busy! This isn’t a time for blame or “I-told-you-so.” It’s a time for solidarity—to let them know that it’s us against the billionaires and we can win if they help. Make sure they understand this.
Ok, folks. I know this is a really overwhelming and scary time. I’m doing my best to thread the needle by giving you enough actions to make a difference without overwhelming you. Depending on what happens this week I may send a couple of extra newsletters with time-sensitive scripts, but don’t forget 5 Calls is always available, too. If you’re wanting to call about something I haven’t mentioned they probably have a script for it.
One last thing: I’m hearing that it’s really hard to get through to lawmakers today. I’m pretty sure we’re crashing the Capitol switchboard. Good! Please consider calling your lawmakers at their district offices—you can find those numbers on their official websites. It’ll be much easier to get through there.
OK. Deep breaths. Let’s get to work. One day at a time we’ll get through this.
Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
I’m furious that Elon Musk, an unelected Ketamine user with no government experience, has taken over the Treasury Department system. He’s also given a bunch of college kids access to our most sensitive financial information. This is an illegal takeover of the federal government, and it’s got to be stopped. The Treasury is responsible for trillions of dollars in U.S. government payments for things like Social Security and Medicare. Millions of us depend on that money. It’s ours. [Give a personal example, if you like, of how you depend on government funding.] I want the Senator to do whatever it takes to get Musk out of there, including halting all Congressional activity until he steps down. Protect our taxpayer dollars—and our constitution—at all costs.
One more thing: Russell Vought can’t be allowed anywhere near our government. We don’t want Project 2025 and if it’s forced on us American workers will go on strike. I mean it. Vote no. Thanks.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
I’m deeply concerned about what’s happening at the Treasury Department right now. An unelected citizen with a drug problem and no government training has hijacked access to our most sensitive financial information and fired the civil servants in charge of keeping it safe. He’s given six kids with zero experience or clearance full access to these funds and no one knows what they’re doing with it. It’s absolutely insane. How can our money be considered safe under these circumstances? Will I still have access to [name a government funding program you count on]. Most importantly, why is Congress letting it happen? Where is the accountability? Where is your spine? I’d like a call back with answers to all of these questions, please. Thanks.
Extra Credit ✅
Let’s call the Senate Finance Committee at 202-224-4515 and say:
My name is ____ and I live in [city, state]. I am outraged about Elon Musk’s takeover of the Treasury Department. He and a bunch of unknown kids now have access to trillions of dollars in American funds—funds Americans count on for Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and more. No one knows what they’re doing with it. This is unconstitutional and illegal. What is this committee doing to stop it?
Source: Jessica Craven, Chop Wood Carry Water
[another topic that has arisen is Marco Rubio making a deal with the President of El Salvador, to deport illegal immigrants to be placed in the El Salvadorian prison system, along with American citizens they deem “dangerous.” This is, across the board, terrifying. You can add into these phone calls the following script:
"In addition, the news that Marco Rubio may be making a deal with El Salvador on behalf of the United States to deport both citizens and immigrants to their notoriously inhumane prison system is appalling, and needs to be stopped.”
Source, yours truly
SEND AN EMAIL TO THE TREASURY DEPT ABOUT THE ABOVE MUSK ISSUE
Send an email to the US Treasury Dept using this template.
Email to privacy@treasury.gov
Subject Line: Civil Liberties Complaint
Hello,
I am making a civil liberties complaint under the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. § 552a. It has been brought to my attention that Elon Musk and his associates, under the guise of a directive of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) (an IT office in the White House), have acquired access to Treasury Department Records in Systems of Records as defined in the Act. As an individual covered by the Act, I believe that there may be records about me in these Treasury Department systems, and I am concerned for the following reasons:
1. Elon Musk is not an elected official.
2. Even if Musk were an elected official, the System of Records Notices (SORNs) governing the Treasury Department Privacy Act systems do not allow for disclosure to Musk and his associates per the Routine Uses.
3. Disclosure of personally identifiable information (PII) and sensitive personally identifiable information (SPII) to Musk and his associates would be an unauthorized disclosure and therefore breach of information.
The Treasury Department must (1) quickly investigate what Privacy Act records that Musk and his associates have unlawfully accessed, (2) reveal to the public what unauthorized disclosures were made, (3) stop further access, (4) force any files acquired by Musk and his associates to be returned and/or permanently destroyed, and (5) seek criminal penalties against Musk and his associates for violations of the Act.
Sincerely,
[INSERT NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATION]
Source: Qasim Rashid [Let’s Address This with Qasim Rashid]
Sign and Send a Letter - Tell Congress to protect disaster relief [FEMA]
Every year, millions of Americans rely on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) when disaster strikes. Whether it’s hurricanes flattening the Gulf Coast, wildfires engulfing the West, or tornadoes tearing through the Midwest, FEMA is the safety net that helps communities recover when states are overwhelmed.
But now, Donald Trump has openly suggested dismantling FEMA altogether, claiming that states should shoulder most of the burden for disaster response. His plan, built into Project 2025, would force states to cover 75% of disaster costs while slashing federal aid.
States that are already stretched thin -- especially smaller or lower-income states -- would be left to fend for themselves, turning natural disasters into long-term humanitarian crises.
FEMA exists for a reason. Disasters don’t respect state borders, and no state can fully prepare for a catastrophe on its own. FEMA provides coordination, expertise, and funding that states simply cannot replace. Without it, disaster response would become fragmented, chaotic, and dangerously underfunded. Survivors would face longer recovery times, fewer resources, and greater suffering.
FEMA has been there for Americans to provide critical support during times of unimaginable loss, helping families rebuild their lives and communities recover. Gutting FEMA now, as disasters become more frequent and severe due to climate change, is not just irresponsible -- it’s catastrophic.
We can’t let this happen. Congress must act immediately to protect FEMA from Trump’s attacks and ensure it remains fully funded and equipped to respond to disasters.
Protecting the Federal Emergency Management Agency is non-negotiable -- and we need to fight for it.
Source: Bowers News Media, and Action Network
PREVIOUS - WEEK OF JANUARY 27TH
Sign the Petition - Stay In LA
“We write this petition as film/TV workers and concerned citizens of Los Angeles in the wake of the Eaton, Hughes, and Palisades Fires. We were already deeply worried about the livelihoods of Los Angeles area cast and crew, not to mention the countless small businesses suffering from production moving out of state and overseas. The fires have made a desperate situation worse. We are terrified that the city we love so much may lose its most vital resource: its people. We need a flood of new work to help our beloved city rebuild itself and ensure LA's future viability as a place where craftspeople, film workers, and businesses thrive.
…
We propose uncapping the tax incentive for productions that shoot in LA county for the next 3-years as part of the overall disaster relief effort. We urge Governor Newsom, the California State Legislature, Karen Bass, and the Los Angeles City Council to join forces – right now – and take emergency measures to help families #StayinLA by bringing back production. In addition, we call on studios and streamers to pledge at least 10% more production in LA over the next 3-years– demonstrating their dedication to the city's recovery and their long-term investment in LA's workforce.”
Source: CA United and TUSC
Write An Email - Defend Birthright Citizenship, Stop H.R.569
“On his first day in office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order ending birthright citizenship, an order that a Reagan-appointed judge called “blatantly unconstitutional.”
Now, dozens in the House of Representatives are co-sponsoring H.R. 569, which would also deny citizenship to children of non-citizens.
Birthright citizenship has been the law of the land since the Supreme Court ruled in US v. Wong Kim Ark that the Constitution granted citizenship to American-born children without a citizen parent.
Tell your members of Congress: NO to ANY changes in birthright citizenship. STOP H.R. 569.”
Source: Action Network
Sign the Petition - Denounce Trump's illegal funding freeze and support Democratic efforts to fight back
“In clear violation of the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, Donald Trump has frozen federal funding on thousands of federal programs that were passed by Congress and signed into law. From Politico:
The Trump administration sent a second demand to federal agencies on Tuesday as the White House carries out its sweeping freeze of federal assistance, undermining laws Congress has enacted in recent years.
The White House budget office is circulating a 52-page document ordering agencies to answer 14 questions by the end of next week for each program that “has funding or activities planned through March 15.”
The spreadsheet, obtained by POLITICO, covers thousands of programs, including many that send assistance each month to U.S. households, like food aid to “very low-income” people age 60 and over, the home energy program that helps cover winter heating costs for the poorest households and the WIC program that aids low-income pregnant mothers and babies.
This is nothing less than Trump unilaterally ending thousands of federal programs that were passed by Congress and signed into law. It is illegal, autocratic and unconstitutional.
..Please, sign the petition denouncing Trump's illegal funding freeze, and supporting Democratic efforts to right back. I will deliver the signatures to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's office via email.”
Source: Bowers News Media
Write A Letter (auto filled email) - Oppose Trump’s Pick for EPA Administrator
“Former New York Representative Lee Zeldin's record is deeply concerning, and his appointment would undermine the mission of the EPA to protect public health, safeguard our environment, and work to limit the impact of the climate and biodiversity crises on us all.”
Source: Endangered Species Coalition
Sign the Petition - Tell DOI to Stop the Destruction of Alaska Wildlife Refuge
“The Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska is one of the most important migratory bird staging and wintering habitats in the world—and it is under threat.
A pending land exchange would allow the construction of a privatized 19-mile road through the heart of the Refuge, undermining public land laws and putting Wilderness and wetlands at risk of permanent damage.
There are better, more reliable alternatives to building this road. Sign our petition today to tell the U.S. Department of the Interior to reject the road and support proven, win-win solutions for people and wildlife.
Note: Audubon will send your comment, along with your name, city, state, and zip code, to the U.S. Department of Interior as part of the official comment period, and it will become part of the public record.”
Source: National Audubon Society
Sign the Petition - Oppose the Expansion of the Federal Death Penalty
As always, I’m asking people who identify as “pro-life” to carry those beliefs into the policies surrounding the death penalty.
“The Trump administration is seeking to expand the use of the federal death penalty, reversing progress made to limit its application. This cruel and unnecessary policy undermines justice, disproportionately targets marginalized communities, and risks the irreversible tragedy of executing innocent people.
The death penalty has consistently been shown to fail as a deterrent to crime. Instead, it perpetuates systemic inequities, with Black and Latino individuals far more likely to face capital punishment than white defendants.
It also increases the likelihood of irreversible mistakes—over 190 people sentenced to death in the U.S. have been exonerated since 1973, and countless others may not have been as fortunate.
Source: Civic Shout
Write A Letter (auto filled) - Sign and send a message to your U.S. Senators: Donald Trump broke the law when he fired 18 inspectors general without giving Congress 30 days notice. Take action in response.
“In a blatant violation of the law--specifically, of the Inspector General Act of 1978–on January 24 Donald Trump fired 18 inspectors general without giving Congress the 30-day notice of such firings required. From Government Executive:
Under federal law, Congress is supposed to receive a 30-day notice before an IG is dismissed. But Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said that did not happen. “There may be good reason the IGs were fired. We need to know that if so. I’d like further explanation from President Trump. Regardless, the 30 day detailed notice of removal that the law demands was not provided to Congress,” he said in a statement to Government Executive.
Notice that this is Sen. Chuck Grassley, a Republican, pointing out that what Trump did violated the law.
Further, even while he was trying to defend Trump's actions on Meet the Press, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham admitted that "'technically, yeah,' Trump had violated the Inspector General Act."
Source: Bowers News Media
Write A Letter - Support Microsoft workers organizing to cut ties with the IDF
“Leaked documents published on Jan. 23, 2025, expose a deep partnership between Israel’s military operations and Microsoft. We now know that Israel’s military used Microsoft’s cloud platform (Azure) alongside a “suite of communications and messaging systems” and millions of dollars of engineering support to carry out Israel's massive attacks on Gaza.²
Take action with us — and support the Microsoft workers organizing to cut ties with the IDF.³
Israel’s so-called “demands of the war” on Gaza called for outside tech support. To that end, Israel’s military operational capabilities were “upgraded” during the current war in Gaza thanks to the “wonderful world of cloud providers” that enabled “very significant operational effectiveness.”⁴
The sanitized language of “operational effectiveness” is a euphemism for Israel’s AI-powered war machine, unleashed on Gaza for 15 months.⁵”
Source: M Power Change
PREVIOUS - WEEK OF JANUARY 20TH
Sign the Petition - Preserve the Character of Altadena, CA, and Protect Its Residents
Altadena’s history is deep and rich, diverse, middle class, and one built on community. With so much of it destroyed in the fires, residents are asking for direct community control over the rebuilding of their town, while private equity and corporate vultures have already been circling the area in an attempt to capitalize on the tragedy.
“We hereby petition for direct community control over the rebuilding of our beloved community. We assert our right to guide Altadena's resurrection in alignment with our historical values, cultural heritage, and community vision. While we are determined to recover and restore what has been lost, we also recognize the importance of preserving our town's unique character and integrity for current and future generations.
…
By signing this petition, we affirm our commitment to safeguarding the spirit and resilience of Altadena, California. We urge our local leaders to prioritize the needs and voices of the community as we work together to rebuild and move forward.
This petition reflects the collective voice of LA County communities in support of Altadena. Together, we can ensure that our recovery process remains rooted in our shared values and vision for the future of beautiful Altadena.”
Source: Change.org
Send an Email - Philly Special - Support Lantern Theater Company's Bid for the former UArts Arts Bank building!
As many of you know, my alma mater, The University of the Arts, rather swiftly and shockingly closed its doors this past June. It’s a real hit to the arts community in Philadelphia, as well as arts education in this country. The school owned so many great buildings with performance spaces and dance studios, workshops, etc, and many of them are being sold to pay the school’s debts. Our hope is to save some of the performace spaces from being turned into stores or expensive apartment buildings, and the Lantern Theater Company needs our help securing the Arts Bank on S. Broad at South Street. I took my Meisner classes there, had my senior recital…we don’t need more shops in town, we need to keep our performance and educational spaces.
Linked below is a page that details the bid, and gives the names of those to contact with your support for said purchase, along with a scrip to include in your email. It’s a real copy/paste situation, and I’d be so happy if you could take the time to do that. Thank you in advance from this music and theatre kid turned professional performer and educator. 🧡
Sign the Petition - Tell Congress to reject Trump’s cruel attacks on immigrants
“We call on Congress, state leaders, and communities across the country to stand up against Trump’s attacks on immigrants. These policies are an affront to our values and a betrayal of the principles America was built on.”
Source: Civic Shout
Sign the Petition - Denounce Trump’s shampful pardon of January 6th insurrectionists.
“Just hours after taking the oath of office, Donald Trump betrayed it by pardoning some of the most violent criminals involved in the January 6th insurrection. Leaders of extremist groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys—who planned and instigated the deadly attack on our Capitol—were among those pardoned. These are individuals who broke into the seat of our democracy, terrorized our elected representatives, and caused death and destruction in an effort to overturn the will of the people.
This blatant abuse of power is an insult to the rule of law and the very foundation of our democracy. Americans across races, places, and political affiliations watched in horror as the events of January 6 unfolded. We saw violent mobs, incited by Trump and MAGA Republicans, attack our country in an attempt to cling to power. Now, Trump is using the presidency to reward those who sought to undermine it.
Denounce Trump's shameful pardon of January 6 insurrectionists. Click here to sign the petition.
Source: Civic Shout
Sign the Petition - Crack Down on Price-Gouging During Los Angeles Wildfires
”As devastating wildfires force thousands of Los Angeles residents to flee their homes, predatory businesses and landlords are exploiting the crisis by raising prices on essential goods, services, and housing. Families who have lost everything are now facing another nightmare: price-gouging during their time of greatest need.
The fires have caused immense destruction, leaving a trail of devastation across the Los Angeles area. At least 24 people have lost their lives, and more than 12,000 structures have been destroyed. The flames have scorched over 60 square miles, displacing tens of thousands of residents and forcing entire communities to evacuate. Amid this tragedy, evacuees are now grappling with inflated prices for temporary housing, food, and basic supplies—essential resources they desperately need to survive and recover.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta and other officials have already warned companies and landlords not to take advantage of wildfire evacuees. Yet reports of predatory practices continue to surface. This kind of exploitation is not just unethical—it’s illegal under California’s anti-price-gouging laws.
Tell California Attorney General Rob Bonta: Crack-down on price-gouging during the Los Angeles wildfires. Click here to add your name to the petition.”
Source: Civic Shout
Sign the Petition - Tell Democratic state attorneys general: Please challenge Donald Trump's executive actions in court as much as is possible.
“On his first day in office, Donald Trump will issue a wide range of executive orders, touching on topics including civil rights, immigration, trade, capital punishment, and more. These are just the first dozen or so of what might be hundreds of executive orders over the next week. As Politico says, these orders "represent an unprecedented show of executive force and a desire to circumvent Congress in order to reshape everything from the economy to the health services people can access while incarcerated."
While we should not expect much, if any, pushback on these executive orders from the Republican-controlled Congress, there is one group of elected officials who are well-positioned to challenge Trump's executive orders: Democratic state attorneys general.
The 24 Democratic state attorneys general have the legal standing, resources and knowledge to throw spanners in the wheels of Trump's executive orders. They can do exactly what Republican state attorneys general were able to repeatedly do the Biden administration: slow down, whittle away at, stop, and even reverse many of President Biden's executive orders.
While success in these lawsuits may seem far-fetched given that conservatives dominate the Supreme Court, it is worth remembering that Trump lost many cases in Republican-dominated courts during his first term. Trump and his team like to push legal limits that often go beyond even what conservative jurists are willing to accept. Further, the Supreme Court does not actually rule on very many cases, with most decisions being made in lower courts that are far less friendly to Trump. Finally, even if many of the challenges brought by Democratic attorneys general end up failing, they will at least slow the Trump administration down, and siphon away resources which the Trump administration could have used on other political battles.
As Democratic state attorneys general are considering legal action against the Trump administration–which they most definitely are–it is important for them to know that lots of regular Americans have their back. It is for that reason that I am asking you to sign this petition urging Democratic state attorneys general to sue Trump as much as possible. I will deliver the signatures electronically to the office of my state attorney general, Letitia James.”
Source: Bowers News Media
Sign the Petition - Urge the Senate to reject Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence
“It turns out that while Tulsi Gabbard has no experience in intelligence gathering, and while she has a record of dubious relationships with authoritarian nations, she does have experience becoming wealthy from conservative media. Politico reports:
Tulsi Gabbard, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence, brought in over $1.2 million last year as a MAGA surrogate, according to a financial disclosure released Saturday.
This is literally the only reason Trump nominated Gabbard to be Director of National Intelligence. While she was in Congress and is still in the military, she has literally no experience in intelligence gathering. However, she does have the ability to say stuff in conservative media that triggers Democrats and non-MAGA Republicans.
This is an incompetent way to run our national intelligence service, one that could easily lead to disastrous outcomes. Saying stuff on television that annoys establishment types is just not a qualification for an important national security position.”
Source: Civic Shout
Previous - WEEK OF JANUARY 13TH
LOS ANGELES FIRE RELIEF - CALL YOUR SENATORS AND REPS
This one is obviously very close to my heart, as I (Mary) sit here amidst the continuing wildfires here in the greater Los Angeles area. It has been a devastating week, and I can’t believe how much has changed for so many people I love since the start of the new year. (Which, by the way, was only two weeks ago. What a lifetime it has felt like.)
As many of you have seen, Republican law makers have been interviewed stating their desire to withhold federal aid for wildfire relief in California unless “certain strings are attached” or it’s attached to a debt ceiling increase. Hearing these words come out of our lawmakers’ mouths, as I watch my city burn, and my friends lose everything, makes me blind with rage.
SO. Here is something we can all do, all over the country, to combat this very inhumane problem.
Script and info from Jessica Cravens, Chop Wood, Carry Water (1/13).
Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲 and Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
I understand that some members of Congress are talking about withholding federal aid for California unless certain strings are attached or it’s attached to a debt ceiling increase. This is outrageous. California—and Los Angeles specifically— needs help and it needs it now. People are dying. Thousands have lost everything. I am sickened at politicians trying to use this tragedy to score political points. Get California the help it needs now, no strings attached.
[If GOP add:]
Republicans need to stop with the misinformation, too. It’s irresponsible and hurtful. Californians are still in grave danger. As a “good Christian” the Congressmember/Senator should be offering unqualified support and help. Please do so, and stop spreading lies. Thanks.
Extra Credit ✅
DemCast has published a simple form we can use to quickly send a pre-written letter (which you can, of course, revise!) to your Senators and House Rep urging that they vote NO on the SAVE Act.
From them:
This dangerous bill is the latest attempt to justify extreme legislation to put up barriers for voters to cast their ballots. The reality is the U.S. does not experience widespread voter fraud, and states have multiple effective systems to ensure voter eligibility. The SAVE Act aims to make it harder to register to vote by requiring specific ID, disenfranchising millions of eligible voters, intimidating others, and stoking fear and xenophobia.
Bonus points: create a social media post about the SAVE Act by using DemCasts EZ toolkit here!
Source: Jessica Craven, Chop Wood, Carry Water
Sign the Petition - Urge Congress to Oppose the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency
Musk said that slashing $2 trillion from the federal government’s budget for programs like Medicare and Social Security would be “the best-case outcome.” He’d settle for $1 trillion in cuts though, saying such historic cuts to public services would be “epic.”1
An unelected man worth $400 billion2 shouldn’t have the power to gut everything from healthcare to public education. Yet, that’s exactly what’s happening as Musk heads Trump’s new “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) — unless we pressure Congress to stop it.
Sign the petition: Stop Musk’s devastating DOGE cuts! We must protect Social Security, Medicare, and other critical government programs from trillions in cuts.
Every public program and federal agency that benefits the people is on the chopping block as part of Musk’s dangerous right-wing project: Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, veterans’ benefits, clean energy subsidies, ACA funding, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, labor protection enforcement, and much, much more.
He promises his cuts will create “hardship” for Americans,3 but we know millionaires and billionaires won’t suffer. Those facing hardship will be working people, seniors reliant on the social safety net, public school teachers, people on Medicaid, and so many others.
The rich will get richer while everyone else suffers unless Congress stops reckless DOGE cuts.
Sign the petition: Urge leaders to stand against Musk’s disastrous “Department of Government Efficiency.”
Sources:
CNN, “Elon Musk now has a new, lower target number for DOGE’s budget cuts,” January 9, 2025.
NBC News, “Elon Musk becomes first person to surpass $400B net worth, according to Bloomberg,” December 11, 2024.
NBC News, “Elon Musk asks voters to brace for economic 'hardship,' deep spending cuts in potential Trump Cabinet role,” October 30, 2024.
Source: Demand Progress
Tell Congress: Vote NO on this cruel, anti-immigrant bill
“We're going up against a massive expansion of anti-immigrant detentions.
Just last week, the House passed the first immigration bill of the new Congress, the Laken Riley Act – an extreme bill that requires the detention of longtime residents, even children, without due process. If passed, this bill – which exploits the tragic death of Laken Riley to advance a false narrative around immigrants – will advance President-elect Trump's cruel anti-immigrant agenda.
We can't let xenophobia and racism determine our country's policies. We have one chance to stop this unconstitutional bill from passing – and the Senate needs to hear from us now.
Text DEFEND to 82623 now to tell your Senator to vote NO on the Laken Riley Act and defend immigrant communities.
This bill would require the detention of any immigrant accused of a nonviolent offense, such as shoplifting diapers – even if the alleged offense was decades ago, the individual was never charged for the offense or was acquitted, and even if immigration authorities think the person poses no danger to the community.
This bill would feed mass incarceration, enrich the private prison industry, and deprive immigrants of the basic constitutional right to due process.
The Senate is set to vote on this bill as soon as tomorrow – so we have to act now. Tell your Senator to oppose this harmful bill by texting DEFEND to 82623 today.
The ACLU Team”
Sign the Petition - Tell Biden to make it harder for Trump to deploy US Military on US Citizens
“Donald Trump’s consideration of deploying the U.S. military for domestic enforcement poses a significant threat to democracy and civil liberties. In response, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal have urged President Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to issue a directive limiting the use of military personnel for domestic purposes.
The Insurrection Act grants the president authority to deploy the military domestically under specific circumstances. However, without clear safeguards, this power could be misused to suppress protests, intimidate political opponents, and erode democratic norms. The senators emphasize that any deployment of federal forces should occur only when state or local authorities are overwhelmed and unable to ensure public safety.
During his first term, Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in response to protests and considered declaring martial law after his election defeat. More recently, he has suggested using the military to deport immigrants and relocating troops from overseas to the southern border. Such actions reflect a pattern of prioritizing power over democratic principles. Issuing a directive now would clarify the limits of presidential authority and reaffirm the military’s role as a nonpartisan institution dedicated to defending the nation—not serving as a tool of political intimidation. This move would protect both the military’s integrity and the rights of all Americans.
We call on President Biden and Secretary Austin to issue a directive prohibiting the deployment of the military within the U.S. for political purposes. This directive is critical to ensuring that the armed forces remain committed to their constitutional mission, not co-opted for authoritarian overreach. Sign this petition to demand action before it’s too late. Together, we can protect democracy and ensure that the U.S. military is never used to suppress the rights of the American people.”
Source: Chris Bowers and Civic Shout
A Win - President Biden Protects Sacred Lands in California
“Today marks a historic victory for nature and Indigenous communities. President Joe Biden has designated two new national monuments: Chuckwalla in southern California and Sáttítla in northern California.
The designation of Chuckwalla National Monument, a priority campaign for the Conservation Lands Foundation, represents a triumph for both conservation and cultural preservation. This remarkable landscape:
Supports a vital wildlife corridor connecting Joshua Tree National Park in California to Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada
Is home to sacred sites and living cultural landscapes of profound importance to Indigenous Peoples
Includes some of the state’s and country’s most vulnerable desert ecosystems
Take Action: Thank President Biden for Protecting Chuckwalla and Sáttítla National Monuments!”
Source: Conservation Lands Foundation
LA WILDFIRE RESOURCES AND INFORMATION
UCLA DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER LOCATION:
UCLA Research Park West
10850 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
PASADENA DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER LOCATION:
Pasadena City College - Community Education Center
3035 E. Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Monday - Sunday
Hours: 9:00am to 8:00pm
STATE AGENCIES PRESENT:
• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
• Employment Development Department (EDD)
• California Department of Social Services (CDSS)
• Franchise Tax Board (FTB)
• California Department of Insurance (CDI)
• Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
• California Department of Tax & Fee Administration (CDTFA)
• California Department of Public Health (CDPH) - Vital Records
• California Department of Veterans Affairs (Cal Vet)
• California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)
Previous - WEEK OF JANUARY 6TH
Call your Senators - Vote NO on the Save Act
Call Your Senators (find yours here) AND Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
I’m calling to express my strong opposition to the SAVE Act — an extreme voter suppression bill that Congress will apparently be prioritizing this session. If passed, most Americans would be unable to register to vote using their driver's license or other state-provided identification alone. It’s nuts! The SAVE Act will especially burden young people, who would face hurdles that already-registered citizens do not face, and married women, who often change their names and will therefore no longer be able to use their birth certificates to register. The SAVE Act isn’t necessary—it’s already illegal to vote if you’re not a citizen—and it’s going to make it harder for citizens to vote. Please oppose it. Thanks.
[Read more about this from the Civic Center’s Laura Brill here]
Things to Do Over Inauguration Weekend. (Via jessica cravens)
Join Indivisible’s “Help Over Hate” Weekend of Service.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. taught us that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, so this inauguration weekend -- as Trump and his allies prepare to attack our rights and divide our communities -- we’re coming together through action and solidarity. From January 17-20, Indivisible groups across the country will unite for this weekend of service by hosting events designed to empower their community. Check out their toolkit to find out how you can participate!
Attend the People’s March on the 18th—there are smaller marches all over the country or a big one in D.C.
Source: Jessica Craven, Chop Wood Carry Water
Sign the Petition - Stop Conspiracy Theorist Kash Patel From Running the FBI
"Donald Trump’s nomination of Kash Patel as FBI Director is a direct threat to the independence of federal law enforcement and the rule of law. Patel, a Trump loyalist and conspiracy theorist, has a troubling history of promoting baseless claims, attacking democratic institutions, and threatening to target reporters. He is unfit to lead the FBI, one of the nation’s most critical agencies for protecting justice and national security."
Source: Chris Bowers, Civic Shoutout
PREVIOUS - WEEK OF DECEMBER 15TH
Sign the Petition - Demand Congress Pass a National Assault Weapons Ban
“So many communities in America have been devastated by gun violence.
And in far too many instances, assault weapons have played a key role in the compounding of the carnage from gun violence. Remember: These weapons are designed to kill. They do not belong on our streets, in our schools, or in our grocery stores.That’s why we’ve launched a massive petition to show Congress nationwide support for BANNING assault weapons.”
Source: The National Democratic Training Committee
Sign the Petition - Tell Amazon to come to the table with Amazon Labor Union!
Source: Bowers News Media
Sign the Petition - End the War on Gaza
”TELL CONGRESS: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu told Trump that Israel must “complete its victory” as Netanyahu approved the expansion of Israeli settlements and the Gaza death toll exceeds 45,000. There’s no end in sight to this conflict with Netanyahu in charge unless our leaders act. Sign the petition: Urge Congress to end support for Netanyahu’s war on Gaza.”
Source: Demand Progress
Tell your Senators - Vote NO on Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence
"Donald Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence (DNI), Tulsi Gabbard, is a danger to our national security.
Gabbard’s former aides have stated that she is likely a Russian stooge, and nearly 100 former senior diplomats and national security officials have suggested she is a direct threat to the security of our nation.
The DNI oversees not just the CIA and NSA, but all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies, with a budget of $100 billion. This role is critical in shaping the President’s understanding of global affairs and ensuring national security.
Gabbard’s nomination could compromise this essential function and our nation’s safety.
Source: Able Dems
Call Your Senators - Support the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023, Establish Supreme Court term limits
Source: Jessica Craven, Chop Wood Carry Water
Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
First, please ask the Senator to support S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023. This bill would fully repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, both of which have undermined the ability of millions to retire with dignity. It needs to pass! [H/T]
Second, two senators, Manchin and Welch, have introduced a constitutional amendment that would establish term limits of eighteen years for Supreme Court justices. It is blindingly obvious that we need this. Pretty much every other peer democracy in the world has such limits; every state Supreme Court does, too. We need to address the corruption in our court—this is a good and very reasonable way to start, and it has widespread support amongst Americans. Please ask the Senator to back this amendment.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
I know the Senate just passed the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act with unanimous support. This bill would place greater federal safeguards on institutional youth treatment programs; it’s long overdue. Will the Congressmember vote yes?
[If Democrat add:]
Also, I know Rep. Ocasio-Cortez is running to be the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee but that Speaker Emerita Pelosi is working to elevate someone else—Rep Gerry Connolly—to that position. I’m calling to say that my support is unequivocally behind AOC. Unless Democrats want to lose the enthusiasm of every voter in the party they will support her bid. We need new, young blood—not the status quo. AOC is the brilliant and fearless leader we need at this moment. Please ask the Congressmember to back her bid. Thanks.”
Source: Jessica Craven, Chop Wood Carry Water
Sign - Tell the Senate to reject DJT’s IRS Nominee
”Donald Trump just picked long-time IRS foe, Billy Long, to be the agency’s commissioner.
When Long served in Congress, Long introduced legislation to abolish the IRS three times.
He made a fortune in a business notorious for tax fraud. How can we trust someone like that to lead the IRS?
Billy Long is nothing more than Trump’s loyal puppet, ready to rig the system even more in favor of billionaires and big corporations while the rest of us foot the bill! This isn’t just about politics; it’s about our livelihoods!
We can’t let this happen. We urge you to take a stand and sign the petition demanding the Senate reject Billy Long’s nomination for IRS Commissioner.”
Source: AAPI Forward
PREVIOUS - WEEK OF DECEMBER 8TH
Call (automated) - Tell The HOUSE - Pass the Defiance Act now!
“The DEFIANCE Act creates the right to civil action for victims of AI-generated image-based sexual abuse.
It empowers the thousands of people, including children, facing this dehumanizing practice to seek justice, keeps online speech safe from censorship with its specificity, and models what good AI legislation actually looks like. It passed the Senate this summer with broad bipartisan support, and President Biden has said he would sign it into law.
It’s our last chance to pass this legislation before the House breaks in December and we’re forced to start all over under a Trump administration. Urge key lawmakers in the House to hold a vote ASAP and demand your lawmakers support the bill!”
Source: Fight for the Future
Write To Your Reps - Demand Congress increase funding for home heating aid
“LIHEAP is critical to keeping older people and low-income households safe from the cold during the winter and extreme heat during the summer.
In the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2024, LIHEAP funding was slashed from $6.1 billion to $4.1 billion, resulting in 1 million fewer households receiving assistance.
Congress must address this crisis head on. We join the National Energy Assistance Directors Association in asking Congress to pass $1.6 billion in additional home energy assistance this month to help millions of households pay their heating bills this winter.”
Source: CHN Action
Sign the Petition - Pass the Press Act now!
“TELL THE U.S. SENATE: Trump is surrounding himself with top administration officials promising to go after political enemies — including journalists. Trump’s constant attacks on the free press won’t stop in his second term. The Senate must act before Trump is inaugurated. Sign the petition: Trump-proof the press — pass the PRESS Act now!”
Source: Demand Progress
Write a message (automated) - Tell the Senate to reconfirm Lauren McFerran as NLRB Chairperson before Dec. 16th
“We’ve seen an immense amount of worker power over the past 4 years. From strikes that led to increased wages and benefits for workers, to a ban on “captive audience” meetings, workers have won big since 2020.
All of that progress is at risk if the Senate doesn’t do its job and confirm Lauren McFerran to a second term on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Chairwoman McFerran has already served one term and has been renominated for another. She has the backing of the AFL-CIO and the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers.1,2
We have made huge strides for workers and there’s still more to be gained, but we can’t do it if we lose one of the most pro-worker chairs on the NLRB.
If Chairwomen McFerran is not reconfirmed, the incoming administration will gain two board seats and shift the balance to an anti-worker majority. Corporations like Amazon, SpaceX, and Trader Joe's are challenging the constitutionality of the National Labor Relations Act, while Project 2025 and the incoming Trump administration threaten to undermine worker protections. Even OSHA's new proposed heat standard rule is under threat.
Project 2025 lays out a blueprint for the incoming administration as it pertains to labor unions: make it easier to decertify union elections, reduce the NLRB’s ability to investigate unfair labor practices, and reduce overtime pay.3 The only beneficiaries of these policies will be multi-billion dollar corporations and the wealthy who run and own them.
We cannot allow the gains labor has made over the past 4 years to be undone by anti-worker extremists.”
Source: Deborah Weinstein
Executive Director, CHN Action
Sign the Petition - Save PBS!
“President-elect Trump, Speaker Mike Johnson, and Elon Musk are escalating their war on public media – threatening to slash funding for our Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). [1]
For over two decades, Americans have consistently ranked PBS the most trustworthy network for news and public affairs. [2]
That’s because it delivers free local news, quality education, and fact-based independent journalism – without any corporate or political agendas, as it’s required by law to be objective. [3]
And that’s exactly why Trump and his cronies are targeting it – they know that an informed public with access to independent journalism is a powerful defense against the manipulation, disinformation, and propaganda they’re pushing.”
Source: Common Cause
PREVIOUS - WEEK OF DECEMBER 1ST
Sign the Petition - Reject DT’s Dangerous pick for the head of the FBI, Kash Patel
Kash Patel is a conspiracy theorist, partisan extremist, and Trump loyalist who belongs nowhere near the FBI. The Senate must REJECT his nomination for FBI Director.
Here’s what you need to know about Kash Patel, and why he simply cannot be handed this much power:
Working in the first Trump administration, Patel was notorious for his unwavering loyalty to Trump – wanting to please him above everything else, even the rule of law. [2]
He helped push Trump’s lies about the 2020 election and openly supports the dangerous and baseless “QAnon” conspiracy theory – saying “there's a lot of good to it", spreading QAnon posts on social media, and even writing QAnon conspiracies into a children's book that he authored. [3]
And he has made his priorities clear: announcing on a podcast that he and President-elect Trump are “dead serious” about radically transforming the FBI to serve Trump’s revenge agenda and target political opponents and journalists – all while giving a free pass to violent January 6th insurrectionists. [4]
Source: Common Cause
Sign the Petition to Congress: Urge Democrats and Republicans to slash war spending
“Petition to Congress: We urge you to cut the defense budget. America spends way too much money on war, and the Pentagon just failed it's seventh straight audit.”
Source: Our Revolution
CALL YOUR SENATORS (script and how-to below): Pass the No Kings Act
Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲
Scripts:
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
First, I want Congress to preserve its authority to check presidential power. Please ask the Senator to co-sponsor and pass S. 4973, the No Kings Act. This is urgently important to me.
[Then if GOP add:]
Second, I strongly oppose the nominations of Kash Patel as FBI director, RFK Jr. as HHS director, Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence, and Pete Hesgeth as DOD head—he clearly has a substance abuse problem as well as a track record of horrific behavior towards women. All of these are unacceptable and dangerous choices and I expect the Senator to vehemently oppose each of them. Please remind them that they took an oath under God to uphold the Constitution. Thank you. [H/T]
[Or if Democrat add:]
Also, please ask the Senator to keep working to confirm as many judges and other nominees as possible in the time remaining to them. I also want them to urge President Biden to publish the Equal Rights Amendment before leaving office. The ERA would enshrine gender equality in our Constitution and has met the ratification requirements to become the 28th Amendment. It needs to be published now. Thanks.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
I’m calling to ask the Representative to urge President Biden to publish the Equal Rights Amendment before leaving office. The ERA would enshrine gender equality in our Constitution and has met the ratification requirements to become the 28th Amendment. It needs to be published now. Thanks.
Source: Jessica Cravens (I highly recommend her Substack!)
PREVIOUS - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 25TH
Write a Letter (auto-filled!) - Meals on Wheels!
Urge Congress to support older adults and fully fund the Older Americans Act today. As Congress negotiates a final FY25 spending package, one program that needs increased funding is Meals on Wheels.
Currently, more than 1 in 4 older people live alone. According to the Urban Institute, 1 in 5 Americans will be age 65 and older by 2040―that’s 80 million people!
Source: Action Network
Sign the Petition - Halt the (Wolf) Hunt in Alaska!
“The Alaska Department of Fish and Game could have banned the wolf hunts altogether, allowing the population to heal after this devastating blow, but instead they merely shortened the season to 31 days. This is still plenty of time for slaughter -- 70 wolves were killed on the island last season: that's more than two wolves killed, each and every day, while the season is open.
The wolves that call this island home are members of a rare subspecies called the Alexander Archipelago gray wolf. Smaller than other gray wolves, these unique creatures are mostly confined to the southeastern tip of Alaska, living among the massive old-growth trees of the Tongass National Forest.2
While all Alexander Archipelago wolves are at risk due to habitat loss, inbreeding, and over-hunting, the wolves of Prince of Wales Island are especially vulnerable, as they are still recovering from a previous hunt.”
Source: Environmental Action
Sign the Petition - Pass the PRESS Act before Trump takes office
Petition to the U.S. Senate:
We urge you to pass the PRESS Act now to protect the free press.
Trump’s attacks on journalists and the free press are well documented. Now, as his second term nears, it’s critical that Congress implements greater protections for the press.
The New York Times Editorial Board said it is critical to pass a shield for reporters to “prevent abuses of power.”1 In his first term, Trump attempted to block leaks and pressure reporters in ways that threaten the free press and the public interest.
The House passed the PRESS Act without any opposition.2 The Senate must now pass this legislation before Trump takes office.
Sign the petition: Protect the free press and pass the PRESS Act now!
The PRESS Act would protect journalists and the investigative reporting the public relies on to understand the inner-workings of our government. With this legislation, government officials would not be able to force reporters to give up their sources or seize the phone and email records of journalists.
Source: Demand Progress
Write a Letter (auto-filled!) - Call on Congress to reject any cuts to SNAP in the Farm Bill
”House Republicans are pushing a Farm Bill that includes a $30 billion cut to SNAP over the next 10 years.
Meanwhile, the Senate version of the Farm Bill would strengthen SNAP for the 41 million people who rely on those benefits to put food on the table. Adequately funding SNAP and other food assistance programs will go a long way toward reducing hunger.
This legislation will have a huge impact on farmers, rural communities, and bring more fairness and protections to SNAP recipients.
While some policymakers are already discussing legislation in early 2025 that will take food away from millions of people1, we need to lift up our voices to ensure that individuals and families have access to the food and nutrition they need to stay healthy and thrive. The current Congress has just a few weeks left and they must pass Farm Bill legislation plus help crime victims by providing SNAP replacement benefits for victims of “skimming” (stolen benefits), while protecting the future SNAP benefit adjustments from cuts and preserving the ability and dignity for families to make their own food choices in their SNAP purchases.
Thank you for all you do,
Meredith Dodson
Senior Director of Public Policy, CHN Action
CALL YOUR SENATORS - [script below] DO NOT SACRIFICE FOUR APPEALS COURT VACANCIES
”Leader Schumer is weighing making a terrible deal with Republicans: in order to smooth the way for other judicial nominees he’s considering sacrificing four appeals court vacancies and letting the Trump administration fill them. It’s a bad move, and we’re going to spend some time today trying to stop it.
Fighting our own lawmakers is frustrating, but remember, we’re going to be faced with a lot of frustrations in the months and years ahead. We can’t let every one of them enrage us. Our job is to stay calm, remain firm, and push “the good guys” as hard as we can to fight back against the bad ones. Sometimes those good guys won’t want to—there are many so-called institutionalists on our side who are, essentially, stuck in the past. They cling to a time when compromise and bipartisanship were things both real and worth pursuing. It’s our job to remind them that we no longer live in such times; they need to start acting accordingly.
So we’re going to make our voices heard with our Democratic Senators and Majority Leader Schumer.
We’re also going to keep pushing for the passage of the PRESS Act. Because a free press is vital to a functioning democracy.
Oh, and we’re ALSO going to keep reminding our Republican Senators that they cannot—absolutely can NOT—allow Trump his recess appointments.
Other than all of that we’ll take the day off!
Thanks for all of your hard work.”
Source: Jessica Craven, Chop Wood Carry Water (my hyperlink function is failing, so the link is below!)
https://open.substack.com/pub/chopwoodcarrywaterdailyactions/p/chop-wood-carry-water-1125?r=70osz&selection=37e4d681-f2b5-4315-8b0e-8e313904ce8b&utm_campaign=post-share-selection&utm_medium=web
CALL YOUR SENATORS (FIND YOURS HERE https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm
SCRIPT
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
[to Dem Senators]
I’ve just learned that Chuck Schumer is considering making a deal with Republicans that would abandon 4 US appeals court nominees in order to smooth the process of confirming district court nominees. This is devastating, as it would give these critical vacancies to Trump. We can’t leave any pending judicial nominees behind at the end of this Congress, and this must include confirming the Circuit Court nominees, all of whom are incredible, especially Adeel Mangi. Democrats’ caving on this would set a terrible precedent for the fights ahead. Absolutely do not let Leader Schumer do this. Thanks.
[To GOP Senators]
I’m calling to ask the Senator to oppose recess confirmations for any of Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees. The Senate is supposed to provide advice and consent on nominees. That was the founders’ intent. Especially in the case of the most wildly unqualified nominees like Pete Hegseth, RFK Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and Linda McMahon, there must be hearings and the Senator must vote no. Please ask the Senator to protect his/her constituents from these awful nominees. Thanks.Jessica Craven, Chop Wood Carry WaterHERE)
PREVIOUS- WEEK OF NOVEMBER 17TH (updated 11.20):
Call Your Senators: No More Weapons to Israel
”The Senate will vote on whether to block $20 billion in weapons for Israel today.
Every dollar that is sent to Israel appears in the form of bombs and weapons that are killing Palestinians in Gaza. We must keep taking action to end this genocide.
This is the first time in history that Congress will vote on blocking weapons to Israel — and we’re in an all-out sprint to get as many Senators as possible to support this legislation.”
Click Here to fill out the form and be connected to your Senators. (Mary will do this on her IG live to figure out the process together.)
ADDITIONAL OPTION: EMAIL YOUR SENATORS
Source: Rising Majority | Action Item provided by Jewish Voices For Peace
HR 9495: Contact You Representative [copy/paste email below]
HR 9495 is a bill that would grant the Secretary of the Treasury the broad authority to unilaterally revoke the tax exempt status of non profit organizations accused of “supporting terrorism.” This will lead to the targeting of organizations that dissent or criticize the American Government. This bill did not pass on November 12th, and Congress is pushing for a secondary vote on November 18th.
What can you do?
See How They Voted in the last voting
Email to send if they voted “Nay” before:
Subject: Urgent Request to Vote No on H.R. 9495 Again
Dear Representative [Last Name],
I am writing to express my gratitude for your previous vote against H.R. 9495, the "Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act," and to urge you to maintain your opposition to this dangerous and deeply flawed bill if it comes up for another hearing and vote.
Your initial “nay” vote reflected an essential understanding of the far-reaching and harmful implications of this legislation. While H.R. 9495 is framed as a means to combat “terrorism,” its language and intent open the door to serious abuses, including the targeting of legitimate advocacy groups and solidarity movements—particularly those supporting Palestinian liberation and broader justice efforts.
Should this bill pass, it could empower current and future administrations to suppress dissent, punish political opponents, and unjustly label grassroots human rights organizations as threats under a dangerously broad interpretation of “supporting terrorism.” This legislation would undermine free expression and the essential work of advocates fighting for justice and equity worldwide.
Your continued opposition to H.R. 9495 demonstrates a commitment to protecting democratic principles and the rights of individuals and organizations to challenge oppression without fear of retaliation. I implore you to vote “no” again and to encourage your colleagues to recognize the profound dangers this bill poses.
Thank you for your unwavering integrity and for standing on the side of human rights and freedom. Your leadership is critical in these challenging times.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your City, State]
[Your Email Address]
Email if they voted “Yes” before:
Subject: Urgent Request to Reconsider Support for H.R. 9495
Dear Representative [Last Name],
I am writing as your constituent to urge you to reconsider your prior support for H.R. 9495, the "Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act." While this bill is presented as a measure to combat “terrorism,” it carries grave risks of undermining essential freedoms, stifling nonprofit advocacy, and enabling the misuse of terror designations to silence human rights organizations.
H.R. 9495, as currently written, sets a troubling precedent that could empower any administration to unjustly target groups advocating for marginalized communities—particularly those supporting Palestinian liberation or other justice movements. The potential for this legislation to suppress free speech, peaceful protest, and legitimate advocacy is deeply concerning and incompatible with the democratic values we strive to uphold.
I ask that you reflect on the broader implications of this legislation. By creating pathways for executive overreach and enabling the targeting of disfavored groups under vague and overly broad terms, this bill could harm the very freedoms it purports to protect.
As your constituent, I urge you to prioritize protecting human rights, free expression, and the ability of nonprofit organizations to carry out critical advocacy work without fear of retaliation. Please reconsider your position and vote "nay" on H.R. 9495 should it come up for another vote.
Thank you for taking the time to reflect on this important issue. I trust in your commitment to justice and democracy.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your City, State]
[Your Email Address]
Source/Credit: Lily Hi’ilani Okimura
ANOTHER OPTION FOR TAKING ACTION, VIA FIGHT FOR THE FUTURE:
AUTO CALL
SIGN THE PETITION: LWV to PRESIDENT BIDEN ON SIGNING THE EQUAL RIGHTS ACT
“In the United States, women are still not guaranteed equal rights. We have seen the devastating consequences of this reality. Yet, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which will update the US Constitution to protect the equality of rights under the law regardless of sex, can be added to the Constitution with one action. With just months left in office, we are urging President Biden to act to ensure that the ERA is published.”
Source: League of Women Voters
SIGN THE PETITION: ACLU TO PRESIDENT BIDEN
“Specifically, we are calling on Biden to prioritize swift and decisive actions that will:
Protect vulnerable individuals and communities who may be targeted or left behind by a Trump administration.
Protect the public agencies, career civil servants, and other government institutions that serve the people of the United States.
Protect democracy and safeguard voting rights, so the American people can continue to freely exercise our freedoms – most notably, the freedoms to speak, assemble, protest, and once again cast our ballots in free and fair elections.
CALL YOUR SENATORS re: Trump Cabinet Picks [script below]
[find your Senator HERE]
[If your Senator is GOP]
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
I know that Trump is asking lawmakers to let him name his unqualified cabinet nominees as “recess appointments” without a vote, a move that would require the Senate to adjourn for long periods of time. The Senator should refuse to comply. Under the Constitution, the Senate must confirm cabinet secretaries. There’s a reason for that—unqualified nominees can then be blocked. I expect the Senator to stand by the vow s/he took to uphold the Constitution. And for God’s sake vote no on Gaetz, Kennedy, Gabbard, and Hegseth. I’d like to remind the Senator, as Timothy Snyder said this week, that “the United States Senate will not outlast the United States.” If these appointments end the American experiment your jobs will go with it. Fight back. Thank you.
[If your Senator is a Dem]
I’m calling to ask the Senator to prioritize confirming pro-democracy judges during the final session of Congress. There are still dozens of nominations pending. We need to ensure that those vacancies are filled by judges that will uphold the Constitution and our democracy before Trump returns to the White House. Democrats also need to ensure we have a Democratic majority on the National Labor Relations Board, appoint key regulators to the SEC and FDIC to protect the American people from financial fraud, and reappoint FTC Chair Lina Khan. Democrats need to act aggressively to protect us. Thanks!
Extra Credit:
Please push President Biden to make the ERA the law of the land by asking the national archivist to sign and submit the amendment (which has been ratified by the required 38 states) to the Federal Registry.
This website has a whole host of things anyone can do from sending a postcard, making a phone call to joining a vigil near the White House in DC.
SIGN THE PETITION:
Common Cause has launched a petition to Congress demanding that they not confirm Matt Gaetz. Sign here.
Source: Jessica Craven, “Chop Wood, Carry Water” daily publication. (I highly suggest you sign up, if you want more frequent updates and calls to action. You can do so here.)
SIGN THE PETITION: TELL CONGRESS TO RESIST TRUMP AND MAGA’S 2025 EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
“We know what we’re up against. Trump and MAGA Republicans have already shown us their playbook. And Project 2025—their “180-day transition playbook”—could destroy the checks and balances of our government and pave the way for Trump’s authoritarian rise to power.
Add your name and let every Democrat in Congress know their constituents are watching and that the resistance starts NOW.”
Source: MoveOn.org
SIGN THE PETITION: No Rahm Emanuel for DNC Chair
“As the Democratic Party searches for a new way forward after yet another devastating loss to Donald Trump, news just dropped that Rahm Emanuel is considering running for chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
This is the same man who slashed funding for public education, privatized public infrastructure, and cozied up to financial donors as Mayor of Chicago. And that’s just the beginning of his long track record of using politics to line his own pockets.
Emanuel was exposed for trying to cover up the wrongful murder of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald at the hands of police in 2014 when he was Mayor of Chicago. And in the years since, he’s best known for launching an all out assault on the Medicare for All movement, while raking in his own profits from private healthcare giants.
If we’ve learned one thing from this election it’s that we HAVE to transform the Democratic Party so that it’s no longer hostage to the billionaire, corporate class. “
Source: Our Revolution