Actions for April 2022
ACTION #1: Support Federal Red Flag Legislation to Prevent Gun Violence
H.R. 2377, the Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act (FERPO) commonly referred to as “red flag laws," empowers families and law enforcement to more effectively intervene to prevent gun violence, including suicides. Individuals who ultimately commit gun violence commonly exhibit early warning signs to their families or law enforcement. Under this new law, there would be a mechanism to petition the court for a temporary block on gun access. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia already have red flag laws in place, and if passed, FERPO would replicate this known-to-be effective process at the federal level. With 86 percent of Americans in support of implementing red flag laws, it is time for Congress to act to implement these life saving measures. Tell your representative that this commonsense approach to proactively prevent gun violence should be a top priority.
WHO TO CALL: Jim McGovern DC 202-225-6101; Northampton 413-341-8700
SCRIPT:
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I'm a constituent. My address is __________.
I'm calling to urge Rep. Jim McGovern to support H.R. 2377, the Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act. Implementing federal red flag legislation has broad support from the American public and will help prevent unnecessary gun violence and deaths.
Thank you for your time and attention.
ACTION #2: Demand Congress Support Abortion Access Legislation
Over the last several years a number of states have passed the most draconian abortion limitations in recent history. Many of these laws are so-called fetal heartbeat bills that ban abortion at around six weeks, before many people even realize they’re pregnant. Some laws impose felony charges for obtaining abortions, grant states the power to prosecute people over miscarriages, and deny people the right to abortion even in cases of rape or incest. All of these bills are an assault on pregnant people’s fundamental right to bodily autonomy. On 09/24/21, with a 218-211 vote, the House passed the Women’s Health Protection Act (H.R. 3755) which creates new legal protections for both providers and patients of abortion care at the federal level. This bill safeguards access to abortion in every state against restrictions such as six-week and 15-week bans, mandatory delay periods, biased counseling, and medically unnecessary ultrasounds. On 02/28/22, in a 48-46 vote, the Senate has rejected H.R. 3755.
WHO TO CALL: Elizabeth Warren DC 202-224-4543; Springfield 413-788-2690
Ed Markey DC 202-224-2742; Springfield 413-785-4610
SCRIPT:
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I'm a constituent. My address is _________________.
I'm calling both to express my extreme disappointment that H.R. 3755, the Women’s Health Protection Act, failed to proceed in the Senate and to urge you to continue to work to insure safe access to abortions. Abortion care is healthcare, and pregnant people deserve the right to bodily autonomy.
Thank you for you time and consideration.
ACTION #3: Make Call to Help/Support Brittney Griner’s Release from Russian Custody
Brittney Griner is a top athlete in the WNBA playing for the Phoenix Mercury. Last year she was second in scoring, sixth in rebounds, first in blocks, and the best offensive player in the league. She earned 2 Olympic gold medals playing basketball for Team USA in the Olympics. She is a champion and a legend. For months, she has been in the custody of the Russian government. Until Russian officials released a statement, it was largely unnoticed that she was missing. She is now facing a 10-year sentence that she will serve in a Russian labor camp if she is convicted on very weak charges of possessing CBD products. The “tactical silence” the US government has urged about her detention is not working. More needs to be done immediately to bring Brittney Griner home safely now.
Call the U. S. State Department, Public Liaison (202) 647-6575 -- then press 8
Hello. My name is ___. I am an American citizen. My address is ___. My phone number is ___. And I am calling because I am very concerned about Brittany Griner’s safety and well-being. I want the State Department, the U. S. Embassy and the U. S. Consular Services to do everything possible to get Brittany freed from Russian custody and bring her safely home to the United States. Thank you.
Action #4: Send a “thank you” message to Disney for supporting the LGBTQ Community
On March 28, 2022, in response to demands from its employees and customers, the Walt Disney Company issued the following clear public statement against the Florida “Don’t Say Gay” legislation: “Florida’s HB 1557, also known as the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, should never have passed and should never have been signed into law. Our goal as a company is for this law to be repealed by the legislature or struck down in the courts, and we remain committed to supporting the national and state organizations working to achieve that. We are dedicated to standing up for the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ members of the Disney family, as well as the LGBTQ+ community in Florida and across the country.”
Disney has since suffered a backlash in Florida, with the governor and other lawmakers in that state threatening to punish the company with tax ramifications or legislating other business restrictions that would impact the company.
Please send a “thank you” to the Disney CEO: It is a LONG wait on the phone phone number is: 818-560-1000
Or Email is the fastest way to send a message: Robert.Chapek@disney.com
Or regular mail: Robert Chapek, CEO, Walt Disney Corp., 500 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank CA 91521
Suggested script:
I am a longtime customer of Disney. I visit Disney parks. I buy Disney merchandise. I stream Disney media. And I want to thank Disney for its public support of the LGBTQ community. I understand the risk the company has taken in so clearly and publicly denouncing the dangerous “Don’t Say Gay Bill” in Florida. Thank you, Disney, for taking the risk and saying no to discrimination. It was the right thing to do.
ACTION #5: Advocate for state and local law enforcement entities to be independent from federal immigration enforcement
There are programs and policies designed to have federal immigration agencies work with state and local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws. However, these programs and policies have been costly for localities, have historically targeted individuals with little or no criminal history, and have harmed the relationship between police and local communities. In addition, the implementation of these policies lacks transparency and oversight, as well as no clear mechanism of complaint and redress when errors occur. The Department of Homeland Security needs to end these programs and policies.
Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, at (202) 282-8495 (DHS comment line)
Script: Hello, my name is [NAME] and I’m contacting you from [TOWN, STATE] to end collusion between localities and federal immigration enforcement agencies. Protective and pro-immigrant policies are necessary for vibrant, healthy, and trusting communities—yet DHS agencies have historically perpetuated harm in the daily lives of aspiring Americans, through ongoing policing and prolonged, inhumane detention of community members. I’m joining more than 170 organizations in urging you to terminate 287(g) agreements, as well as the so-called “Secure Communities” program. Thank you.
ACTION #6: Advocate for the closure of child immigrant detention centers
It’s been over eight months since the first “Emergency Intake Sites” for unaccompanied migrant children opened. Today at least three of these child detention sites remain open despite overwhelming evidence that these unlicensed sites are not appropriate for children and must be shut down immediately. The Biden administration must look beyond dangerous interim measures to address the systemic issues with how we receive and care for people arriving at the border, including by shutting down remaining emergency intake sites.
Secretary Xavier Becerra, Secretary of Health & Human Services; Email xavier.becerra@hhs.gov
Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, at (202) 282-8495 (DHS comment line)
Script: Hello, my name is [NAME] and I’m contacting you from [STATE] because the U.S. is still operating three “Emergency Intake Sites” for aspiring American children. These “temporary” unlicensed facilities are reported to have unsanitary conditions, poor food, lack of outdoor access, and irregular access to clean clothing and bathrooms. Intake sites are not appropriate for children, and I’m asking you to to shut them down immediately in favor of community-based solutions and safer, more humane border policies.
ACTION # 7: Protection for Local Election Workers
Background: Election workers are experiencing a historically unprecedented level of violent threats. More than three-fourths of election workers believe that these threats have worsened recently. Urge congress to protect these nonpartisan public servants using the Brennan Center’s email generator.
Or Write your own Message:
As your constituent, I’m asking you to take action to protect local election workers against attacks. Recent reports show that election workers are being harassed and threatened as they carry out their basic duties. Some have even received death threats that name their young children. This is deeply concerning — these attacks could very well put the future of fairly administered elections at risk. I’m asking you to take action to defend our election workers:
- Prohibit the intimidation of election workers who are carrying out their duties
- Prohibit the publishing of election workers’ personally identifying information with the intent to threaten or intimidate them
- Establish address confidentiality programs that can keep election workers’ personal information secure
- Provide physical and online safety training to election officials.
The people that keep our elections safe deserve to feel safe themselves.
ACTION #8: Demand a Ban on Congressional Stock Trading – Pass S. 3494
Background: Every year members of Congress hold hearings and meetings with business leaders, propose industry regulations, and vote on hundreds of pieces of legislation that impact stock prices. These activities give them access to non-public information about industry, technology, and impending actions by scientific companies. Over 75% of the public support a ban on Congressional Stock Trading. S. 3494 Would ban Congressional Stock Trading from elected officials, their spouses, and their dependent children while holding office.
Write or Call: Senator Elizabeth Warren, 202-224-4543; Senator Ed Markey, 202-224-2742
Script:
I’m calling to ask that [Sen _____________] Support S. 3494 The Ban Congressional Stock Trading Act. Members of Congress should not be allowed to abuse their position and trade stocks with information gained from official duties. Thank you for your time and consideration