Actions for Week of August 29, 2021
This is our only chance to save democracy from the rising GOP
Democracy is under attack. Across this country, at every level of government, from school boards to federal office, Trump-inspired white supremacists and dangerous conspiracy theorists are gaining power.
Republicans in states like Georgia, Texas, and others are passing draconian laws that will strip voting rights from millions, and hand the power to choose our elected representatives to increasingly radical Republican lawmakers.
All of this is happening on the cusp of a gerrymandering process that may cause us to lose the House.
Nothing is more important right now than preserving and expanding the right to vote, and doing all we can to prevent more extremists from winning elections.
With that in mind, Indivisible Upper East Side will devote all efforts from now until the 2022 Midterms on local, state, and federal-level actions to protect democracy and the right to vote.
That includes everything from continuing to push Schumer to abolish the filibuster and pass the For the People and John Lewis Voting Rights Acts; to fighting back against efforts like California's anti-democratic recall effort; to promoting efforts to influence local school board elections - and more.
If you're reading this, there is something YOU can do this week to help protect our democracy. Ask your friends to help too. Here are some places to start:
Any time
Call Senator Schumer and demand he unite his caucus to abolish the filibuster and pass the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act: (202) 224-6542 or (212) 486-4430.
Tuesday, August 31
Keep Virginia Blue
6:30PM - 8:30PM
Phone bank to re-elect Roselyn Tyler to the VA House of Delegates and help keep the Governor's mansion BLUE, too! Del. Tyler's district is becoming more conservative. She is being challenged by a conservative who came within 2% of winning last election. We need to keep this seat, and the Virginia House, blue!
Wednesday, September 1
Dial WV, AZ & NH For the People w/ End Citizens United
6 PM - 8 PM
Call voters in WV and NH and patch them directly through to their Democratic Senators. Then urge them to support the For the People Act. This legislation will rein in corporate interests, end partisan gerrymandering, ban dark money, and protect our freedom to vote. President Biden has asked for the bill to come to his desk quickly, it's on the verge of becoming law, and we need your help to make it happen.
Shifts will begin with a quick training session, and all you'll need is your computer and some headphones. Scripts will be provided.
Thursday, September 2
Stop Voter Suppression and Increase Democratic Registration
3 PM - 6 PM
Call voters in AZ, GA, and Louisiana to register voters of color, insist on fair districts, and urge their Senators to support S1.
OR
Join a For the People Act Teach-In and Phone Bank with Swing Left
6 PM
Swing Left and Common Cause will host a teach-in about the For the People Act, followed by a phone bank to West Virginia that puts voters in that state directly though to Sen. Joe Manchin's voicemail, the only Dem in the Senate not yet signed on to support S1, and the staunchest supporter of the filibuster. These voter messages have already worked incredibly well to change Manchin's position! We have to keep moving him in the right direction.
Sunday September 5
Write VA '21 Letters with Vote Forward, Swing Left & NW Bronx Indivisible
1-3 PM
Virginia holds crucial statewide elections this November. Write letters to underrepresented Democratic voters to support them in getting out to vote. You will learn how to write effective letters and spend an hour or two getting to know some great fellow activists! We wrote 110 letters last year to help turn VA blue. Can we double that this time?
FUN
Brains!!
Mini brains grown in a lab from stem cells have spontaneously developed rudimentary eye structures, scientists report in a fascinating new paper.
Wienerlympics!
Swimming, weightlifting, and lots more!
New type of human found in Indonesia.
This hunter-gatherer lived 7,000 years ago.
Dog and cat living together!
Scultpural best friends
Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window
Restoration of a Vermeer reveals a cupid hidden for over 350 years