****Actions 1/30/2020****
FEDERAL:
Impeachment:
Today in the impeachment trial, Alan Dershowitz made the audacious argument that if a sitting President sought political favors from another country, it was not only NOT illegal, but that it was actually patriotic. Tillis has essentially embraced Dershowitz argument, claiming in a Washington Post article that Trump’s actions are not impeachable. This is a dangerous situation, as it basically justifies any action by Trump as long as it serves his goal of getting reelected. We need to remind our Senators that the President works not for himself but for the American people.
Details:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/senate-gop-seizes-on-dershowitz-argument-says-trumps-actions-not-impeachable/2020/01/28/cde059a8-41f9-11ea-b5fc-eefa848cde99_story.html
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from zip code ____________ calling to urge Sen. ___________ to support hearing from witnesses in the impeachment trial. I am deeply troubled by Alan Dershowitz argument that the President can commit whatever action he likes as long as it serves his goal of getting reelected. This is incredibly dangerous. The President should not be allowed to solicit foreign assistance to get re-elected. The President is not the state. He works for the American public, not his own personal interests. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
-------------
Empty Chair Town Hall for Senator Thom Tillis:
***Please RSVP, so we can promote the event!!****
Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action is sponsoring another empty chair town hall for Thom Tillis. When he was campaigning, Senator Tillis promised that he would hold town halls to meet with his voters and hear our concerns. He hasn’t done that. We’ve repeatedly invited him to our town halls. We’ve emailed, called, faxed and hand-delivered invitations. We’ve even considered a singing telegram. And yet, he never shows up. But ALL the other major candidates HAVE confirmed. Democrats Erica Smith and Cal Cunningham have stated they plan to be in attendance, along with Libertarian Shannon Bray.
While all questions are certainly welcome, the primary theme of this town hall will be healthcare. We’d like you to (1) sign up to attend and (2) come prepared with your questions about Tillis’s views on healthcare.
Event details: Empty Chair Town Hall, Thursday, February 20, 6 PM, Youngsville Community Center, 115 E Main St., Youngsville, NC.
Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/565550154026996/permalink/565550164026995
-------------
STATE:
Expand Medicaid:
The NCGA isn’t in session, so I’m not sure if they’re listening, but it’s worth sending the message that expanding Medicaid is absolutely necessary. We’ve been waiting for months for the NC GOP to negotiate with Governor over the budget, and they continue to refuse to do so. You only need to call if you have a GOP lawmaker on this one.
Link:
http://www.ncpolicywatch.com/2020/01/28/these-are-the-people-who-suffer-because-of-ncs-stubborn-refusal-to-expand-medicaid/
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from ___________ and I calling to tell Sen. _________ that I am tired of waiting for you to end the budget impasse. It’s time to negotiate with Governor and allow the state to function again. Further, any budget deal must include Medicaid expansion. Thank you.
State Contact Numbers:
NC House: http://bit.ly/2CVneDK
NC Senate: http://bit.ly/2DamgAn
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Wednesday Actions: Impeachment and More
****Actions 1/29/2020****
Elections:
In just a few days, one-stop voting for the March 3rd primary will begin. To see the dates, times, and locations, use the link below:
Link for polling locations: https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/One-Stop_Early_Voting/One-Stop%20Site%20List.pdf
Link to register to vote:
https://www.ncsbe.gov/Voters/Registering-to-Vote
-------
FEDERAL:
Continue to push for the calling of witnesses:
On Sunday night, news outlets broke the story of John Bolton, in his unpublished memoir, claiming that Donald Trump sought to tie the funding of aid to Ukraine to the investigation of a political opponent. In the last few hours, former Chief of Staff, John Kelly, said that he believed Bolton’s account was correct. The walls are closing in, and #MoscowMitch has now admitted that he probably doesn’t have the votes to block witnesses. With this new, but unsurprising, turn of events, it is time to put more pressure on those Senators who still refuse to call for witnesses.
Worth noting: Both Tillis and Burr have now stated publicly that even after the leak of the Bolton manuscript, they still would vote against calling witnesses, so they both need to hear from us loudly and firmly. Light up those phones everyone!
Details: https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/480017-democrats-step-up-pressure-over-impeachment-witnesses-after-bolton-bombshell
Script:
Hello, Sen. ___________, I am a constituent from zip code __________ calling to demand that you vote to hear from witnesses in Donald Trump’s impeachment trial. With recent news involving John Bolton’s claim that Donald Trump tied Ukrainian aid to the investigation of a political opponent, it is time to hear from witnesses. It is absolutely crucial that you work to allow a full, fair impeachment trial to go forward. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
-------------
EVENT:
Empty Chair Town Hall for Senator Thom Tillis:
***Please RSVP, so we can promote the event!!****
Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action is sponsoring another empty chair town hall for Thom Tillis. When he was campaigning, Senator Tillis promised that he would hold town halls to meet with his voters and hear our concerns. He hasn’t done that. We’ve repeatedly invited him to our town halls. We’ve emailed, called, faxed and hand-delivered invitations. We’ve even considered a singing telegram. And yet, he never shows up. But ALL the other major candidates HAVE confirmed. Democrats Erica Smith and Cal Cunningham have stated they plan to be in attendance, along with Libertarian Shannon Bray.
While all questions are certainly welcome, the primary theme of this town hall will be healthcare. We’d like you to (1) sign up to attend and (2) come prepared with your questions about Tillis’s views on healthcare.
Event details: Empty Chair Town Hall, Thursday, February 20, 6 PM, Youngsville Community Center, 115 E Main St., Youngsville, NC.
Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/565550154026996/permalink/565550164026995
---------------
Swarm Tillis’s Office:
This is last-minute, but another group is planning to “swarm” Tillis’s Raleigh office tomorrow afternoon at 11:30 AM: https://www.facebook.com/events/2458090631109990/
Elections:
In just a few days, one-stop voting for the March 3rd primary will begin. To see the dates, times, and locations, use the link below:
Link for polling locations: https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/One-Stop_Early_Voting/One-Stop%20Site%20List.pdf
Link to register to vote:
https://www.ncsbe.gov/Voters/Registering-to-Vote
-------
FEDERAL:
Continue to push for the calling of witnesses:
On Sunday night, news outlets broke the story of John Bolton, in his unpublished memoir, claiming that Donald Trump sought to tie the funding of aid to Ukraine to the investigation of a political opponent. In the last few hours, former Chief of Staff, John Kelly, said that he believed Bolton’s account was correct. The walls are closing in, and #MoscowMitch has now admitted that he probably doesn’t have the votes to block witnesses. With this new, but unsurprising, turn of events, it is time to put more pressure on those Senators who still refuse to call for witnesses.
Worth noting: Both Tillis and Burr have now stated publicly that even after the leak of the Bolton manuscript, they still would vote against calling witnesses, so they both need to hear from us loudly and firmly. Light up those phones everyone!
Details: https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/480017-democrats-step-up-pressure-over-impeachment-witnesses-after-bolton-bombshell
Script:
Hello, Sen. ___________, I am a constituent from zip code __________ calling to demand that you vote to hear from witnesses in Donald Trump’s impeachment trial. With recent news involving John Bolton’s claim that Donald Trump tied Ukrainian aid to the investigation of a political opponent, it is time to hear from witnesses. It is absolutely crucial that you work to allow a full, fair impeachment trial to go forward. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
-------------
EVENT:
Empty Chair Town Hall for Senator Thom Tillis:
***Please RSVP, so we can promote the event!!****
Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action is sponsoring another empty chair town hall for Thom Tillis. When he was campaigning, Senator Tillis promised that he would hold town halls to meet with his voters and hear our concerns. He hasn’t done that. We’ve repeatedly invited him to our town halls. We’ve emailed, called, faxed and hand-delivered invitations. We’ve even considered a singing telegram. And yet, he never shows up. But ALL the other major candidates HAVE confirmed. Democrats Erica Smith and Cal Cunningham have stated they plan to be in attendance, along with Libertarian Shannon Bray.
While all questions are certainly welcome, the primary theme of this town hall will be healthcare. We’d like you to (1) sign up to attend and (2) come prepared with your questions about Tillis’s views on healthcare.
Event details: Empty Chair Town Hall, Thursday, February 20, 6 PM, Youngsville Community Center, 115 E Main St., Youngsville, NC.
Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/565550154026996/permalink/565550164026995
---------------
Swarm Tillis’s Office:
This is last-minute, but another group is planning to “swarm” Tillis’s Raleigh office tomorrow afternoon at 11:30 AM: https://www.facebook.com/events/2458090631109990/
Tuesday Actions
****Actions 1/28/2020****
Elections:
In just over two weeks, one-stop voting for the March 3rd primary will begin. To see the dates, times, and locations, use the link below:
Link for polling locations: https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/One-Stop_Early_Voting/One-Stop%20Site%20List.pdf
Link to register to vote:
https://www.ncsbe.gov/Voters/Registering-to-Vote
-------
FEDERAL:
Continue to push for the calling of witnesses:
On Sunday night, news outlets broke the story of John Bolton, in his unpublished memoir, claiming that Donald Trump sought to tie the funding of aid to Ukraine to the investigation of a political opponent. With this new, but unsurprising, turn of events, it is time to put more pressure on those Senators who still refuse to call for witnesses.
Worth noting: Tillis has stated publicly that even after the leak of the Bolton manuscript, he still would vote against calling witnesses, so I’m including a separate, extra-special script just for him.
Details: https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/480017-democrats-step-up-pressure-over-impeachment-witnesses-after-bolton-bombshell
Script:
Hello, Sen. ___________, I am a constituent from zip code __________ calling to demand that you take action to support a full and fair impeachment trial. With recent news involving John Bolton’s claim that Donald Trump tied Ukrainian aid to the investigation of a political opponent, it is time to hear from witnesses. It is absolutely imperative that you work to allow a full, fair impeachment trial to go forward. Thank you.
Tillis Script:
Hello, Senator Tillis, I am a constituent calling from zip code ___________ caling to demand that you vote to call witnesses in the Senate impeachment trial. I saw in the News and Observer that you have said that even after the release of John Bolton’s manuscript that you don’t want to hear from witnesses. I am incredibly disappointed that you don’t want to hear a fuller account of what Bolton witnessed during Trump’s interactions with Ukraine.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
-------------
Condemn SCOTUS Immigration Ruling:
The Supreme Court issued a dire and dangerous ruling that would allow immigration authorities to reject new immigrants from entering the country if it is perceived that the person could become a “public charge,” that is, if it is believed they would use social services like Medicaid and food stamps. This kind of “public charge” rule was used to deny entry to Jews escaping the Holocaust during the 1930s and could be used for political reasons again because it leaves ambiguous the definition of who might become a “public charge.” In addition, it could make it more difficult for people with certain disabilities to enter the company, especially if an immigrant was to use social services to obtain a wheelchair. It also goes against the very principles that had defined our country as one that welcomed immigrants. I’m not sure what legislative action would look like here, but it’s worth letting our lawmakers know that we welcome immigrants and that we condemn this ruling.
Details:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/courts_law/supreme-court-allows-trump-administration-to-proceed-with-immigration-rules/2020/01/27/6adb9688-412c-11ea-aa6a-083d01b3ed18_story.html
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from zip code ___________ calling to urge Rep./Sen. ___________ to condemn the Supreme Court ruling yesterday that allows immigration officials to block anyone coming into the country who may potentially become a public charge. This is a dangerous ruling and could be used to reject people escaping dangerous conditions in their home countries or people with disabilities. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
--------
EVENT:
Empty Chair Town Hall for Senator Thom Tillis:
***Please RSVP, so we can promote the event!!****
Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action is sponsoring another empty chair town hall for Thom Tillis. When he was campaigning, Senator Tillis promised that he would hold town halls to meet with his voters and hear our concerns. He hasn’t done that. We’ve repeatedly invited him to our town halls. We’ve emailed, called, faxed and hand-delivered invitations. We’ve even considered a singing telegram. And yet, he never shows up. But ALL the other major candidates HAVE confirmed. Democrats Erica Smith and Cal Cunningham have stated they plan to be in attendance, along with Libertarian Shannon Bray.
While all questions are certainly welcome, the primary theme of this town hall will be healthcare. We’d like you to (1) sign up to attend and (2) come prepared with your questions about Tillis’s views on healthcare.
Event details: Empty Chair Town Hall, Thursday, February 20, 6 PM, Youngsville Community Center, 115 E Main St., Youngsville, NC.
Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/565550154026996/permalink/565550164026995
Elections:
In just over two weeks, one-stop voting for the March 3rd primary will begin. To see the dates, times, and locations, use the link below:
Link for polling locations: https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/One-Stop_Early_Voting/One-Stop%20Site%20List.pdf
Link to register to vote:
https://www.ncsbe.gov/Voters/Registering-to-Vote
-------
FEDERAL:
Continue to push for the calling of witnesses:
On Sunday night, news outlets broke the story of John Bolton, in his unpublished memoir, claiming that Donald Trump sought to tie the funding of aid to Ukraine to the investigation of a political opponent. With this new, but unsurprising, turn of events, it is time to put more pressure on those Senators who still refuse to call for witnesses.
Worth noting: Tillis has stated publicly that even after the leak of the Bolton manuscript, he still would vote against calling witnesses, so I’m including a separate, extra-special script just for him.
Details: https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/480017-democrats-step-up-pressure-over-impeachment-witnesses-after-bolton-bombshell
Script:
Hello, Sen. ___________, I am a constituent from zip code __________ calling to demand that you take action to support a full and fair impeachment trial. With recent news involving John Bolton’s claim that Donald Trump tied Ukrainian aid to the investigation of a political opponent, it is time to hear from witnesses. It is absolutely imperative that you work to allow a full, fair impeachment trial to go forward. Thank you.
Tillis Script:
Hello, Senator Tillis, I am a constituent calling from zip code ___________ caling to demand that you vote to call witnesses in the Senate impeachment trial. I saw in the News and Observer that you have said that even after the release of John Bolton’s manuscript that you don’t want to hear from witnesses. I am incredibly disappointed that you don’t want to hear a fuller account of what Bolton witnessed during Trump’s interactions with Ukraine.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
-------------
Condemn SCOTUS Immigration Ruling:
The Supreme Court issued a dire and dangerous ruling that would allow immigration authorities to reject new immigrants from entering the country if it is perceived that the person could become a “public charge,” that is, if it is believed they would use social services like Medicaid and food stamps. This kind of “public charge” rule was used to deny entry to Jews escaping the Holocaust during the 1930s and could be used for political reasons again because it leaves ambiguous the definition of who might become a “public charge.” In addition, it could make it more difficult for people with certain disabilities to enter the company, especially if an immigrant was to use social services to obtain a wheelchair. It also goes against the very principles that had defined our country as one that welcomed immigrants. I’m not sure what legislative action would look like here, but it’s worth letting our lawmakers know that we welcome immigrants and that we condemn this ruling.
Details:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/courts_law/supreme-court-allows-trump-administration-to-proceed-with-immigration-rules/2020/01/27/6adb9688-412c-11ea-aa6a-083d01b3ed18_story.html
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from zip code ___________ calling to urge Rep./Sen. ___________ to condemn the Supreme Court ruling yesterday that allows immigration officials to block anyone coming into the country who may potentially become a public charge. This is a dangerous ruling and could be used to reject people escaping dangerous conditions in their home countries or people with disabilities. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
--------
EVENT:
Empty Chair Town Hall for Senator Thom Tillis:
***Please RSVP, so we can promote the event!!****
Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action is sponsoring another empty chair town hall for Thom Tillis. When he was campaigning, Senator Tillis promised that he would hold town halls to meet with his voters and hear our concerns. He hasn’t done that. We’ve repeatedly invited him to our town halls. We’ve emailed, called, faxed and hand-delivered invitations. We’ve even considered a singing telegram. And yet, he never shows up. But ALL the other major candidates HAVE confirmed. Democrats Erica Smith and Cal Cunningham have stated they plan to be in attendance, along with Libertarian Shannon Bray.
While all questions are certainly welcome, the primary theme of this town hall will be healthcare. We’d like you to (1) sign up to attend and (2) come prepared with your questions about Tillis’s views on healthcare.
Event details: Empty Chair Town Hall, Thursday, February 20, 6 PM, Youngsville Community Center, 115 E Main St., Youngsville, NC.
Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/565550154026996/permalink/565550164026995
Sunday, January 26, 2020
Monday Actions: Press Freedom, Impeachment, Get Ready for the Primaries
Welcome new members!! It was great meeting you at the Women's March. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out by email at chutry@gmail.com.
****Actions 1/27/2020****
Elections:
In just over two weeks, one-stop voting for the March 3rd primary will begin. To see the dates, times, and locations, use the link below:
Link for polling locations: https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/One-Stop_Early_Voting/One-Stop%20Site%20List.pdf
Link to register to vote:
https://www.ncsbe.gov/Voters/Registering-to-Vote
-------
FEDERAL:
Continue to push for the calling of witnesses:
On Sunday night, news outlets broke the story of John Bolton, in his unpublished memoir, claiming that Donald Trump sought to tie the funding of aid to Ukraine to the investigation of a political opponent. With this new, but unsurprising, turn of events, it is time to put more pressure on those Senators who still refuse to call for witnesses.
Details: https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/480017-democrats-step-up-pressure-over-impeachment-witnesses-after-bolton-bombshell
Script:
Hello, Sen. ___________, I am a constituent from __________ calling to demand that you take action to support a full and fair impeachment trial. With recent news involving John Bolton’s claim that Donald Trump tied Ukrainian aid to the investigation of a political opponent, it is time to hear from witnesses. It is absolutely imperative that you work to allow a full, fair impeachment trial to go forward. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
------
Denounce Secretary of State Pompeo:
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo engaged a profanity-laden verbal assault against NPR’s political reporter Mary Louise Kelly, asking her rhetorically whether she really believed that Americans cared about Ukraine and challenging her to find Ukraine on an unlabeled map. After the exchange, Pompeo claimed that Kelly mistook Bangladesh for Ukraine and accused her of providing details of a conversation that was off the record. Pompeo’s abusive treatment of the press and his gaslighting of the press cannot stand.
Details:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/01/25/mike-pompeos-ridiculous-gaslighting/
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from zip code ______ calling to urge Rep./Sen. __________ to demand that Secretary of State Pompeo apologize for his verbal attack on NPR reporter Mary Louise Kelly. There is clear evidence that Pompeo misled the public about the exchange. His actions are part of a wider effort to discredit and intimidate the press. I would like Rep./Sen. ________ to stand up for press freedom. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
-------
Reject the Trump Administration’s Proposed Changes to Disability Insurance
The Trump Administration is seeking to expand austerity by making it harder to qualify for disability benefits. To find the script and send your message to the Trump Administration, use the link below:
Link: https://action.momsrising.org/sign/SSDI/?source=fb.mr.2&fbclid=IwAR058sr5JEaHwT7da9DK-sugpTLMFFooo2Cig26P2mFRjdYR6Oduee6rSXg
-------
EVENT:
Empty Chair Town Hall for Senator Thom Tillis:
Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action is sponsoring another empty chair town hall for Thom Tillis. When he was campaigning, Senator Tillis promised that he would hold town halls to meet with his voters and hear our concerns. He hasn’t done that. We’ve repeatedly invited him to our town halls. We’ve emailed, called, faxed and hand-delivered invitations. We’ve even considered a singing telegram. And yet, he never shows up. But ALL the other major candidates HAVE confirmed. Democrats Erica Smith and Cal Cunningham have stated they plan to be in attendance, along with Libertarian Shannon Bray.
While all questions are certainly welcome, the primary theme of this town hall will be healthcare. We’d like you to (1) sign up to attend and (2) come prepared with your questions about Tillis’s views on healthcare.
Event details: Empty Chair Town Hall, Thursday, February 20, 6 PM, Youngsville Community Center, 115 E Main St., Youngsville, NC.
Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/565550154026996/permalink/565550164026995
****Actions 1/27/2020****
Elections:
In just over two weeks, one-stop voting for the March 3rd primary will begin. To see the dates, times, and locations, use the link below:
Link for polling locations: https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/One-Stop_Early_Voting/One-Stop%20Site%20List.pdf
Link to register to vote:
https://www.ncsbe.gov/Voters/Registering-to-Vote
-------
FEDERAL:
Continue to push for the calling of witnesses:
On Sunday night, news outlets broke the story of John Bolton, in his unpublished memoir, claiming that Donald Trump sought to tie the funding of aid to Ukraine to the investigation of a political opponent. With this new, but unsurprising, turn of events, it is time to put more pressure on those Senators who still refuse to call for witnesses.
Details: https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/480017-democrats-step-up-pressure-over-impeachment-witnesses-after-bolton-bombshell
Script:
Hello, Sen. ___________, I am a constituent from __________ calling to demand that you take action to support a full and fair impeachment trial. With recent news involving John Bolton’s claim that Donald Trump tied Ukrainian aid to the investigation of a political opponent, it is time to hear from witnesses. It is absolutely imperative that you work to allow a full, fair impeachment trial to go forward. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
------
Denounce Secretary of State Pompeo:
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo engaged a profanity-laden verbal assault against NPR’s political reporter Mary Louise Kelly, asking her rhetorically whether she really believed that Americans cared about Ukraine and challenging her to find Ukraine on an unlabeled map. After the exchange, Pompeo claimed that Kelly mistook Bangladesh for Ukraine and accused her of providing details of a conversation that was off the record. Pompeo’s abusive treatment of the press and his gaslighting of the press cannot stand.
Details:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/01/25/mike-pompeos-ridiculous-gaslighting/
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from zip code ______ calling to urge Rep./Sen. __________ to demand that Secretary of State Pompeo apologize for his verbal attack on NPR reporter Mary Louise Kelly. There is clear evidence that Pompeo misled the public about the exchange. His actions are part of a wider effort to discredit and intimidate the press. I would like Rep./Sen. ________ to stand up for press freedom. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
-------
Reject the Trump Administration’s Proposed Changes to Disability Insurance
The Trump Administration is seeking to expand austerity by making it harder to qualify for disability benefits. To find the script and send your message to the Trump Administration, use the link below:
Link: https://action.momsrising.org/sign/SSDI/?source=fb.mr.2&fbclid=IwAR058sr5JEaHwT7da9DK-sugpTLMFFooo2Cig26P2mFRjdYR6Oduee6rSXg
-------
EVENT:
Empty Chair Town Hall for Senator Thom Tillis:
Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action is sponsoring another empty chair town hall for Thom Tillis. When he was campaigning, Senator Tillis promised that he would hold town halls to meet with his voters and hear our concerns. He hasn’t done that. We’ve repeatedly invited him to our town halls. We’ve emailed, called, faxed and hand-delivered invitations. We’ve even considered a singing telegram. And yet, he never shows up. But ALL the other major candidates HAVE confirmed. Democrats Erica Smith and Cal Cunningham have stated they plan to be in attendance, along with Libertarian Shannon Bray.
While all questions are certainly welcome, the primary theme of this town hall will be healthcare. We’d like you to (1) sign up to attend and (2) come prepared with your questions about Tillis’s views on healthcare.
Event details: Empty Chair Town Hall, Thursday, February 20, 6 PM, Youngsville Community Center, 115 E Main St., Youngsville, NC.
Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/565550154026996/permalink/565550164026995
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Friday Actions: Social Security, Climate Change, and More
****Actions 1/23/2020****
Days to Election Day:
284
Protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid:
While impeachment is absolutely necessary, the Trump-GOP cartel is using it to quietly push for cuts to programs like Social Security and Medicare, ostensibly to reduce the deficit. These deficits were created by the Trump-GOP cartel’s tax cuts for the rich, which concentrates even more wealth in the top 1%. A Democratic House likely won’t allow cuts to these programs, but we need to make clear that we are watching. You can be absolutely sure that these programs will be curtailed if Trump wins a second term, so we need to (1) make sure our lawmakers know we want these programs preserved and (2) make sure we work form candidates who will make protecting these programs (they are NOT entitlements) a major priority.
Details:
https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/23/politics/donald-trump-medicare-entitlements-cuts/index.html
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from ____________ calling to urge Rep./Sen. ______________ to block any efforts to cut Social Security and Medicare. These programs play a vital role in sustaining vulnerable populations. Instead of giving away tax cuts to the wealthy, we should be working to make these programs stronger. Do not make any cuts to Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid.
-------
Support the Green New Deal:
Climate change is one of the urgent issues of our time, as we have seen with the wildfires in Australia. If we don’t take action soon, we will experience massive sea level rise, and many coastal cities will be underwater. We will have more extreme heat and more severe hurricanes. In case you’re tired of calling about impeachment, let’s also make some calls demanding that one Congresspeople come out in support of both rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement and of crafting a Green New Deal.
Script:
I am a constituent calling from ___________ to urge Rep. / Sen. ____________ to demand that we rejoin the Paris Climate Accords. Carbon emissions are leading to increased temperatures, and in turn this will lead to seal level rise and other massive problems. I would also like to see you support a Green New Deal. This bill would tackle climate change head-on while creating thousands of good jobs. Thanks.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
-----------
Empty Chair Town Hall for Senator Thom Tillis:
Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action is sponsoring another empty chair town hall for Thom Tillis. When he was campaigning, Senator Tillis promised that he would hold town halls to meet with his voters and hear our concerns. He hasn’t done that. We’ve repeatedly invited him to our town halls. We’ve emailed, called, faxed and hand-delivered invitations. We’ve even considered a singing telegram. And yet, he never shows up. But ALL the other major candidates HAVE confirmed. Democrats Erica Smith and Cal Cunningham have stated they plan to be in attendance, along with Libertarian Shannon Bray.
While all questions are certainly welcome, the primary theme of this town hall will be healthcare. We’d like you to (1) sign up to attend and (2) come prepared with your questions about Tillis’s views on healthcare.
Event details: Empty Chair Town Hall, Thursday, February 20, 6 PM, Youngsville Community Center, 115 E Main St., Youngsville, NC.
Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/565550154026996/permalink/565550164026995
--------
Raleigh Women’s March:
The fourth Raleigh Women’s March is scheduled for this upcoming Sunday, January 26, from 12:30-3pm at Halifax Mall. Once again, Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action will be sponsoring and will have a table at the event. If you’re interested in helping us staff our table, please let us know. If you’ve commented or used our scripts but we haven’t met in person, we’d also enjoy meeting you, so please stop by. No matter what, the Women’s Marches have been galvanizing events where you can hear outstanding speakers and network with other progressives in our community.
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/426392828266564/
Donate Coats at the Women’s March to Help Raleigh’s Homeless Population:
From Tony Cope: We are collecting 'gently used' coats and winter wear for the Raleigh Women's Center. They are a severe need. We can collect these at our Moms Demand Action table on Sunday.
-----------------
Poor People’s Assembly & Moral March on Washington:
Many of us have followed the Moral Monday movement as well as the wonderful work of the Poor People’s Campaign. On June 20, 2020 people across this country will come together for a “fusion movement” that demands the adoption of a Moral Agenda. You can already RSVP for the event and start planning on how you’ll participate in this national movement. On a day in which Dr. King is nationally recognized, today is the perfect time to build upon his work and legacy by engaging in this action.
From the Poor People’s Campaign: “The fact that there are 140 million poor and low-wealth people in a country this rich is morally indefensible, constitutionally inconsistent and economically insane. We are building power for an agenda that lifts all people by challenging the interlocking injustices of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, the war economy and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism!”
Link:
https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/june2020/
-------------
Support a Community Member Being Displaced by Highway Construction:
In 1952, Mr. Lynn Council, just a teenager at the time, was wrongfully arrested by the Apex Chief of Police. Two deputies tried to force a confession from Mr. Council by hanging him from a tree. Thankfully, he survived this attempted lynching and lives on as an inspiration to those still trying to create a more just society (source).
Now, in his late 80's, Mr. Council is still seeking a life lived in peace. The NC Department of Transportation is extending the NC-540 highway. As many know, these projects often come with a steep cost. Finding himself in the way of this particular project, Mr. Council was forced to leave his long-time home in Holly Springs. Thankfully, he has recently found a new home. Unfortunately, 20 years ago, the Federal government offered Mr. Council a $20,000 loan to help him make his place of residence more livable. These loans were targeted toward low-income seniors and did not have to be paid back, as long as the individual continued to live in their house. Now that Mr. Council is being forced to move, he must pay this loan back.
Members of the NAACP and Mr. Council's attorney have tried to get this debt forgiven, but these efforts were unsuccessful. Mr. Council will be closing on his new home in the coming days and will be living off of his modest social security check. It is now up to our community to stand in solidarity with Mr. Council as he continues to face adversity in his later years. To those who donate and spread the word, thank you. Thank you for showing that people, when they come together, can be a powerful thing.
Link:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/mr-lynn-council-was-displaced-by-nc540-help-him
Days to Election Day:
284
Protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid:
While impeachment is absolutely necessary, the Trump-GOP cartel is using it to quietly push for cuts to programs like Social Security and Medicare, ostensibly to reduce the deficit. These deficits were created by the Trump-GOP cartel’s tax cuts for the rich, which concentrates even more wealth in the top 1%. A Democratic House likely won’t allow cuts to these programs, but we need to make clear that we are watching. You can be absolutely sure that these programs will be curtailed if Trump wins a second term, so we need to (1) make sure our lawmakers know we want these programs preserved and (2) make sure we work form candidates who will make protecting these programs (they are NOT entitlements) a major priority.
Details:
https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/23/politics/donald-trump-medicare-entitlements-cuts/index.html
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from ____________ calling to urge Rep./Sen. ______________ to block any efforts to cut Social Security and Medicare. These programs play a vital role in sustaining vulnerable populations. Instead of giving away tax cuts to the wealthy, we should be working to make these programs stronger. Do not make any cuts to Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid.
-------
Support the Green New Deal:
Climate change is one of the urgent issues of our time, as we have seen with the wildfires in Australia. If we don’t take action soon, we will experience massive sea level rise, and many coastal cities will be underwater. We will have more extreme heat and more severe hurricanes. In case you’re tired of calling about impeachment, let’s also make some calls demanding that one Congresspeople come out in support of both rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement and of crafting a Green New Deal.
Script:
I am a constituent calling from ___________ to urge Rep. / Sen. ____________ to demand that we rejoin the Paris Climate Accords. Carbon emissions are leading to increased temperatures, and in turn this will lead to seal level rise and other massive problems. I would also like to see you support a Green New Deal. This bill would tackle climate change head-on while creating thousands of good jobs. Thanks.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
-----------
Empty Chair Town Hall for Senator Thom Tillis:
Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action is sponsoring another empty chair town hall for Thom Tillis. When he was campaigning, Senator Tillis promised that he would hold town halls to meet with his voters and hear our concerns. He hasn’t done that. We’ve repeatedly invited him to our town halls. We’ve emailed, called, faxed and hand-delivered invitations. We’ve even considered a singing telegram. And yet, he never shows up. But ALL the other major candidates HAVE confirmed. Democrats Erica Smith and Cal Cunningham have stated they plan to be in attendance, along with Libertarian Shannon Bray.
While all questions are certainly welcome, the primary theme of this town hall will be healthcare. We’d like you to (1) sign up to attend and (2) come prepared with your questions about Tillis’s views on healthcare.
Event details: Empty Chair Town Hall, Thursday, February 20, 6 PM, Youngsville Community Center, 115 E Main St., Youngsville, NC.
Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/565550154026996/permalink/565550164026995
--------
Raleigh Women’s March:
The fourth Raleigh Women’s March is scheduled for this upcoming Sunday, January 26, from 12:30-3pm at Halifax Mall. Once again, Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action will be sponsoring and will have a table at the event. If you’re interested in helping us staff our table, please let us know. If you’ve commented or used our scripts but we haven’t met in person, we’d also enjoy meeting you, so please stop by. No matter what, the Women’s Marches have been galvanizing events where you can hear outstanding speakers and network with other progressives in our community.
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/426392828266564/
Donate Coats at the Women’s March to Help Raleigh’s Homeless Population:
From Tony Cope: We are collecting 'gently used' coats and winter wear for the Raleigh Women's Center. They are a severe need. We can collect these at our Moms Demand Action table on Sunday.
-----------------
Poor People’s Assembly & Moral March on Washington:
Many of us have followed the Moral Monday movement as well as the wonderful work of the Poor People’s Campaign. On June 20, 2020 people across this country will come together for a “fusion movement” that demands the adoption of a Moral Agenda. You can already RSVP for the event and start planning on how you’ll participate in this national movement. On a day in which Dr. King is nationally recognized, today is the perfect time to build upon his work and legacy by engaging in this action.
From the Poor People’s Campaign: “The fact that there are 140 million poor and low-wealth people in a country this rich is morally indefensible, constitutionally inconsistent and economically insane. We are building power for an agenda that lifts all people by challenging the interlocking injustices of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, the war economy and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism!”
Link:
https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/june2020/
-------------
Support a Community Member Being Displaced by Highway Construction:
In 1952, Mr. Lynn Council, just a teenager at the time, was wrongfully arrested by the Apex Chief of Police. Two deputies tried to force a confession from Mr. Council by hanging him from a tree. Thankfully, he survived this attempted lynching and lives on as an inspiration to those still trying to create a more just society (source).
Now, in his late 80's, Mr. Council is still seeking a life lived in peace. The NC Department of Transportation is extending the NC-540 highway. As many know, these projects often come with a steep cost. Finding himself in the way of this particular project, Mr. Council was forced to leave his long-time home in Holly Springs. Thankfully, he has recently found a new home. Unfortunately, 20 years ago, the Federal government offered Mr. Council a $20,000 loan to help him make his place of residence more livable. These loans were targeted toward low-income seniors and did not have to be paid back, as long as the individual continued to live in their house. Now that Mr. Council is being forced to move, he must pay this loan back.
Members of the NAACP and Mr. Council's attorney have tried to get this debt forgiven, but these efforts were unsuccessful. Mr. Council will be closing on his new home in the coming days and will be living off of his modest social security check. It is now up to our community to stand in solidarity with Mr. Council as he continues to face adversity in his later years. To those who donate and spread the word, thank you. Thank you for showing that people, when they come together, can be a powerful thing.
Link:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/mr-lynn-council-was-displaced-by-nc540-help-him
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Thursday's Actions: Protect Birthright Citizenship, Demand a Town Hall, and More
****Actions 1/23/2020****
Days to Election Day:
285
Shareable Link:
https://indivisibletriangle.blogspot.com/2020/01/actions-1232020-days-to-election-day.html
Protect Birthright Citizenship:
The State Department has told US embassies across the world to deny visas to people they suspect are coming to the US to give birth — guidance that gives broad discretion to consular officers and could prove dangerous to pregnant people seeking medical care. The apparent goal is to clamp down on foreigners giving birth to children in the US who become, by birth, American citizens.
The guidance would create new barriers for pregnant people at consulates abroad applying for B visas, which are offered to short-term visitors, including tourists, business travelers, and people seeking urgent medical care. The government does not track how many pregnant travelers come to the US on B visas, but 2017 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that the new guidance would likely affect roughly 10,000 people annually.
According to one State Department official, pregnant people applying for these kinds of visas may not receive the kind of care they need in their home country or have the money to get better care in the US. "People will die because of this,” the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter, told Vox.
Subverting birthright citizenship — the constitutional guarantee to all children born in America, regardless of their parents’ nationality — has long been a goal for some of the Trump administration’s immigration hawks, including White House senior adviser Stephen Miller. We need to stand up for birthright citizenship AND for the health of pregnant women who choose to come to the US to give birth, not to mention the newborn children our medical system can help. Call your reps and push them to rescind this dangerous policy.
Hat tip:
Red T. Raccoon:
https://twitter.com/RedTRaccoon/status/1220184219600740352
Details:
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2020/1/22/21077547/state-department-pregnant-women-birth-tourism-policy
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from _____________ to urge Rep. __________________ to block a new State Department policy that would prevent women from entering the country while they are pregnant. Aside from being a massive invasion of privacy, this sets a dangerous precedent that is just one more attempt to eliminate birthright citizenship. It is also medically dangerous. Many women come to the US because of our healthcare system, and blocking them from entering the country will put the health of pregnant mothers and their newborn children at risk. Thank you.
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
------
Remind Tillis that He hasn’t Fulfilled His Promise to Attend Town Halls:
Thom Tillis claims that we are tired of impeachment. But several hundred of his constituents have tried to tell him otherwise. Which only serves to illustrate that Tillis is not listening to his constituents, despite his promise to hold town halls all across the state. Let’s call Tillis and (1) hold him accountable by demanding that he hold or attend a town hall and (2) tell him (or his staffers) one issue where he obviously has NOT been listening to his constituents.
Details:
https://americanindependent.com/thom-tillis-town-hall-meetings-north-carolina-senator-gop-2020-election/
Yes, the above link is over a year old, but he hasn’t bothered to hold any town halls since then.
Script:
Hello, Senator Tillis, I am calling to request that you hold a public town hall that is accessible to your constituents. Town halls on military bases that are inaccessible to the public won’t cut it. We’ve called, written, and faxed with the hope of engaging in meaningful dialogue, but you haven’t responded. The best way to show that you’re willing to engage with your constituents is to speak directly with us at a town hall. Thank you.
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
-------------
EVENTS:
Empty Chair Town Hall for Senator Thom Tillis:
Speaking of town halls, we’re hosting one. Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action is sponsoring another empty chair town hall for Thom Tillis. When he was campaigning, Senator Tillis promised that he would hold town halls to meet with his voters and hear our concerns. He hasn’t done that. We’ve repeatedly invited him to our town halls. We’ve emailed, called, faxed and hand-delivered invitations. We’ve even considered a singing telegram. And yet, he never shows up. But ALL the other major candidates HAVE confirmed. Democrats Erica Smith and Cal Cunningham have stated they plan to be in attendance, along with Libertarian Shannon Bray.
While all questions are certainly welcome, the primary theme of this town hall will be healthcare. We’d like you to (1) sign up to attend and (2) come prepared with your questions about Tillis’s views on healthcare.
Event details: Empty Chair Town Hall, Thursday, February 20, 6 PM, Youngsville Community Center, 115 E Main St., Youngsville, NC.
Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/565550154026996/permalink/565550164026995
--------
Raleigh Women’s March:
The fourth Raleigh Women’s March is scheduled for this upcoming Sunday, January 26, from 12:30-3pm at Halifax Mall. Once again, Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action will be sponsoring and will have a table at the event. If you’re interested in helping us staff our table, please let us know. If you’ve commented or used our scripts but we haven’t met in person, we’d also enjoy meeting you, so please stop by. No matter what, the Women’s Marches have been galvanizing events where you can hear outstanding speakers and network with other progressives in our community.
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/426392828266564/
Donate Coats at the Women’s March to Help Raleigh’s Homeless Population:
From Tony Cope: We are collecting 'gently used' coats and winter wear for the Raleigh Women's Center. They are a severe need. We can collect these at our Moms Demand Action table on Sunday.
-----------------
Poor People’s Assembly & Moral March on Washington:
Many of us have followed the Moral Monday movement as well as the wonderful work of the Poor People’s Campaign. On June 20, 2020 people across this country will come together for a “fusion movement” that demands the adoption of a Moral Agenda. You can already RSVP for the event and start planning on how you’ll participate in this national movement. On a day in which Dr. King is nationally recognized, today is the perfect time to build upon his work and legacy by engaging in this action.
From the Poor People’s Campaign: “The fact that there are 140 million poor and low-wealth people in a country this rich is morally indefensible, constitutionally inconsistent and economically insane. We are building power for an agenda that lifts all people by challenging the interlocking injustices of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, the war economy and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism!”
Link:
https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/june2020/
Days to Election Day:
285
Shareable Link:
https://indivisibletriangle.blogspot.com/2020/01/actions-1232020-days-to-election-day.html
Protect Birthright Citizenship:
The State Department has told US embassies across the world to deny visas to people they suspect are coming to the US to give birth — guidance that gives broad discretion to consular officers and could prove dangerous to pregnant people seeking medical care. The apparent goal is to clamp down on foreigners giving birth to children in the US who become, by birth, American citizens.
The guidance would create new barriers for pregnant people at consulates abroad applying for B visas, which are offered to short-term visitors, including tourists, business travelers, and people seeking urgent medical care. The government does not track how many pregnant travelers come to the US on B visas, but 2017 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that the new guidance would likely affect roughly 10,000 people annually.
According to one State Department official, pregnant people applying for these kinds of visas may not receive the kind of care they need in their home country or have the money to get better care in the US. "People will die because of this,” the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter, told Vox.
Subverting birthright citizenship — the constitutional guarantee to all children born in America, regardless of their parents’ nationality — has long been a goal for some of the Trump administration’s immigration hawks, including White House senior adviser Stephen Miller. We need to stand up for birthright citizenship AND for the health of pregnant women who choose to come to the US to give birth, not to mention the newborn children our medical system can help. Call your reps and push them to rescind this dangerous policy.
Hat tip:
Red T. Raccoon:
https://twitter.com/RedTRaccoon/status/1220184219600740352
Details:
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2020/1/22/21077547/state-department-pregnant-women-birth-tourism-policy
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from _____________ to urge Rep. __________________ to block a new State Department policy that would prevent women from entering the country while they are pregnant. Aside from being a massive invasion of privacy, this sets a dangerous precedent that is just one more attempt to eliminate birthright citizenship. It is also medically dangerous. Many women come to the US because of our healthcare system, and blocking them from entering the country will put the health of pregnant mothers and their newborn children at risk. Thank you.
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
------
Remind Tillis that He hasn’t Fulfilled His Promise to Attend Town Halls:
Thom Tillis claims that we are tired of impeachment. But several hundred of his constituents have tried to tell him otherwise. Which only serves to illustrate that Tillis is not listening to his constituents, despite his promise to hold town halls all across the state. Let’s call Tillis and (1) hold him accountable by demanding that he hold or attend a town hall and (2) tell him (or his staffers) one issue where he obviously has NOT been listening to his constituents.
Details:
https://americanindependent.com/thom-tillis-town-hall-meetings-north-carolina-senator-gop-2020-election/
Yes, the above link is over a year old, but he hasn’t bothered to hold any town halls since then.
Script:
Hello, Senator Tillis, I am calling to request that you hold a public town hall that is accessible to your constituents. Town halls on military bases that are inaccessible to the public won’t cut it. We’ve called, written, and faxed with the hope of engaging in meaningful dialogue, but you haven’t responded. The best way to show that you’re willing to engage with your constituents is to speak directly with us at a town hall. Thank you.
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
-------------
EVENTS:
Empty Chair Town Hall for Senator Thom Tillis:
Speaking of town halls, we’re hosting one. Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action is sponsoring another empty chair town hall for Thom Tillis. When he was campaigning, Senator Tillis promised that he would hold town halls to meet with his voters and hear our concerns. He hasn’t done that. We’ve repeatedly invited him to our town halls. We’ve emailed, called, faxed and hand-delivered invitations. We’ve even considered a singing telegram. And yet, he never shows up. But ALL the other major candidates HAVE confirmed. Democrats Erica Smith and Cal Cunningham have stated they plan to be in attendance, along with Libertarian Shannon Bray.
While all questions are certainly welcome, the primary theme of this town hall will be healthcare. We’d like you to (1) sign up to attend and (2) come prepared with your questions about Tillis’s views on healthcare.
Event details: Empty Chair Town Hall, Thursday, February 20, 6 PM, Youngsville Community Center, 115 E Main St., Youngsville, NC.
Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/565550154026996/permalink/565550164026995
--------
Raleigh Women’s March:
The fourth Raleigh Women’s March is scheduled for this upcoming Sunday, January 26, from 12:30-3pm at Halifax Mall. Once again, Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action will be sponsoring and will have a table at the event. If you’re interested in helping us staff our table, please let us know. If you’ve commented or used our scripts but we haven’t met in person, we’d also enjoy meeting you, so please stop by. No matter what, the Women’s Marches have been galvanizing events where you can hear outstanding speakers and network with other progressives in our community.
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/426392828266564/
Donate Coats at the Women’s March to Help Raleigh’s Homeless Population:
From Tony Cope: We are collecting 'gently used' coats and winter wear for the Raleigh Women's Center. They are a severe need. We can collect these at our Moms Demand Action table on Sunday.
-----------------
Poor People’s Assembly & Moral March on Washington:
Many of us have followed the Moral Monday movement as well as the wonderful work of the Poor People’s Campaign. On June 20, 2020 people across this country will come together for a “fusion movement” that demands the adoption of a Moral Agenda. You can already RSVP for the event and start planning on how you’ll participate in this national movement. On a day in which Dr. King is nationally recognized, today is the perfect time to build upon his work and legacy by engaging in this action.
From the Poor People’s Campaign: “The fact that there are 140 million poor and low-wealth people in a country this rich is morally indefensible, constitutionally inconsistent and economically insane. We are building power for an agenda that lifts all people by challenging the interlocking injustices of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, the war economy and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism!”
Link:
https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/june2020/
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Wednesday's Actions: Impeachment, Muslim Ban, and More
****Actions 1/22/2020****
Days to Election Day:
286
Shareable Link:
https://indivisibletriangle.blogspot.com/2020/01/wednesdays-actions-impeachment-new.html
-----------
Call Out Tillis and Burr for Rejecting Witnesses:
Tillis and Burr repeatedly voted for the private interests of the Trump-GOP cartel rather than voting for a free, full impeachment trial. They voted against hearing first-hand witnesses, including Mick Mulvaney and John Bolton, despite the impeachment managers presenting compelling evidence that they witnessed criminal activity. They have also voted against the introduction of documents that would implicate Trump. Trump’s actions of withholding aid to Ukraine could have put Ukranian lives at risk. 87 Senators, including many Republicans, voted for the aid that Trump withheld. The entire GOP is now complicit with Trump’s crimes. It’s time to call out Tillis and Burr and demand that they put the interests of the country over those of their hopelessly corrupt party.
Script:
Hello, Sen. ___________, I am a constituent from __________ calling to demand that you take action to support a full and fair impeachment trial. I watched yesterday as you repeatedly against issuing subpoenas for key witnesses, including Mick Mulvaney and John Bolton. I believe that our democracy is at risk. Trump has clearly abused his power to compel a foreign power to investigate a political opponent. If he is not held accountable, this will set a dangerous precedent for future elections. It is absolutely imperative that you work to allow a full, fair impeachment trial to go forward. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
-----------
Stop Trump from Expanding Muslim Ban:
[From Muslim Advocates] Meanwhile, Trump publicly confirmed that his administration is working on an expansion of the Muslim Ban. Monday, January 27th is the third anniversary of the first Executive Order implementing the ban. AP, BuzzFeed, CNN and other media outlets have reported that the White House could announce a dramatic expansion of the ban on or around that date. The following is a statement from Muslim Advocates Executive Director Farhana Khera:
“President Trump’s plan to expand the Muslim Ban is a cowardly and reckless attempt to distract the country and sow anti-Muslim hate. The Muslim Ban was wrong in 2017 and it is wrong now.
Tens of thousands of American families are already hurting and separated because of this bigoted and cruel ban. Doubling down on it won’t make any of us safer but it will allow the president to continue using anti-Muslim hate as a political weapon.
Congress must stand up to this naked and cynical bigotry by immediately passing the NO BAN Act, a historic civil rights bill that would end this ban and all religious and nationality bans. The Muslim Ban is a grave insult to our nation’s founding commitments to religious freedom and equal treatment under the law. Congress must do everything possible to end this cruelty right now.”
The list of countries is not yet final and could be changed, but nations under consideration for new restrictions include Belarus, Myanmar (also known as Burma), Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Sudan and Tanzania.
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from ____________ calling to urge Rep./Sen. ____________ to support the NO BAN bill. I am concerned that Trump is planning to expand his Muslim ban to include several new countries. This is bigotry, pure and simple, and doubling down on hate will only serve to break up families and hurt our reputation abroad. It is also a violation of our first amendment protections of religious freedom. Please support the NO BAN bill and stand up to Trump’s attempts to expand the Muslim ban.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
-----------
Cut off Proud Boys Access to a Fundraising Tool:
For the past 6 months (at least), Proud Boys have been fundraising by selling t-shirts, hoodies, hats and more with the help of a payment gateway solution called NMI. This week at the #VirginiaRally that shut down the city of Richmond, Virginia, we could see the result of this company's negligence.
For over half a year, NMI has kept the Proud Boys in business. They're so dangerous that even Stripe, Square and PayPal refuse to work with them. So why is NMI in business with this violent white supremacist group? Help us ask their CEO.
CONTACT INFO:
Vijay Sondhi
CEO, NMI Payments
vijay.sondhi@nmi.com
------------
Sample email:
Hi Vijay,
I'm contacting you on behalf of the Sleeping Giants community. Are you aware that one of your customers, Proud Boys, is a high-profile white supremacist group?
Did you know that Proud Boys took part in the guns rights rally today that caused the governor of Virginia to declare a State of Emergency today in Richmond?
I'm contacting you to understand why you are in business with a group that exists to only engage in violence and endangers public safety.
Several Proud Boys were arrested and sent to prison for committing assault in NYC last year. Other fintech companies, including Stripe, Square and PayPal have declined to work with Proud Boys.
Why has NMI chosen to continue enabling this hate group? I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks,
[Your name]
------------
Tell Spotify to Drop White Nationalist Content:
Below is a sample tweet you can send to Spotify to demand that they stop carrying a podcast by white nationalist leader Patrick Casy.
.@SpotifyUSA Patrick Casey, leader in the American Identity Movement is still involved in white nationalist activities in the U.S. Why has you decided to continue streaming his podcast, Restoring Order, even though it violates your policy against hate speech and violence?
Days to Election Day:
286
Shareable Link:
https://indivisibletriangle.blogspot.com/2020/01/wednesdays-actions-impeachment-new.html
-----------
Call Out Tillis and Burr for Rejecting Witnesses:
Tillis and Burr repeatedly voted for the private interests of the Trump-GOP cartel rather than voting for a free, full impeachment trial. They voted against hearing first-hand witnesses, including Mick Mulvaney and John Bolton, despite the impeachment managers presenting compelling evidence that they witnessed criminal activity. They have also voted against the introduction of documents that would implicate Trump. Trump’s actions of withholding aid to Ukraine could have put Ukranian lives at risk. 87 Senators, including many Republicans, voted for the aid that Trump withheld. The entire GOP is now complicit with Trump’s crimes. It’s time to call out Tillis and Burr and demand that they put the interests of the country over those of their hopelessly corrupt party.
Script:
Hello, Sen. ___________, I am a constituent from __________ calling to demand that you take action to support a full and fair impeachment trial. I watched yesterday as you repeatedly against issuing subpoenas for key witnesses, including Mick Mulvaney and John Bolton. I believe that our democracy is at risk. Trump has clearly abused his power to compel a foreign power to investigate a political opponent. If he is not held accountable, this will set a dangerous precedent for future elections. It is absolutely imperative that you work to allow a full, fair impeachment trial to go forward. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
-----------
Stop Trump from Expanding Muslim Ban:
[From Muslim Advocates] Meanwhile, Trump publicly confirmed that his administration is working on an expansion of the Muslim Ban. Monday, January 27th is the third anniversary of the first Executive Order implementing the ban. AP, BuzzFeed, CNN and other media outlets have reported that the White House could announce a dramatic expansion of the ban on or around that date. The following is a statement from Muslim Advocates Executive Director Farhana Khera:
“President Trump’s plan to expand the Muslim Ban is a cowardly and reckless attempt to distract the country and sow anti-Muslim hate. The Muslim Ban was wrong in 2017 and it is wrong now.
Tens of thousands of American families are already hurting and separated because of this bigoted and cruel ban. Doubling down on it won’t make any of us safer but it will allow the president to continue using anti-Muslim hate as a political weapon.
Congress must stand up to this naked and cynical bigotry by immediately passing the NO BAN Act, a historic civil rights bill that would end this ban and all religious and nationality bans. The Muslim Ban is a grave insult to our nation’s founding commitments to religious freedom and equal treatment under the law. Congress must do everything possible to end this cruelty right now.”
The list of countries is not yet final and could be changed, but nations under consideration for new restrictions include Belarus, Myanmar (also known as Burma), Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Sudan and Tanzania.
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from ____________ calling to urge Rep./Sen. ____________ to support the NO BAN bill. I am concerned that Trump is planning to expand his Muslim ban to include several new countries. This is bigotry, pure and simple, and doubling down on hate will only serve to break up families and hurt our reputation abroad. It is also a violation of our first amendment protections of religious freedom. Please support the NO BAN bill and stand up to Trump’s attempts to expand the Muslim ban.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
-----------
Cut off Proud Boys Access to a Fundraising Tool:
For the past 6 months (at least), Proud Boys have been fundraising by selling t-shirts, hoodies, hats and more with the help of a payment gateway solution called NMI. This week at the #VirginiaRally that shut down the city of Richmond, Virginia, we could see the result of this company's negligence.
For over half a year, NMI has kept the Proud Boys in business. They're so dangerous that even Stripe, Square and PayPal refuse to work with them. So why is NMI in business with this violent white supremacist group? Help us ask their CEO.
CONTACT INFO:
Vijay Sondhi
CEO, NMI Payments
vijay.sondhi@nmi.com
------------
Sample email:
Hi Vijay,
I'm contacting you on behalf of the Sleeping Giants community. Are you aware that one of your customers, Proud Boys, is a high-profile white supremacist group?
Did you know that Proud Boys took part in the guns rights rally today that caused the governor of Virginia to declare a State of Emergency today in Richmond?
I'm contacting you to understand why you are in business with a group that exists to only engage in violence and endangers public safety.
Several Proud Boys were arrested and sent to prison for committing assault in NYC last year. Other fintech companies, including Stripe, Square and PayPal have declined to work with Proud Boys.
Why has NMI chosen to continue enabling this hate group? I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks,
[Your name]
------------
Tell Spotify to Drop White Nationalist Content:
Below is a sample tweet you can send to Spotify to demand that they stop carrying a podcast by white nationalist leader Patrick Casy.
.@SpotifyUSA Patrick Casey, leader in the American Identity Movement is still involved in white nationalist activities in the U.S. Why has you decided to continue streaming his podcast, Restoring Order, even though it violates your policy against hate speech and violence?
Monday, January 20, 2020
Tuesday's Action: Impeach, Raleigh Women's March, and More
****Actions 1/21/2020****
FEDERAL:
Demand the Senate Hold a Real Impeachment Trial:
Today, the House delivered articles of impeachment to the Senate, which means that the Senate must now proceed with a trial. Meanwhile, Rachel Maddow conducted a jaw-dropping interview with Lev Parnas, one of the co-conspirators in the Ukraine extortion scandal. Parnas implicated Mike Pence as being directly involved in the attempts to get Ukraine to investigate Hunter Biden. He also implicated Guliani and Bob Barr and, for good measure, Devin Nunes. He also confirmed that John Bolton (recall that he didn’t want to be a part of this “drug deal”) was not involved but that he could confirm many of these details. If we lived in a functional democracy, Trump, Pence, and Barr would all resign tomorrow, but because the Senate, so far, has shown that they will cover for Trump, we need to bring pressure on them to hold a real trial and to call witnesses that can address the truth of Parnas’s claims. We also need to dedicate DOJ resources (including a special counsel) and demand that Barr recuse himself from investigating.
Details:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/giuliani-associate-parnas-says-trump-knew-exactly-what-was-going-n1116731
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from ____________ calling to urge Sen. ______________ to follow the Constitution and work to ensure that the Senate conducts a real impeachment trial. Lev Parnas’s interview with Maddow last night contains major allegations of corruption and extortion by Trump, Pence, Barr, and Giuliani. I want you to take the process seriously and weigh the evidence impartially. It is important that you put rules in place that guarantee a genuine trial, one that includes witnesses who can speak about Trump’s interactions with Ukraine. Parnas, Bolton, and other witnesses need to testify under oath. Our democracy--and the public faith in that democracy--depend on it. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
-----------------
EVENTS:
ICE Watch Training (Durham, NC):
This event will be held Monday, January 20th (today!) from 4-5:30pm. The event is hosted by Siembra NC Solidarity Committee and Carolina Jews for Justice:
Siembra NC operates a rapid response network across I-40 that creates greater safety for our immigrant neighbors, in partnership with Siembra's undocumented leadership teams. This is the first of a series of trainings that are being put together with Never Again Action, a group of Jewish organizations acting for racial and immigrant justice. All those with driver's licenses who want to participate in Durham-area ICE Watch should attend.
If you or others looking to get involved don't live in Durham, you're welcome to come as well! This will help expand the ICE Watch coverage in as many places as possible.
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/477260649647820/
-----------------
Raleigh Women’s March:
The fourth Raleigh Women’s March is scheduled for this upcoming Sunday, January 26, from 12:30-3pm at Halifax Mall. Once again, Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action will be sponsoring and will have a table at the event. If you’re interested in helping us staff our table, please let us know. If you’ve commented or used our scripts but we haven’t met in person, we’d also enjoy meeting you, so please stop by. No matter what, the Women’s Marches have been galvanizing events where you can hear outstanding speakers and network with other progressives in our community.
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/426392828266564/
Donate Coats at the Women’s March to Help Raleigh’s Homeless Population:
From Tony Cope: We are collecting 'gently used' coats and winter wear for the Raleigh Women's Center. They are a severe need. We can collect these at our Moms Demand Action table on Sunday.
-----------------
Poor People’s Assembly & Moral March on Washington:
Many of us have followed the Moral Monday movement as well as the wonderful work of the Poor People’s Campaign. On June 20, 2020 people across this country will come together for a “fusion movement” that demands the adoption of a Moral Agenda. You can already RSVP for the event and start planning on how you’ll participate in this national movement. On a day in which Dr. King is nationally recognized, today is the perfect time to build upon his work and legacy by engaging in this action.
From the Poor People’s Campaign: “The fact that there are 140 million poor and low-wealth people in a country this rich is morally indefensible, constitutionally inconsistent and economically insane. We are building power for an agenda that lifts all people by challenging the interlocking injustices of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, the war economy and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism!”
Link:
https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/june2020/
---------
Nominate Marie Yovanovitch to JFK Profile in Courage Award:
Marie Yovanovitch has proven herself to be a brilliant advocate for standing up against corruption, testifying before Congress and fighting back against the Trump cartel's efforts to strong-arm Ukraine into announcing an investigation into Joe Biden.
Link:
https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/profile-in-courage-award/submit-a-nomination
FEDERAL:
Demand the Senate Hold a Real Impeachment Trial:
Today, the House delivered articles of impeachment to the Senate, which means that the Senate must now proceed with a trial. Meanwhile, Rachel Maddow conducted a jaw-dropping interview with Lev Parnas, one of the co-conspirators in the Ukraine extortion scandal. Parnas implicated Mike Pence as being directly involved in the attempts to get Ukraine to investigate Hunter Biden. He also implicated Guliani and Bob Barr and, for good measure, Devin Nunes. He also confirmed that John Bolton (recall that he didn’t want to be a part of this “drug deal”) was not involved but that he could confirm many of these details. If we lived in a functional democracy, Trump, Pence, and Barr would all resign tomorrow, but because the Senate, so far, has shown that they will cover for Trump, we need to bring pressure on them to hold a real trial and to call witnesses that can address the truth of Parnas’s claims. We also need to dedicate DOJ resources (including a special counsel) and demand that Barr recuse himself from investigating.
Details:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/giuliani-associate-parnas-says-trump-knew-exactly-what-was-going-n1116731
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from ____________ calling to urge Sen. ______________ to follow the Constitution and work to ensure that the Senate conducts a real impeachment trial. Lev Parnas’s interview with Maddow last night contains major allegations of corruption and extortion by Trump, Pence, Barr, and Giuliani. I want you to take the process seriously and weigh the evidence impartially. It is important that you put rules in place that guarantee a genuine trial, one that includes witnesses who can speak about Trump’s interactions with Ukraine. Parnas, Bolton, and other witnesses need to testify under oath. Our democracy--and the public faith in that democracy--depend on it. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
-----------------
EVENTS:
ICE Watch Training (Durham, NC):
This event will be held Monday, January 20th (today!) from 4-5:30pm. The event is hosted by Siembra NC Solidarity Committee and Carolina Jews for Justice:
Siembra NC operates a rapid response network across I-40 that creates greater safety for our immigrant neighbors, in partnership with Siembra's undocumented leadership teams. This is the first of a series of trainings that are being put together with Never Again Action, a group of Jewish organizations acting for racial and immigrant justice. All those with driver's licenses who want to participate in Durham-area ICE Watch should attend.
If you or others looking to get involved don't live in Durham, you're welcome to come as well! This will help expand the ICE Watch coverage in as many places as possible.
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/477260649647820/
-----------------
Raleigh Women’s March:
The fourth Raleigh Women’s March is scheduled for this upcoming Sunday, January 26, from 12:30-3pm at Halifax Mall. Once again, Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action will be sponsoring and will have a table at the event. If you’re interested in helping us staff our table, please let us know. If you’ve commented or used our scripts but we haven’t met in person, we’d also enjoy meeting you, so please stop by. No matter what, the Women’s Marches have been galvanizing events where you can hear outstanding speakers and network with other progressives in our community.
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/426392828266564/
Donate Coats at the Women’s March to Help Raleigh’s Homeless Population:
From Tony Cope: We are collecting 'gently used' coats and winter wear for the Raleigh Women's Center. They are a severe need. We can collect these at our Moms Demand Action table on Sunday.
-----------------
Poor People’s Assembly & Moral March on Washington:
Many of us have followed the Moral Monday movement as well as the wonderful work of the Poor People’s Campaign. On June 20, 2020 people across this country will come together for a “fusion movement” that demands the adoption of a Moral Agenda. You can already RSVP for the event and start planning on how you’ll participate in this national movement. On a day in which Dr. King is nationally recognized, today is the perfect time to build upon his work and legacy by engaging in this action.
From the Poor People’s Campaign: “The fact that there are 140 million poor and low-wealth people in a country this rich is morally indefensible, constitutionally inconsistent and economically insane. We are building power for an agenda that lifts all people by challenging the interlocking injustices of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, the war economy and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism!”
Link:
https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/june2020/
---------
Nominate Marie Yovanovitch to JFK Profile in Courage Award:
Marie Yovanovitch has proven herself to be a brilliant advocate for standing up against corruption, testifying before Congress and fighting back against the Trump cartel's efforts to strong-arm Ukraine into announcing an investigation into Joe Biden.
Link:
https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/profile-in-courage-award/submit-a-nomination
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Thursday Actions: Impeachment, Abortion Rights, Healthcare and More
****Actions 1/16/2020****
FEDERAL:
Demand the Senate Hold a Real Impeachment Trial:
Today, the House delivered articles of impeachment to the Senate, which means that the Senate must now proceed with a trial. Meanwhile, Rachel Maddow conducted a jaw-dropping interview with Lev Parnas, one of the co-conspirators in the Ukraine extortion scandal. Parnas implicated Mike Pence as being directly involved in the attempts to get Ukraine to investigate Hunter Biden. He also implicated Guliani and Bob Barr and, for good measure, Devin Nunes. He also confirmed that John Bolton (recall that he didn’t want to be a part of this “drug deal”) was not involved but that he could confirm many of these details. If we lived in a functional democracy, Trump, Pence, and Barr would all resign tomorrow, but because the Senate, so far, has shown that they will cover for Trump, we need to bring pressure on them to hold a real trial and to call witnesses that can address the truth of Parnas’s claims. We also need to dedicate DOJ resources (including a special counsel) and demand that Barr recuse himself from investigating.
Details:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/giuliani-associate-parnas-says-trump-knew-exactly-what-was-going-n1116731
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from ____________ calling to urge Sen. ______________ to follow the Constitution and work to ensure that the Senate conducts a real impeachment trial. Lev Parnas’s interview with Maddow last night contains major allegations of corruption and extortion by Trump, Pence, Barr, and Giuliani. I want you to take the process seriously and weigh the evidence impartially. It is important that you put rules in place that guarantee a genuine trial, one that includes witnesses who can speak about Trump’s interactions with Ukraine. Parnas, Bolton, and other witnesses need to testify under oath. Our democracy--and the public faith in that democracy--depend on it. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
-----------------
EVENTS/OPPORTUNITIES:
Protest the Raleigh March for Life:
[From NARAL Pro-Choice Nortg Carolina]. Abortion access is a human right, and a right that is increasingly under attack. Join us for our fifth year of dancing, celebrating abortion access, and counter protesting the March for Life in Raleigh. Since 2016 abortion rights supporters have gathered on the lawn in front of the NC State Archives building, blasting some rad dance tunes, showing off our finest moves, and holding up our most fabulous protest signs.
Our message will be clear: Abortion access is a human right, abortion is a social good, and we will NOT lay down and allow Roe to be taken from us without a fight. The counter of the March for Life is a fun way to show the anti-abortion folks who attend that they do not hold the majority opinion. Additionally, hundreds of middle and high school aged kids are bused in from their faith based private schools and as such are forced to march. Our presence reassures these kids that folks out there support their bodily autonomy.
Location:
Saturday, January 18, at 12 PM – 2:30 PM
108 E Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601-1024, United States
Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/438988543470372/
----------------
Empty Chair Town Hall for Senator Thom Tillis:
Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action is sponsoring another empty chair town hall for Thom Tillis. When he was campaigning, Senator Tillis promised that he would hold town halls to meet with his voters and hear our concerns. He hasn’t done that. We’ve repeatedly invited him to our town halls. We’ve emailed, called, and hand-delivered invitations. And yet, he never shows up. But ALL the other major candidates HAVE confirmed. Democrats Erica Smith and Cal Cunningham have stated they plan to be in attendance, along with Libertarian Shannon Bray.
While all questions are certainly welcome, the primary theme of this town hall will be healthcare. We’d like you to (1) sign up to attend and (2) come prepared with your questions about Tillis’s views on healthcare.
Event details: Empty Chair Town Hall, Thursday, February 20, 6 PM, Youngsville Community Center, 115 E Main St., Youngsville, NC.
Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/565550154026996/permalink/565550164026995
--------
Healthcare Advocacy Organizing Meeting:
[From Stacie Borrello, Piedmont Rising] We are bringing people together who want to advocate for healthcare, hold our reps accountable, and boost voter engagement in 2020. Are your or someone you know struggling under the burden of unaffordable healthcare or medications - and would you like to help open minds and change hearts by sharing your personal experience? Are you fed up with Big Pharma price hikes, which put needed medications out of the reach of the people who need them? Do you want to take action together with others to hold our representatives accountable for their votes to repeal healthcare protections and demand better representation in Washington?
Join an organizing meeting led by a Piedmont Rising healthcare fellow at the Cary Regional Library's Conference Room on Saturday, Jan 25 at 9:30 am.
You'll find out what the organization is working on in the local area to elevate healthcare as a critical issue that impacts voters - and how you can get involved, such as by sharing personal struggles with the healthcare system, becoming an advocacy leader in your circles, and participating in group actions that raise community awareness and get the attention of our legislative leaders.
The library is located at 315 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27511.
Please contact the event host (Stacie Borrello) with any questions.
About Piedmont Rising:
Piedmont Rising is a North Carolina non-profit dedicated to the values that North Carolinians care about, including the fight for more affordable, accessible health care. For too many North Carolinians, rising premiums, steep out-of-pocket costs, and increased prescription drug prices are making health care expensive and difficult to reach. Getting the care you need shouldn’t come at the expense of paying bills, building savings, or putting food on the table. And since our leaders aren’t fighting for us, we’re fighting back.
Event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/2650124248406656/
--------
Postcards for Wisconsin:
Indivisible Chicago Alliance and the same team that organized 200,000 handwritten postcards to voters in IL-6 in 2018 have partnered up to organize this project.
Help us send 500,000 handwritten postcards to voters ahead of the April 7th Wisconsin primary. Voters will be more likely to vote in the primary AND the general election in November.
Link:
https://www.postcards2wi.com/
----------
Raleigh Women’s March:
The fourth Raleigh Women’s March is scheduled for Sunday, January 26, from 12:30-3 at Halifax Mall. Once again, Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action will be sponsoring and will have a table at the event. If you’re interested in helping us staff our table, please let me know. If you’ve commented or used our scripts but we haven’t met in person, I’d also enjoy meeting you, so please stop by. No matter what, the women’s Marches have been galvanizing events where you can hear outstanding speakers and network with other progressives in our community.
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/426392828266564/
FEDERAL:
Demand the Senate Hold a Real Impeachment Trial:
Today, the House delivered articles of impeachment to the Senate, which means that the Senate must now proceed with a trial. Meanwhile, Rachel Maddow conducted a jaw-dropping interview with Lev Parnas, one of the co-conspirators in the Ukraine extortion scandal. Parnas implicated Mike Pence as being directly involved in the attempts to get Ukraine to investigate Hunter Biden. He also implicated Guliani and Bob Barr and, for good measure, Devin Nunes. He also confirmed that John Bolton (recall that he didn’t want to be a part of this “drug deal”) was not involved but that he could confirm many of these details. If we lived in a functional democracy, Trump, Pence, and Barr would all resign tomorrow, but because the Senate, so far, has shown that they will cover for Trump, we need to bring pressure on them to hold a real trial and to call witnesses that can address the truth of Parnas’s claims. We also need to dedicate DOJ resources (including a special counsel) and demand that Barr recuse himself from investigating.
Details:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/giuliani-associate-parnas-says-trump-knew-exactly-what-was-going-n1116731
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from ____________ calling to urge Sen. ______________ to follow the Constitution and work to ensure that the Senate conducts a real impeachment trial. Lev Parnas’s interview with Maddow last night contains major allegations of corruption and extortion by Trump, Pence, Barr, and Giuliani. I want you to take the process seriously and weigh the evidence impartially. It is important that you put rules in place that guarantee a genuine trial, one that includes witnesses who can speak about Trump’s interactions with Ukraine. Parnas, Bolton, and other witnesses need to testify under oath. Our democracy--and the public faith in that democracy--depend on it. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
-----------------
EVENTS/OPPORTUNITIES:
Protest the Raleigh March for Life:
[From NARAL Pro-Choice Nortg Carolina]. Abortion access is a human right, and a right that is increasingly under attack. Join us for our fifth year of dancing, celebrating abortion access, and counter protesting the March for Life in Raleigh. Since 2016 abortion rights supporters have gathered on the lawn in front of the NC State Archives building, blasting some rad dance tunes, showing off our finest moves, and holding up our most fabulous protest signs.
Our message will be clear: Abortion access is a human right, abortion is a social good, and we will NOT lay down and allow Roe to be taken from us without a fight. The counter of the March for Life is a fun way to show the anti-abortion folks who attend that they do not hold the majority opinion. Additionally, hundreds of middle and high school aged kids are bused in from their faith based private schools and as such are forced to march. Our presence reassures these kids that folks out there support their bodily autonomy.
Location:
Saturday, January 18, at 12 PM – 2:30 PM
108 E Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601-1024, United States
Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/438988543470372/
----------------
Empty Chair Town Hall for Senator Thom Tillis:
Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action is sponsoring another empty chair town hall for Thom Tillis. When he was campaigning, Senator Tillis promised that he would hold town halls to meet with his voters and hear our concerns. He hasn’t done that. We’ve repeatedly invited him to our town halls. We’ve emailed, called, and hand-delivered invitations. And yet, he never shows up. But ALL the other major candidates HAVE confirmed. Democrats Erica Smith and Cal Cunningham have stated they plan to be in attendance, along with Libertarian Shannon Bray.
While all questions are certainly welcome, the primary theme of this town hall will be healthcare. We’d like you to (1) sign up to attend and (2) come prepared with your questions about Tillis’s views on healthcare.
Event details: Empty Chair Town Hall, Thursday, February 20, 6 PM, Youngsville Community Center, 115 E Main St., Youngsville, NC.
Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/565550154026996/permalink/565550164026995
--------
Healthcare Advocacy Organizing Meeting:
[From Stacie Borrello, Piedmont Rising] We are bringing people together who want to advocate for healthcare, hold our reps accountable, and boost voter engagement in 2020. Are your or someone you know struggling under the burden of unaffordable healthcare or medications - and would you like to help open minds and change hearts by sharing your personal experience? Are you fed up with Big Pharma price hikes, which put needed medications out of the reach of the people who need them? Do you want to take action together with others to hold our representatives accountable for their votes to repeal healthcare protections and demand better representation in Washington?
Join an organizing meeting led by a Piedmont Rising healthcare fellow at the Cary Regional Library's Conference Room on Saturday, Jan 25 at 9:30 am.
You'll find out what the organization is working on in the local area to elevate healthcare as a critical issue that impacts voters - and how you can get involved, such as by sharing personal struggles with the healthcare system, becoming an advocacy leader in your circles, and participating in group actions that raise community awareness and get the attention of our legislative leaders.
The library is located at 315 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27511.
Please contact the event host (Stacie Borrello) with any questions.
About Piedmont Rising:
Piedmont Rising is a North Carolina non-profit dedicated to the values that North Carolinians care about, including the fight for more affordable, accessible health care. For too many North Carolinians, rising premiums, steep out-of-pocket costs, and increased prescription drug prices are making health care expensive and difficult to reach. Getting the care you need shouldn’t come at the expense of paying bills, building savings, or putting food on the table. And since our leaders aren’t fighting for us, we’re fighting back.
Event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/2650124248406656/
--------
Postcards for Wisconsin:
Indivisible Chicago Alliance and the same team that organized 200,000 handwritten postcards to voters in IL-6 in 2018 have partnered up to organize this project.
Help us send 500,000 handwritten postcards to voters ahead of the April 7th Wisconsin primary. Voters will be more likely to vote in the primary AND the general election in November.
Link:
https://www.postcards2wi.com/
----------
Raleigh Women’s March:
The fourth Raleigh Women’s March is scheduled for Sunday, January 26, from 12:30-3 at Halifax Mall. Once again, Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action will be sponsoring and will have a table at the event. If you’re interested in helping us staff our table, please let me know. If you’ve commented or used our scripts but we haven’t met in person, I’d also enjoy meeting you, so please stop by. No matter what, the women’s Marches have been galvanizing events where you can hear outstanding speakers and network with other progressives in our community.
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/426392828266564/
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Wednesday Actions: War Powers, SNAP, Campaign Opportunities
****Actions 1/15/2020****
FEDERAL:
Support Congress’ Reclamation of War Powers:
After the House passed a war powers resolution last week, the Senate must now decide how to proceed. While there may be some disagreement when it comes to strategy (see “Details” below), we can still send a firm message that the White House must seek Congressional approval before the use of military action.
Details:
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/477763-democrats-conflicted-over-how-to-limit-trumps-war-powers
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling to urge Sen. ____________ to support Congress’ efforts to reclaim its authority when it comes to the authorization of military force. Donald Trump has offered no evidence that Iran represented an imminent threat, and Congress needs to be granted the authority to block wars that will threaten the lives of those at home and abroad. Thank you for your time.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
------------
Restore SNAP Benefits:
[Updated] The Trump administration recently formalized work requirements for recipients of food stamps, a move that will cause hundreds of thousands of people to lose access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. Changes to the rule will take effect April 1. The USDA rule change affects people between the ages of 18 and 49 who are childless and not disabled. Under current rules, this group is required to work at least 20 hours a week for more than three months over a 36-month period to qualify for food stamps, but states have been able to create waivers for areas that face high unemployment.
The new rule would limit states from waiving those standards, instead restricting their use to those areas that have a 6 percent unemployment rate or higher. The national unemployment rate in October was 3.6 percent. Approximately 700,000 people would lose their SNAP benefits because of this new rule. This rule, of course, would do nothing to get people back to work. Instead, it would strip away an important benefit that people desperately need while seeking work. Both the Senate and the House have rejected work requirements in the past, usually in massive bipartisan fashion. Trump is trying to engage in a workaround here by changing the rule within the USDA, but that doesn't mean Congress can't push back against it. Meanwhile, the House (including a large number of Democrats) overwhelmingly passed a $780 billion defense authorization that includes money for Trump’s Space Force, a giveaway to government contractors.
Details:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nearly-700-000-will-lose-food-stamps-usda-work-requirement-n1095726
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ____________ to urge Rep./Sen. ___________ to repeal a new USDA rule that would essentially require people to work in order to get SNAP benefits. This rule would take SNAP benefits from nearly 700,000 people, and it will do nothing to reduce unemployment. It’s absurd that you are willing to spend billions for a completely worthless Space Force program, but we don’t have enough money to provide food for people who need it. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
---------------
EVENT/VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY:
Get Out the Vote:
With the election fast approaching--and with the NCGA on a break until April--I’m going to be trying to compile volunteer opportunities here to get involved in campaigns. I try as much as possible to stay out of primaries here, BUT there are plenty of ways to encourage people to get out to vote, to work for voting rights, to canvas, phone bank, text bank, and more. When more people vote, we win. I’ll try to monitor comments, so if you have any volunteer opportunities, please post them in the comments.
Empty Chair Town Hall for Senator Thom Tillis:
Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action is sponsoring another empty chair town hall for Thom Tillis. When he was campaigning, Senator Tillis promised that he would hold town halls to meet with his voters and hear our concerns. He hasn’t done that. We’ve repeatedly invited him to our town halls. We’ve emailed, called, and hand-delivered invitations. And yet, he never shows up. But ALL the other major candidates HAVE confirmed. Democrats Erica Smith and Cal Cunningham have stated they plan to be in attendance, along with Libertarian Shannon Bray.
While all questions are certainly welcome, the primary theme of this town hall will be healthcare. We’d like you to (1) sign up to attend and (2) come prepared with your questions about Tillis’s views on healthcare.
Event details: Empty Chair Town Hall, Thursday, February 20, 6 PM, Youngsville Community Center, 115 E Main St., Youngsville, NC.
Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/565550154026996/permalink/565550164026995
--------
Healthcare Advocacy Organizing Meeting:
[From Stacie Borrello, Piedmont Rising] We are bringing people together who want to advocate for healthcare, hold our reps accountable, and boost voter engagement in 2020. Are your or someone you know struggling under the burden of unaffordable healthcare or medications - and would you like to help open minds and change hearts by sharing your personal experience? Are you fed up with Big Pharma price hikes, which put needed medications out of the reach of the people who need them? Do you want to take action together with others to hold our representatives accountable for their votes to repeal healthcare protections and demand better representation in Washington?
Join an organizing meeting led by a Piedmont Rising healthcare fellow at the Cary Regional Library's Conference Room on Saturday, Jan 25 at 9:30 am.
You'll find out what the organization is working on in the local area to elevate healthcare as a critical issue that impacts voters - and how you can get involved, such as by sharing personal struggles with the healthcare system, becoming an advocacy leader in your circles, and participating in group actions that raise community awareness and get the attention of our legislative leaders.
The library is located at 315 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27511.
Please contact the event host (Stacie Borrello) with any questions.
About Piedmont Rising:
Piedmont Rising is a North Carolina non-profit dedicated to the values that North Carolinians care about, including the fight for more affordable, accessible health care. For too many North Carolinians, rising premiums, steep out-of-pocket costs, and increased prescription drug prices are making health care expensive and difficult to reach. Getting the care you need shouldn’t come at the expense of paying bills, building savings, or putting food on the table. And since our leaders aren’t fighting for us, we’re fighting back.
Event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/2650124248406656/
--------
Postcards for Wisconsin:
Indivisible Chicago Alliance and the same team that organized 200,000 handwritten postcards to voters in IL-6 in 2018 have partnered up to organize this project.
Help us send 500,000 handwritten postcards to voters ahead of the April 7th Wisconsin primary. Voters will be more likely to vote in the primary AND the general election in November.
Link:
https://www.postcards2wi.com/
----------
Raleigh Women’s March:
The fourth Raleigh Women’s March is scheduled for Sunday, January 26, from 12:30-3 at Halifax Mall. Once again, Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action will be sponsoring and will have a table at the event. If you’re interested in helping us staff our table, please let me know. If you’ve commented or used our scripts but we haven’t met in person, I’d also enjoy meeting you, so please stop by. No matter what, the women’s Marches have been galvanizing events where you can hear outstanding speakers and network with other progressives in our community.
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/426392828266564/
FEDERAL:
Support Congress’ Reclamation of War Powers:
After the House passed a war powers resolution last week, the Senate must now decide how to proceed. While there may be some disagreement when it comes to strategy (see “Details” below), we can still send a firm message that the White House must seek Congressional approval before the use of military action.
Details:
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/477763-democrats-conflicted-over-how-to-limit-trumps-war-powers
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling to urge Sen. ____________ to support Congress’ efforts to reclaim its authority when it comes to the authorization of military force. Donald Trump has offered no evidence that Iran represented an imminent threat, and Congress needs to be granted the authority to block wars that will threaten the lives of those at home and abroad. Thank you for your time.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
------------
Restore SNAP Benefits:
[Updated] The Trump administration recently formalized work requirements for recipients of food stamps, a move that will cause hundreds of thousands of people to lose access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. Changes to the rule will take effect April 1. The USDA rule change affects people between the ages of 18 and 49 who are childless and not disabled. Under current rules, this group is required to work at least 20 hours a week for more than three months over a 36-month period to qualify for food stamps, but states have been able to create waivers for areas that face high unemployment.
The new rule would limit states from waiving those standards, instead restricting their use to those areas that have a 6 percent unemployment rate or higher. The national unemployment rate in October was 3.6 percent. Approximately 700,000 people would lose their SNAP benefits because of this new rule. This rule, of course, would do nothing to get people back to work. Instead, it would strip away an important benefit that people desperately need while seeking work. Both the Senate and the House have rejected work requirements in the past, usually in massive bipartisan fashion. Trump is trying to engage in a workaround here by changing the rule within the USDA, but that doesn't mean Congress can't push back against it. Meanwhile, the House (including a large number of Democrats) overwhelmingly passed a $780 billion defense authorization that includes money for Trump’s Space Force, a giveaway to government contractors.
Details:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nearly-700-000-will-lose-food-stamps-usda-work-requirement-n1095726
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ____________ to urge Rep./Sen. ___________ to repeal a new USDA rule that would essentially require people to work in order to get SNAP benefits. This rule would take SNAP benefits from nearly 700,000 people, and it will do nothing to reduce unemployment. It’s absurd that you are willing to spend billions for a completely worthless Space Force program, but we don’t have enough money to provide food for people who need it. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
---------------
EVENT/VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY:
Get Out the Vote:
With the election fast approaching--and with the NCGA on a break until April--I’m going to be trying to compile volunteer opportunities here to get involved in campaigns. I try as much as possible to stay out of primaries here, BUT there are plenty of ways to encourage people to get out to vote, to work for voting rights, to canvas, phone bank, text bank, and more. When more people vote, we win. I’ll try to monitor comments, so if you have any volunteer opportunities, please post them in the comments.
Empty Chair Town Hall for Senator Thom Tillis:
Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action is sponsoring another empty chair town hall for Thom Tillis. When he was campaigning, Senator Tillis promised that he would hold town halls to meet with his voters and hear our concerns. He hasn’t done that. We’ve repeatedly invited him to our town halls. We’ve emailed, called, and hand-delivered invitations. And yet, he never shows up. But ALL the other major candidates HAVE confirmed. Democrats Erica Smith and Cal Cunningham have stated they plan to be in attendance, along with Libertarian Shannon Bray.
While all questions are certainly welcome, the primary theme of this town hall will be healthcare. We’d like you to (1) sign up to attend and (2) come prepared with your questions about Tillis’s views on healthcare.
Event details: Empty Chair Town Hall, Thursday, February 20, 6 PM, Youngsville Community Center, 115 E Main St., Youngsville, NC.
Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/565550154026996/permalink/565550164026995
--------
Healthcare Advocacy Organizing Meeting:
[From Stacie Borrello, Piedmont Rising] We are bringing people together who want to advocate for healthcare, hold our reps accountable, and boost voter engagement in 2020. Are your or someone you know struggling under the burden of unaffordable healthcare or medications - and would you like to help open minds and change hearts by sharing your personal experience? Are you fed up with Big Pharma price hikes, which put needed medications out of the reach of the people who need them? Do you want to take action together with others to hold our representatives accountable for their votes to repeal healthcare protections and demand better representation in Washington?
Join an organizing meeting led by a Piedmont Rising healthcare fellow at the Cary Regional Library's Conference Room on Saturday, Jan 25 at 9:30 am.
You'll find out what the organization is working on in the local area to elevate healthcare as a critical issue that impacts voters - and how you can get involved, such as by sharing personal struggles with the healthcare system, becoming an advocacy leader in your circles, and participating in group actions that raise community awareness and get the attention of our legislative leaders.
The library is located at 315 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27511.
Please contact the event host (Stacie Borrello) with any questions.
About Piedmont Rising:
Piedmont Rising is a North Carolina non-profit dedicated to the values that North Carolinians care about, including the fight for more affordable, accessible health care. For too many North Carolinians, rising premiums, steep out-of-pocket costs, and increased prescription drug prices are making health care expensive and difficult to reach. Getting the care you need shouldn’t come at the expense of paying bills, building savings, or putting food on the table. And since our leaders aren’t fighting for us, we’re fighting back.
Event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/2650124248406656/
--------
Postcards for Wisconsin:
Indivisible Chicago Alliance and the same team that organized 200,000 handwritten postcards to voters in IL-6 in 2018 have partnered up to organize this project.
Help us send 500,000 handwritten postcards to voters ahead of the April 7th Wisconsin primary. Voters will be more likely to vote in the primary AND the general election in November.
Link:
https://www.postcards2wi.com/
----------
Raleigh Women’s March:
The fourth Raleigh Women’s March is scheduled for Sunday, January 26, from 12:30-3 at Halifax Mall. Once again, Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action will be sponsoring and will have a table at the event. If you’re interested in helping us staff our table, please let me know. If you’ve commented or used our scripts but we haven’t met in person, I’d also enjoy meeting you, so please stop by. No matter what, the women’s Marches have been galvanizing events where you can hear outstanding speakers and network with other progressives in our community.
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/426392828266564/
Monday, January 13, 2020
Tuesday Actions: Impeachment, Gun Safety, State Budget and More
****Actions 1/14/2020****
FEDERAL:
Demand the Senate Hold a Real Impeachment Trial:
The impeachment still has not gone to the Senate, where the Senate is obligated to hold a trial. McConnell, Graham, and our very own Senator, Thom Tillis, have already stated that they will not convict. Graham is so sure that Trump is innocent that he won’t even look at the evidence--which makes total sense! The House has done its job, and now it is time for the Senate to step up and hold a real trial. Let’s call on Senator Burr and Tillis to do that.
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from ____________ calling to urge Sen. ______________ to follow the Constitution and work to ensure that the Senate conducts a real trial. I want you to take the process seriously and weigh the evidence impartially. It is important that you work with House Democrats to make sure that the rules put in place guarantee a genuine trial. Our democracy--and the public faith in that democracy--depend on it. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
--------------
Empty Chair Town Hall for Senator Thom Tillis:
Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action is sponsoring another empty chair town hall for Thom Tillis. When he was campaigning, Senator Tillis promised that he would hold town halls to meet with his voters and hear our concerns. He hasn’t done that. We’ve repeatedly invited him to our town halls. We’ve emailed, called, and hand-delivered invitations. And yet, he never shows up.
While all questions are certainly welcome, the primary theme of this town hall will be healthcare. We’d like you to (1) sign up to attend and (2) come prepared with your questions about Tillis’s views on healthcare.
Event details: Empty Chair Town Hall, Thursday, February 20, 6 PM, Youngsville Community Center, 115 E Main St., Youngsville, NC.
Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/565550154026996/permalink/565550164026995
STATE:
Budget:
As of now, it looks like the NCGA will return for a special session on Tuesday, January 14th. While the NC Senate must sustain the Governor’s veto, we must also continue to push for raises for our teachers, school staff, and the expansion of Medicaid.
Details:
https://www.wral.com/short-end-for-a-long-legislative-session/18874612/
Script:
Hello my name is __________ and I am a constituent living in zip code ___. I’m calling today to demand that Sen. _________ uphold the Governor’s veto of the budget and then negotiate a budget that works for all North Carolinians. In particular, teachers and other school employees deserve substantial raises. In addition, we must expand Medicaid to ensure that the health of North Carolinians is prioritized. We also need to ensure that DEQ has the resources necessary to ensure that we have clean drinking water. Thank you for taking my call.
State Contact Numbers:
NC Senate: http://bit.ly/2DamgAn
--------------------
Urgent Action from Moms Demand Action:
Moms Demand Action wants everyone possible to show up Wednesday at the NCGA wearing red to welcome lawmakers as they gavel in to complete the 2019 legislative session (the one that should have ended in, like, May of last year). We need to remind our lawmakers that we want them to enact common sense gun laws.
Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/476915136538764/
RSVP Here:
https://act.everytown.org/event/moms-demand-action-event/30754/
--------------
EVENT:
Raleigh Women’s March:
The fourth Raleigh Women’s March is scheduled for Sunday, January 26, from 12:30-3 at Halifax Mall. Once again, Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action will be sponsoring and will have a table at the event. If you’re interested in helping us staff our table, please let me know. If you’ve commented or used our scripts but we haven’t met in person, I’d also enjoy meeting you, so please stop by. No matter what, the women’s Marches have been galvanizing events where you can hear outstanding speakers and network with other progressives in our community.
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/426392828266564/
FEDERAL:
Demand the Senate Hold a Real Impeachment Trial:
The impeachment still has not gone to the Senate, where the Senate is obligated to hold a trial. McConnell, Graham, and our very own Senator, Thom Tillis, have already stated that they will not convict. Graham is so sure that Trump is innocent that he won’t even look at the evidence--which makes total sense! The House has done its job, and now it is time for the Senate to step up and hold a real trial. Let’s call on Senator Burr and Tillis to do that.
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from ____________ calling to urge Sen. ______________ to follow the Constitution and work to ensure that the Senate conducts a real trial. I want you to take the process seriously and weigh the evidence impartially. It is important that you work with House Democrats to make sure that the rules put in place guarantee a genuine trial. Our democracy--and the public faith in that democracy--depend on it. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
--------------
Empty Chair Town Hall for Senator Thom Tillis:
Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action is sponsoring another empty chair town hall for Thom Tillis. When he was campaigning, Senator Tillis promised that he would hold town halls to meet with his voters and hear our concerns. He hasn’t done that. We’ve repeatedly invited him to our town halls. We’ve emailed, called, and hand-delivered invitations. And yet, he never shows up.
While all questions are certainly welcome, the primary theme of this town hall will be healthcare. We’d like you to (1) sign up to attend and (2) come prepared with your questions about Tillis’s views on healthcare.
Event details: Empty Chair Town Hall, Thursday, February 20, 6 PM, Youngsville Community Center, 115 E Main St., Youngsville, NC.
Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/565550154026996/permalink/565550164026995
STATE:
Budget:
As of now, it looks like the NCGA will return for a special session on Tuesday, January 14th. While the NC Senate must sustain the Governor’s veto, we must also continue to push for raises for our teachers, school staff, and the expansion of Medicaid.
Details:
https://www.wral.com/short-end-for-a-long-legislative-session/18874612/
Script:
Hello my name is __________ and I am a constituent living in zip code ___. I’m calling today to demand that Sen. _________ uphold the Governor’s veto of the budget and then negotiate a budget that works for all North Carolinians. In particular, teachers and other school employees deserve substantial raises. In addition, we must expand Medicaid to ensure that the health of North Carolinians is prioritized. We also need to ensure that DEQ has the resources necessary to ensure that we have clean drinking water. Thank you for taking my call.
State Contact Numbers:
NC Senate: http://bit.ly/2DamgAn
--------------------
Urgent Action from Moms Demand Action:
Moms Demand Action wants everyone possible to show up Wednesday at the NCGA wearing red to welcome lawmakers as they gavel in to complete the 2019 legislative session (the one that should have ended in, like, May of last year). We need to remind our lawmakers that we want them to enact common sense gun laws.
Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/476915136538764/
RSVP Here:
https://act.everytown.org/event/moms-demand-action-event/30754/
--------------
EVENT:
Raleigh Women’s March:
The fourth Raleigh Women’s March is scheduled for Sunday, January 26, from 12:30-3 at Halifax Mall. Once again, Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action will be sponsoring and will have a table at the event. If you’re interested in helping us staff our table, please let me know. If you’ve commented or used our scripts but we haven’t met in person, I’d also enjoy meeting you, so please stop by. No matter what, the women’s Marches have been galvanizing events where you can hear outstanding speakers and network with other progressives in our community.
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/426392828266564/
Sunday, January 12, 2020
Monday Actions: war Powers, State Budget, Immigration, and More
****Actions 1/13/2020****
LOCAL:
ICE Watch Training (Durham, NC):
This action comes from a fellow Indivisible member (thanks Kate Hill!):
Frustrated by ICE and want to do something to help out? Siembra NC, a community organizing group for immigrants and undocumented members of our community, along with Carolina Jews for Justice, is hosting a training on MLK day to learn how to participate in ICE watch. Come learn how to keep our community safe through direct action!
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/477260649647820/
----------------
STATE:
Anti-Racism:
This action comes from a group known as “Smash Racism Raleigh”:
The Sons of Confederate Veterans are planning on hosting their annual national conference, the Stephen D. Lee Institute, in Raleigh this year. Giving this racist group, which has connections to the KKK and other violent white-supremacist groups, a platform to preach their hatred puts our community in danger. The hotel company hosting this racist conference has yet to cancel the event and stand up for the safety and security of their other guests.
Script
Hello, my name is ________ and I am calling in regards to the Stephen D. Lee Institute conference your hotel/company is hosting from February 28th to 29th. This conference is run by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a group that upholds racist ideologies and has known connections to the KKK and other violent white-supremacist organizations. By allowing this group to gather and preach hatred within your hotel, you are jeopardizing the safety of your other hotel guests. We ask that you do not allow this event to take place by cancelling the Sons of Confederate Veteran’s discounted room rates and not giving them a platform to speak hate within your buildings.
Contact Numbers
On Monday, January 13th please call the hotels and hotel company and ask them to cancel the SCV conference between the hours of 9am-9pm.
Winwood Hospitality: (919) 468-9190
Embassy Suites: (919) 572-2200
Hampton Inn & Suites: (919) 484-0500
----------------
Budget:
As of now, it looks like the NCGA will return for a special session on Tuesday, January 14th. While the NC Senate must sustain the Governor’s veto, we must also continue to push for raises for our teachers, school staff, and the expansion of Medicaid.
Details:
https://www.wral.com/short-end-for-a-long-legislative-session/18874612/
Script:
Hello my name is __________ and I am a constituent living in zip code ___. I’m calling today to demand that Sen. _________ uphold the Governor’s veto of the budget and then negotiate a budget that works for all North Carolinians. In particular, teachers and other school employees deserve substantial raises. In addition, we must expand Medicaid to ensure that the health of North Carolinians is prioritized.. Thank you for taking my call.
State Contact Numbers:
NC Senate: http://bit.ly/2DamgAn
----------------
FEDERAL:
Support Congress’ Reclamation of War Powers:
After the House passed a war powers resolution last week, the Senate must now decide how to proceed. While there may be some disagreement when it comes to strategy (see “Details” below), we can still send a firm message that the White House must seek Congressional approval before the use of military action.
Details:
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/477763-democrats-conflicted-over-how-to-limit-trumps-war-powers
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling to urge Sen. ____________ to support Congress’ efforts to reclaim its authority when it comes to the authorization of military force. Donald Trump has offered no evidence that Iran represented an imminent threat, and Congress needs to be granted the authority to block wars that will threaten the lives of those at home and abroad. Thank you for your time.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
----------
Support the Safety of Rural America:
The Trump Administration has consistently rolled-back environmental protections and community safeguards. Seeking to expand the U.S. export market for liquified natural gas, the White House issued an executive order last year that now has the Department of Transportation planning to expand the transportation of natural gas by rail tank car. Groups like “Appalachian Voices” are asking for the public to submit comments to the DOT by the end of today (January 13th).
Details:
https://www.desmogblog.com/2019/10/25/trump-phmsa-rule-proposed-natural-gas-lng-rail?fbclid=IwAR1aYvv0lzEKVIUNmHwHdoYwiMZywj8Ybt_Sabp_rutzwkRfl2gjeSM49Kc
Sample Comment:
I am deeply concerned by the proposed changes to safety standards that would allow the bulk transport of liquefied natural gas via rail tank cars. This change jeopardizes the safety of surrounding communities as well as the well-being of our environment. Please prioritize the well-being of others and forego these changes.
Link for Comments:
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=PHMSA-2018-0025-0002&fbclid=IwAR04RKCXVF9M2vzKZl31wp5_wuMTS8MBhldE-1lStjmGPGAj0WfeC6RCxuk
LOCAL:
ICE Watch Training (Durham, NC):
This action comes from a fellow Indivisible member (thanks Kate Hill!):
Frustrated by ICE and want to do something to help out? Siembra NC, a community organizing group for immigrants and undocumented members of our community, along with Carolina Jews for Justice, is hosting a training on MLK day to learn how to participate in ICE watch. Come learn how to keep our community safe through direct action!
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/477260649647820/
----------------
STATE:
Anti-Racism:
This action comes from a group known as “Smash Racism Raleigh”:
The Sons of Confederate Veterans are planning on hosting their annual national conference, the Stephen D. Lee Institute, in Raleigh this year. Giving this racist group, which has connections to the KKK and other violent white-supremacist groups, a platform to preach their hatred puts our community in danger. The hotel company hosting this racist conference has yet to cancel the event and stand up for the safety and security of their other guests.
Script
Hello, my name is ________ and I am calling in regards to the Stephen D. Lee Institute conference your hotel/company is hosting from February 28th to 29th. This conference is run by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a group that upholds racist ideologies and has known connections to the KKK and other violent white-supremacist organizations. By allowing this group to gather and preach hatred within your hotel, you are jeopardizing the safety of your other hotel guests. We ask that you do not allow this event to take place by cancelling the Sons of Confederate Veteran’s discounted room rates and not giving them a platform to speak hate within your buildings.
Contact Numbers
On Monday, January 13th please call the hotels and hotel company and ask them to cancel the SCV conference between the hours of 9am-9pm.
Winwood Hospitality: (919) 468-9190
Embassy Suites: (919) 572-2200
Hampton Inn & Suites: (919) 484-0500
----------------
Budget:
As of now, it looks like the NCGA will return for a special session on Tuesday, January 14th. While the NC Senate must sustain the Governor’s veto, we must also continue to push for raises for our teachers, school staff, and the expansion of Medicaid.
Details:
https://www.wral.com/short-end-for-a-long-legislative-session/18874612/
Script:
Hello my name is __________ and I am a constituent living in zip code ___. I’m calling today to demand that Sen. _________ uphold the Governor’s veto of the budget and then negotiate a budget that works for all North Carolinians. In particular, teachers and other school employees deserve substantial raises. In addition, we must expand Medicaid to ensure that the health of North Carolinians is prioritized.. Thank you for taking my call.
State Contact Numbers:
NC Senate: http://bit.ly/2DamgAn
----------------
FEDERAL:
Support Congress’ Reclamation of War Powers:
After the House passed a war powers resolution last week, the Senate must now decide how to proceed. While there may be some disagreement when it comes to strategy (see “Details” below), we can still send a firm message that the White House must seek Congressional approval before the use of military action.
Details:
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/477763-democrats-conflicted-over-how-to-limit-trumps-war-powers
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling to urge Sen. ____________ to support Congress’ efforts to reclaim its authority when it comes to the authorization of military force. Donald Trump has offered no evidence that Iran represented an imminent threat, and Congress needs to be granted the authority to block wars that will threaten the lives of those at home and abroad. Thank you for your time.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
----------
Support the Safety of Rural America:
The Trump Administration has consistently rolled-back environmental protections and community safeguards. Seeking to expand the U.S. export market for liquified natural gas, the White House issued an executive order last year that now has the Department of Transportation planning to expand the transportation of natural gas by rail tank car. Groups like “Appalachian Voices” are asking for the public to submit comments to the DOT by the end of today (January 13th).
Details:
https://www.desmogblog.com/2019/10/25/trump-phmsa-rule-proposed-natural-gas-lng-rail?fbclid=IwAR1aYvv0lzEKVIUNmHwHdoYwiMZywj8Ybt_Sabp_rutzwkRfl2gjeSM49Kc
Sample Comment:
I am deeply concerned by the proposed changes to safety standards that would allow the bulk transport of liquefied natural gas via rail tank cars. This change jeopardizes the safety of surrounding communities as well as the well-being of our environment. Please prioritize the well-being of others and forego these changes.
Link for Comments:
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=PHMSA-2018-0025-0002&fbclid=IwAR04RKCXVF9M2vzKZl31wp5_wuMTS8MBhldE-1lStjmGPGAj0WfeC6RCxuk
Thursday, January 9, 2020
Friday Actions: War Powers, State Budget, Disability Rights
****Actions 1/10/2020****
EVENT:
Raleigh Women’s March:
The fourth Raleigh Women’s March is scheduled for Sunday, January 26, from 12:30-3 at Halifax Mall. Once again, Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action will be sponsoring and will have a table at the event. If you’re interested in helping us staff our table, please let me know. If you’ve commented or used our scripts but we haven’t met in person, I’d also enjoy meeting you, so please stop by. No matter what, the women’s Marches have been galvanizing events where you can hear outstanding speakers and network with other progressives in our community.
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/426392828266564/
----------------
FEDERAL:
Support the Reclamation of War Powers Act:
[Passed the House!!!] Trump walked back some of the violent posturing against Iran on Wednesday, but his unilateral decision to attack still violates the Constitutional imperative to seek approval from Congress before using military force. The House passed its war powers resolution Thursday to limit what military action President Trump can take against Iran after lawmakers complained a Trump administration briefing on the justification for killing a top Iranian general did not provide sufficient evidence. Even if this wasn’t Trump, I believe we need to support Congressional oversight as a matter of principle. The executive branch has been given WAY too much power, and it needs to be curtailed precisely because of someone like Trump. It sounds like Mike Lee and Rand Paul might actually be on the side of transparency here, so we need a couple of other Senators to join the Democrats. Tillis and Burr are unlikely to flip, but at least we can make his staffers defend that.
Details:
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-01-08/house-to-vote-on-war-powers-resolution-after-trump-administration-briefs-congress-on-killing-of-suleimani
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling to urge Sen. ____________ to support the Reclamation of War Powers Act. Congress needs to assert its role in approving military action. Trump has offered no evidence that Iran represented an imminent threat, and Congress needs to be granted the authority to block unnecessary wars that will put our soldiers in harm’s way. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
----------
Oppose New Requirements for Social Security Disability Insurance:
Some Americans could lose Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits under a recent Trump administration proposal ― a change that could affect thousands of people but that has received little attention since it was first floated in November. Under the proposed change, the government would look more closely at whether certain disability insurance recipients still qualify as “disabled” after they’ve already been awarded those benefits. The regulation could affect hundreds of thousands of SSDI and Supplemental Security Income recipients, potentially ending benefits for tens of thousands. The administration didn’t estimate how many would lose benefits, but said the proposal would save $2 billion over a decade. The rule would not take effect until sometime after the administration releases a final version, for which no date has been set. This is an executive action and Congress has not been consulted, BUT Congress could pass legislation that would make it more difficult to enact this rule. No matter what, I think we need to stand with people with disabilities and amplify their voices.
Details:
https://news.yahoo.com/trump-disability-benefits-190610077.html?soc_src=community&soc_trk=fb
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from ___________ calling to urge Rep./Sen. ____________ to oppose new rules proposed by the Trump administration to make it more difficult to get Social Security Disability Income. This will only sava tiny amount of money, but it will potentially take thousands of people off of SSDI and will affect tens of thousands of other people with disabilities who rely on this income to survive. I want you to oppose any cuts to Social Security Disability Income. Thanks.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
--------------
STATE:
Budget:
The NCGA is gaveling in for a day or two next week to officially close out last year’s legislative session. Because of the short timeframe, NCGA leadership has indicated that they will focus mostly on negotiating a budget with Governor Cooper. Currently we are operating on last year’s budget, which means no raises for teachers, state workers, and university employees. It also means limitations on new spending. The margin is thin in the senate, but Democrats should be able to sustain a veto that would allow them to negotiate. It’s unclear whether they’ll be talking about Medicaid expansion during these budget discussions, but you can certainly advocate for that as well. The house already overrode Cooper’s budget, through a deceptive move by house speaker Tim Moore, so focus only on the senate.
Details:
https://www.wral.com/short-end-for-a-long-legislative-session/18874612/
Script:
Hello my name is __________ and I am a constituent living in zip code ___. I’m calling today to demand that the Sen. _________ uphold the Governor’s veto of the budget and then negotiate a budget that works for all North Carolinians. In particular, teachers and other school employees deserve substantial raises. We should also advocate for increased funding for schools and state universities. Thank you for taking my call.
State Contact Numbers:
NC Senate: http://bit.ly/2DamgAn
EVENT:
Raleigh Women’s March:
The fourth Raleigh Women’s March is scheduled for Sunday, January 26, from 12:30-3 at Halifax Mall. Once again, Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action will be sponsoring and will have a table at the event. If you’re interested in helping us staff our table, please let me know. If you’ve commented or used our scripts but we haven’t met in person, I’d also enjoy meeting you, so please stop by. No matter what, the women’s Marches have been galvanizing events where you can hear outstanding speakers and network with other progressives in our community.
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/426392828266564/
----------------
FEDERAL:
Support the Reclamation of War Powers Act:
[Passed the House!!!] Trump walked back some of the violent posturing against Iran on Wednesday, but his unilateral decision to attack still violates the Constitutional imperative to seek approval from Congress before using military force. The House passed its war powers resolution Thursday to limit what military action President Trump can take against Iran after lawmakers complained a Trump administration briefing on the justification for killing a top Iranian general did not provide sufficient evidence. Even if this wasn’t Trump, I believe we need to support Congressional oversight as a matter of principle. The executive branch has been given WAY too much power, and it needs to be curtailed precisely because of someone like Trump. It sounds like Mike Lee and Rand Paul might actually be on the side of transparency here, so we need a couple of other Senators to join the Democrats. Tillis and Burr are unlikely to flip, but at least we can make his staffers defend that.
Details:
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-01-08/house-to-vote-on-war-powers-resolution-after-trump-administration-briefs-congress-on-killing-of-suleimani
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling to urge Sen. ____________ to support the Reclamation of War Powers Act. Congress needs to assert its role in approving military action. Trump has offered no evidence that Iran represented an imminent threat, and Congress needs to be granted the authority to block unnecessary wars that will put our soldiers in harm’s way. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
----------
Oppose New Requirements for Social Security Disability Insurance:
Some Americans could lose Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits under a recent Trump administration proposal ― a change that could affect thousands of people but that has received little attention since it was first floated in November. Under the proposed change, the government would look more closely at whether certain disability insurance recipients still qualify as “disabled” after they’ve already been awarded those benefits. The regulation could affect hundreds of thousands of SSDI and Supplemental Security Income recipients, potentially ending benefits for tens of thousands. The administration didn’t estimate how many would lose benefits, but said the proposal would save $2 billion over a decade. The rule would not take effect until sometime after the administration releases a final version, for which no date has been set. This is an executive action and Congress has not been consulted, BUT Congress could pass legislation that would make it more difficult to enact this rule. No matter what, I think we need to stand with people with disabilities and amplify their voices.
Details:
https://news.yahoo.com/trump-disability-benefits-190610077.html?soc_src=community&soc_trk=fb
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from ___________ calling to urge Rep./Sen. ____________ to oppose new rules proposed by the Trump administration to make it more difficult to get Social Security Disability Income. This will only sava tiny amount of money, but it will potentially take thousands of people off of SSDI and will affect tens of thousands of other people with disabilities who rely on this income to survive. I want you to oppose any cuts to Social Security Disability Income. Thanks.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
--------------
STATE:
Budget:
The NCGA is gaveling in for a day or two next week to officially close out last year’s legislative session. Because of the short timeframe, NCGA leadership has indicated that they will focus mostly on negotiating a budget with Governor Cooper. Currently we are operating on last year’s budget, which means no raises for teachers, state workers, and university employees. It also means limitations on new spending. The margin is thin in the senate, but Democrats should be able to sustain a veto that would allow them to negotiate. It’s unclear whether they’ll be talking about Medicaid expansion during these budget discussions, but you can certainly advocate for that as well. The house already overrode Cooper’s budget, through a deceptive move by house speaker Tim Moore, so focus only on the senate.
Details:
https://www.wral.com/short-end-for-a-long-legislative-session/18874612/
Script:
Hello my name is __________ and I am a constituent living in zip code ___. I’m calling today to demand that the Sen. _________ uphold the Governor’s veto of the budget and then negotiate a budget that works for all North Carolinians. In particular, teachers and other school employees deserve substantial raises. We should also advocate for increased funding for schools and state universities. Thank you for taking my call.
State Contact Numbers:
NC Senate: http://bit.ly/2DamgAn
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Thursday Actions: War Powers Act and Istation "Emergency"
****Actions 1/9/2020****
FEDERAL:
Support the reclamation of War Powers Act:
Trump walked back some of the violent posturing against Iran on Wednesday, but his unilateral decision to attack still violates the Constitutional imperative to seek approval from Congress before using military force. The House will vote on a war powers resolution Thursday to limit what military action President Trump can take against Iran after Democrats — and even a couple of Republicans — complained a Trump administration briefing on the justification for killing a top Iranian general came down to simply: Trust us. The thing is, Trump has made that pretty difficult. It sounds like Mike Lee and Rand Paul might actually be on the side of transparency here, so we need a couple of other Senators to join the Democrats.
Details:
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-01-08/house-to-vote-on-war-powers-resolution-after-trump-administration-briefs-congress-on-killing-of-suleimani
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling to urge Rep./Sen. ____________ to support the Reclamation of War Powers Act. Congress needs to assert its role in approving military action. Trump has offered no evidence that Iran represented an imminent threat, and Congress needs to be granted the authority to block unnecessary wars that will put our soldiers in harm’s way. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
------------------
Get Ready to March Against War with Iran:
Tuesdays with Tillis and Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action are co-hosting a rally on Thursday in Raleigh to stand up against a war with Iran. Raleigh’s event is scheduled for 6 PM on Thursday, January 9, at Bicentennial Plaza (most other events are scheduled for 5 PM local time, so please check your local pages below).
There is also a rally planned in Charlotte at the intersection of Tryon and Trade. Here is the national MoveOn website, so keep watching here as well for other events near you:
Thursday Protest:
https://act.moveon.org/event/no-war-with-iran/search/
Charlotte Protest:
https://act.moveon.org/event/no-war-with-iran/126802/
------------------
STATE:
Push for Good Legislation:
The NCGA is about to start its new session and WRAL’s Travis Fain is writing a legislative preview and is inviting people to suggest legislation or issue that might be of interest. If you have a policy idea that you think should receive more attention, let him know.
Twitter contact:
https://twitter.com/TravisFain/status/1214911413313056774
Email:
tfain@wral.com
Tweetstorm: Reject Phone Istation Emergency:
NC Superintendent of Schools Mark Johnson has signed an emergency contract with Istation worth $928,570 to keep the controversial assessment tool in classrooms through March. Johnson was notably absent from Wednesday’s State Board of Education (SBE) where he was scheduled to deliver a report on Read to Achieve and the state’s third-grade retention policy. Johnson’s emergency purchase comes one day after a superior court judge declined to lift a stay that prevents the state from awarding Istation the state’s $8.3 million reading assessment contract mandated by North Carolina’s Read to Achieve law.
Many teachers have been critical of the switch from Amplify’s Class to Istation. They have questioned the procurement process and contend Johnson ignored the recommendations of an evaluation committee that ranked mClass over Istation. The reading diagnostic tool is a companion to the state’s signature education program, “Read to Achieve,” which was launched in 2013 to ensure every student reads at or above grade level by end of third grade. The results haven’t been great even as North Carolina has spent $150 million on the initiative. More than half of the state’s children in K-3 are still not reading at grade level.
According to a promotional video for Istation, the computer-based program will now allow teachers to assess an entire class, either on-demand or automatically, in 30 minutes or less, eliminating the need for one-on-one time in the classroom. But this is a flawed approach, one that undermines the value of personal interaction between teacher and student. So, several groups are ding a tweetstorm to send Johnson and NC lawmakers a message. See below for sample tweets.
Story Details:
http://pulse.ncpolicywatch.org/2020/01/08/superintendent-mark-johnsons-other-plan-is-an-emergency-contract-to-keep-istation-in-classrooms/
Tweetstorm Details:
https://www.facebook.com/NCTestingReform/photos/a.806086626258174/1217366061796893/?type=3&theater
Sample Tweet:
Hey @MarkRJohnsonNC an #ActualEmergency is the lack of a state budget for schools to be able to purchase paper and ink, not purchasing @IstationNC. #MarkJohnsonDebacle @nctestingreform @saverschoolsnc #ncpol
FEDERAL:
Support the reclamation of War Powers Act:
Trump walked back some of the violent posturing against Iran on Wednesday, but his unilateral decision to attack still violates the Constitutional imperative to seek approval from Congress before using military force. The House will vote on a war powers resolution Thursday to limit what military action President Trump can take against Iran after Democrats — and even a couple of Republicans — complained a Trump administration briefing on the justification for killing a top Iranian general came down to simply: Trust us. The thing is, Trump has made that pretty difficult. It sounds like Mike Lee and Rand Paul might actually be on the side of transparency here, so we need a couple of other Senators to join the Democrats.
Details:
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-01-08/house-to-vote-on-war-powers-resolution-after-trump-administration-briefs-congress-on-killing-of-suleimani
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling to urge Rep./Sen. ____________ to support the Reclamation of War Powers Act. Congress needs to assert its role in approving military action. Trump has offered no evidence that Iran represented an imminent threat, and Congress needs to be granted the authority to block unnecessary wars that will put our soldiers in harm’s way. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
------------------
Get Ready to March Against War with Iran:
Tuesdays with Tillis and Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action are co-hosting a rally on Thursday in Raleigh to stand up against a war with Iran. Raleigh’s event is scheduled for 6 PM on Thursday, January 9, at Bicentennial Plaza (most other events are scheduled for 5 PM local time, so please check your local pages below).
There is also a rally planned in Charlotte at the intersection of Tryon and Trade. Here is the national MoveOn website, so keep watching here as well for other events near you:
Thursday Protest:
https://act.moveon.org/event/no-war-with-iran/search/
Charlotte Protest:
https://act.moveon.org/event/no-war-with-iran/126802/
------------------
STATE:
Push for Good Legislation:
The NCGA is about to start its new session and WRAL’s Travis Fain is writing a legislative preview and is inviting people to suggest legislation or issue that might be of interest. If you have a policy idea that you think should receive more attention, let him know.
Twitter contact:
https://twitter.com/TravisFain/status/1214911413313056774
Email:
tfain@wral.com
Tweetstorm: Reject Phone Istation Emergency:
NC Superintendent of Schools Mark Johnson has signed an emergency contract with Istation worth $928,570 to keep the controversial assessment tool in classrooms through March. Johnson was notably absent from Wednesday’s State Board of Education (SBE) where he was scheduled to deliver a report on Read to Achieve and the state’s third-grade retention policy. Johnson’s emergency purchase comes one day after a superior court judge declined to lift a stay that prevents the state from awarding Istation the state’s $8.3 million reading assessment contract mandated by North Carolina’s Read to Achieve law.
Many teachers have been critical of the switch from Amplify’s Class to Istation. They have questioned the procurement process and contend Johnson ignored the recommendations of an evaluation committee that ranked mClass over Istation. The reading diagnostic tool is a companion to the state’s signature education program, “Read to Achieve,” which was launched in 2013 to ensure every student reads at or above grade level by end of third grade. The results haven’t been great even as North Carolina has spent $150 million on the initiative. More than half of the state’s children in K-3 are still not reading at grade level.
According to a promotional video for Istation, the computer-based program will now allow teachers to assess an entire class, either on-demand or automatically, in 30 minutes or less, eliminating the need for one-on-one time in the classroom. But this is a flawed approach, one that undermines the value of personal interaction between teacher and student. So, several groups are ding a tweetstorm to send Johnson and NC lawmakers a message. See below for sample tweets.
Story Details:
http://pulse.ncpolicywatch.org/2020/01/08/superintendent-mark-johnsons-other-plan-is-an-emergency-contract-to-keep-istation-in-classrooms/
Tweetstorm Details:
https://www.facebook.com/NCTestingReform/photos/a.806086626258174/1217366061796893/?type=3&theater
Sample Tweet:
Hey @MarkRJohnsonNC an #ActualEmergency is the lack of a state budget for schools to be able to purchase paper and ink, not purchasing @IstationNC. #MarkJohnsonDebacle @nctestingreform @saverschoolsnc #ncpol
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
Wednesday Actions: Iran War and Impeachment
****Actions 1/8/2020****
I'm back from vacation, and there is obviously A LOT going on. If there are Iran War protests not listed below, please let me know, and I will post them. Keep scrolling for all of the details on Wednesday's actions.
FEDERAL:
Stop a Potential War with Iran:
Iran has apparently responded to the assassination of Qasem Soleimani by launching over a dozen missiles on two Iraqi military bases where U.S. soldiers are housed. As of 9:30 PM, it is unclear whether any US troops were harmed or whether there was significant damage, but this places us at an incredibly dangerous moment, the one we all feared when Trump was elected President. He could launch a more significant attack on Iran. It’s clear that he has no real grasp on the rules of war. We need Congress to step in and to demand that Trump provide the intelligence that would justify his attack on Iran. We were lied into a war in Iraq that is still having repercussions seventeen years later. We don’t need another endless war.
Details:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/u-s-base-iraq-comes-under-attack-missiles-iran-claims-n1112171
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ____________ to urge Rep./Sen. ______________ to demand that Trump brief Congress on the intelligence used to justify the assassination of Iranian military leader Soleimani. We have seen no evidence of an imminent attack on U.S. civilians. And we are in danger of slipping into another dangerous, prolonged war. It is absolutely urgent that Congress assert itself and demand that Trump seek authorization to use military force against Iran. This means that Trump must provide evidence that Iran posed an imminent threat to U.S. citizens. In particular, I want you to immediately pass a strong war powers resolution, as well as the bills offered by Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Barbara Lee that would prevent war with Iran. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
---------------
Get Ready to March Against War with Iran:
Tuesdays with Tillis and Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action are co-hosting a rally on Thursday in Raleigh to stand up against a war with Iran. Raleigh’s event is scheduled for 6 PM on Thursday, January 9, at Bicentennial Plaza (most other events are scheduled for 5 PM local time, so please check your local pages below).
There is also a rally planned in Charlotte at the intersection of Tryon and Trade. Here is the national MoveOn website, so keep watching here as well for other events near you:
Thursday Protest:
https://act.moveon.org/event/no-war-with-iran/search/
Charlotte Protest:
https://act.moveon.org/event/no-war-with-iran/126802/
----------------
Wednesday Vigil in Chapel Hill:
In Chapel Hill on WEDNESDAY the Triangle Women's International League for Peace and Freedom: will hold in a vigil in Chapel Hill from 12-1. It will be at Peace & Justice plaza, corner of Henderson and Franklin Streets.
Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/847270709062637/
----------------
Demand the Senate Hold a Real Impeachment Trial:
The impeachment still has not gone to the Senate, where the Senate is obligated to hold a trial. McConnell, Graham, and our very own Senator, Thom Tillis, have already stated that they will not convict. Graham is so sure that Trump is innocent that he won’t even look at the evidence--which makes total sense! The House has done its job, and now it is time for the Senate to step up and hold a real trial. Let’s call on Senator Burr and Tillis to do that.
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from ____________ calling to urge Sen. ______________ to follow the Constitution and work to ensure that the Senate conducts a real trial. I want you to take the process seriously and weigh the evidence impartially. It is important that you work with House Democrats to make sure that the rules put in place guarantee a genuine trial. Our democracy--and the public faith in that democracy--depend on it. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
I'm back from vacation, and there is obviously A LOT going on. If there are Iran War protests not listed below, please let me know, and I will post them. Keep scrolling for all of the details on Wednesday's actions.
FEDERAL:
Stop a Potential War with Iran:
Iran has apparently responded to the assassination of Qasem Soleimani by launching over a dozen missiles on two Iraqi military bases where U.S. soldiers are housed. As of 9:30 PM, it is unclear whether any US troops were harmed or whether there was significant damage, but this places us at an incredibly dangerous moment, the one we all feared when Trump was elected President. He could launch a more significant attack on Iran. It’s clear that he has no real grasp on the rules of war. We need Congress to step in and to demand that Trump provide the intelligence that would justify his attack on Iran. We were lied into a war in Iraq that is still having repercussions seventeen years later. We don’t need another endless war.
Details:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/u-s-base-iraq-comes-under-attack-missiles-iran-claims-n1112171
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ____________ to urge Rep./Sen. ______________ to demand that Trump brief Congress on the intelligence used to justify the assassination of Iranian military leader Soleimani. We have seen no evidence of an imminent attack on U.S. civilians. And we are in danger of slipping into another dangerous, prolonged war. It is absolutely urgent that Congress assert itself and demand that Trump seek authorization to use military force against Iran. This means that Trump must provide evidence that Iran posed an imminent threat to U.S. citizens. In particular, I want you to immediately pass a strong war powers resolution, as well as the bills offered by Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Barbara Lee that would prevent war with Iran. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
---------------
Get Ready to March Against War with Iran:
Tuesdays with Tillis and Indivisible Triangle Daily Call to Action are co-hosting a rally on Thursday in Raleigh to stand up against a war with Iran. Raleigh’s event is scheduled for 6 PM on Thursday, January 9, at Bicentennial Plaza (most other events are scheduled for 5 PM local time, so please check your local pages below).
There is also a rally planned in Charlotte at the intersection of Tryon and Trade. Here is the national MoveOn website, so keep watching here as well for other events near you:
Thursday Protest:
https://act.moveon.org/event/no-war-with-iran/search/
Charlotte Protest:
https://act.moveon.org/event/no-war-with-iran/126802/
----------------
Wednesday Vigil in Chapel Hill:
In Chapel Hill on WEDNESDAY the Triangle Women's International League for Peace and Freedom: will hold in a vigil in Chapel Hill from 12-1. It will be at Peace & Justice plaza, corner of Henderson and Franklin Streets.
Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/847270709062637/
----------------
Demand the Senate Hold a Real Impeachment Trial:
The impeachment still has not gone to the Senate, where the Senate is obligated to hold a trial. McConnell, Graham, and our very own Senator, Thom Tillis, have already stated that they will not convict. Graham is so sure that Trump is innocent that he won’t even look at the evidence--which makes total sense! The House has done its job, and now it is time for the Senate to step up and hold a real trial. Let’s call on Senator Burr and Tillis to do that.
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from ____________ calling to urge Sen. ______________ to follow the Constitution and work to ensure that the Senate conducts a real trial. I want you to take the process seriously and weigh the evidence impartially. It is important that you work with House Democrats to make sure that the rules put in place guarantee a genuine trial. Our democracy--and the public faith in that democracy--depend on it. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
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