August 28, 2017

Over the past month, we took a bit of a break from Minds at Work. We are back, not only because the events of the past couple weeks have compelled us to become more active, but also because fall is often a time of goal-setting and taking initiative. With so much happening each day, we hope that everyone takes a moment to identify a cause to support or a particular issue at risk under this administration and commits to making a difference.

ACTION:

Charlottesville

The events in Charlottesville were horrific and eye-opening, and went beyond what many of us thought was a worst-case scenario back in November. Now this is our country. We have the responsibility to change it for the better.

How to Take Action After Charlottesville – keep reading, talking, marching and acting. Sheetcaking is not enough. 

• The 10-day Charlottesville to DC March – #Cville2DC – starts today! Visit the website for more information on how to participate as a marcher or a supporter.
• The Vice Impact team provides links to many organizations that actively fight hate and discrimination and have Charlottesville chapters.
• Cup of Joe gives a comprehensive guide to taking action after Charlottesville.
• Support Life After Hate, a nonprofit organization founded in 2011 by former members of the American violent far-right extremist movement. This organization was awarded a grant under the Obama administration and then had it revoked under Trump. Listen to the founder on NPR for more information on this organization and how they create change.

Afghanistan

Regardless of what you believe of Trump’s words on Monday night or how you feel about increased military action in the war against Afghanistan, we can unite to help soldiers who have fought over the past sixteen years and who continue to fight. Our soldiers suffer from physical injuries and mental illness when they return from war, and we can help.

Here is a list of ten organizations that help veterans transition to civilian life.

Defend DACA

Trump’s latest action will leave hundreds of thousands of young immigrants vulnerable to deportation where they were previously protected under DACA.

• To join efforts to defend DACA in critical states, visit United We Dream
• For a complete guide to taking action, visit Defend DACA.
• For more information on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and the September 5th deadline, read this Huffington Post

Transgender Rights

Defend transgender rights and transgender members of our military. Reach out to your MoC and urge them to speak on behalf of transgender Americans, as Orrin Hatch of Utah and others have done. LGBTQ Americans are victims of hate, bigotry and inequality, magnified by the actions taken by this administration in recent weeks. To find ways to take action, visit the Human Rights Campaign.

Pardon Power

Speak out against Trump’s use – or misuse – of his power to pardon. Read the Slate article here that outlines why pardoning Joe Arpaio is an impeachable offense.

GET MORE NEWS:

Be sure to sign up for multiple e-mail listserves in order to stay up-to-date on the latest events. Here are some of our suggestions from previous newsletters.

Indivisible is an invaluable resource for current events and local political action.

Wall of Us provides four action items in a weekly e-mail. Subscribe to take action quickly!

The Action Groups Network provides ways to get involved in your region on the issues that matter to you most. Join to find your local network of activists and get valuable e-mails on ways to take action in person and on social media.

READING:

If you read nothing else this week, read Joe Biden’s piece in the Atlantic entitled ‘We Are Living Through a Battle for the Soul of This Nation’

UPCOMING ELECTIONS:

Many of the ongoing grassroots efforts are aimed at flipping seats, one local election at a time, as we gear up for the 2018 elections. If you have candidates in swing districts that you’d like us to highlight, please email us and we’ll get the word out!

Organizations working on this effort are Swing Left, Code Blue and Flippable. Join them and see what you can do to help!

Also, check out these organizations for more ways to participate in the democratic process:

Run for Something helps people to get involved and run for office in their city or state by giving them the tools to start a successful campaign.

#KnockEveryDoor is a campaigning effort to help Democrats spread the word

The Town Hall Project helps people get in front of their MoCs and make the most of local gatherings to shape present and future policy.

Most importantly, support the local, state and national candidates who represent a better future for our communities and our country.

Follow Us on Twitter @mindsat_work

Between newsletters, we post a number of action items on Twitter. Please follow us and message us. It makes it easier to stay up-to-date.

***********************

Our daily dose of Hamilton: “I know that we can win, I know that greatness lies in you. But remember from here on in, history has its eyes on you.”

***********************

Please continue to send us your ideas and feedback at mindsatwork18@gmail.com.  We appreciate any additions and corrections to keep our information as current and accurate as possible.

To subscribe, email us or follow our blog at mindsatworkblog.wordpress.com. You can read previous newsletters as well as find a number of resources and local events on the site.

Share Minds at Work with friends.  Join local groups.  Resist.  Persist.

Forward this email to a friend

Share ideas, take action, have hope.

June 10, 2017

We are at a critical moment in history. It is hard to avoid getting caught up in the day-to-day drama of this administration and the frightening reality it has created for us, but we encourage you to step back and look at your role in the path forward. Are you talking to your friends and neighbors about your concerns? Are you taking the actions within your power, using your voice, vote and network to have as much positive influence as possible? When we see negative, harmful decisions lead to positive actions, we are reassured that our democracy and the overall state of humanity have not been completely compromised. Each of us have a role in that every day.

A few POSITIVES from recent weeks:

• Following the decision to leave the Paris Accord, cities and statessigned on to uphold the regulations on a local level. Cities and states across our country are implementing composting programs, limiting greenhouse gas emmissions, and outlining environmental protections that will help ensure a future for our planet.
• A special election in Fairfield, Connecticut shows how momentum is building. Not only did Kevin Kiley, the Democratic candidate, win a seat on Board of Selectman and defeat the sitting Republican, but he previously served as a Republican and has recently switched to the Democratic party.
• Comey’s hearing shed light on Russia, Trump and our justice system. Trump is the first President Comey felt the need to document closely after every interaction. Watching Comey live was moving, elucidating, and frustrating all at the same time; at the very least, it builds momentum for the case against Trump as dishonest and obstructing justice.
• The murder on the Portland train of two heroic men was definitely a low point of the past two weeks, and a lens with which to view the current state of our nation regarding racism, xenophobia and violence. The response from the victims’ families, however, revealed the beauty and depth of humanity. Even if you don’t have time to read this article, look at the picture.
• Infrastructure Week was a bit of a flop, like all Trump-led initiatives to date. Read more details

ACTION ITEMS

CounterACTHate

Today, ACT for America, the largest anti-Muslim group in the country, is holding protests across the country. Show them that we stand with our Muslim friends and neighbors on social media and in person. Use this guide for resources.

Fight Climate Change on Your Own

From TED, Al Gore’s 2006 talk gives us 15 ways to have a positive impact when the government turns it’s back on Global Warming. Send us your tips, too. We’ll add them to our website on a page dedicated to the environment.

Call/Copy/Share List of Senators who supported the Paris decision

These are the names of the 22 senators who supported the decision to pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement by signing a letter urging the Republican regime to do so. History will condemn them.

Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.),
John Barrasso (R-Wyo.)
Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)
John Cornyn (R-Texas)
Roy Blunt (R-Mo.)
Roger Wicker (R-Miss.)
Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.)
Mike Crapo (R-Idaho)
Jim Risch (R-Idaho)
Thad Cochran (R-Miss.)
Mike Rounds (R-S.D.)
Rand Paul (R-Ky)
John Boozman (R-Ark.)
Richard Shelby (R-Ala.)
Luther Strange (R-Ala.)
Orrin Hatch (R-Utah)
Mike Lee (R-Utah)
Ted Cruz (R-Texas)
David Perdue (R-Ga.)
Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)
Tim Scott (R-S.C.)
Pat Roberts (R-Kan.).

Join Other Newsletters

These are two newsletters we love for information and action.

Small Victories – Your Weekly Dose of Positivity

e-mail smallvictories@peaceisloud.org

Wake Up to Politics by Gabe Fleishman

http://www.wakeuptopolitics.com

Follow Us on Twitter @mindsat_work

Between newsletters, we post a number of action items on Twitter. Please follow us and message us. It makes it easier to stay up-to-date.

Support Upcoming Races

Support these races.  The Republicans are pouring millions into these – showing that they are nervous. Donate and make calls.  This is the beginning of creating change before 2018.

Jon Ossoff–Georgia: electjon.com

DATE of ELECTION: June 20

Archie Parnell–South Carolina: https://archieparnell.com

DATE of ELECTION: June 20

Celebrate the victories at every level

Send us information on any local seats won by the Democratic Party. Celebrating these electoral victories sends the message that we can create change and will encourage others to run and support campaigns.

CHARITY:

Yep, we push this every time. Keep giving what you can, and find the organizations that matter most to you. Please tell us about organizations that you see doing great work or philanthropic events that are open to the public. We are always happy to share.

EVENTS:

National Call-In Day – Speak out against TrumpCare

On June 14, flood the phones and offices of your Senators. We have a limited amount of time to make it clear that TrumpCare is unacceptable and healthcare reform must provide affordable care for all Americans.

READING:

Articles

Visit Robert Reich on Facebook for the state of Washington during and after Comey’s trial.

Here, a truly American story about a child of immigrants who is running for Congress, from NBCnews.com.

For a look at how DeVos is supporting LGBTQ discrimination, read this article from the Huffington Post.

***********************

Our daily dose of Hamilton: “I think the first duty of society is justice.”

***********************

Please continue to send us your ideas and feedback at mindsatwork18@gmail.com.  We appreciate any additions and corrections to keep our information as current and accurate as possible.

To subscribe, email us or follow our blog at mindsatworkblog.wordpress.com. You can read previous newsletters as well as find a number of resources and local events on the site.  Also, we are now on Twitter!  Follow us @mindsat_work

Share Minds at Work with friends.  Join local groups.  Resist.  Persist.

Share ideas, take action, have hope.

May 26, 2017

The last couple of weeks have been dramatic and, at many moments, traumatic. The one message we continue to hear from those we trust in media and government is to watch the issues that matter most to you. The Trump/Russia story, while very compelling and hopefully a path to some clear consequences for President Trump and his team, is an easy distraction from many other issues where we can more effectively #RESIST.

A few STAND OUTS from recent days:

• Monday’s terrorist attack in Manchester has left everyone feeling stunned and at a loss for words, other than to offer sympathy and condolences to the families of the many young people injured and killed. Our President, however, took to name calling. It was chilling to hear the other world leaders from France, Germany and the UK articulately express their sadness at this tragic event, and then hear our president use the term “evil losers” over and over again in a very rough, angry speech. He is on a world stage, currently in the Middle East attempting to build relationships with leaders in the Muslim world, and eyes are on him in these moments whether we like it or not.
• Trump compromised our relationship with Israel and put our safety and security at risk in his careless handling of the ISIS leak to Russia. This article in Newsweekbetter explains Israel’s response.
• Former CIA director John Brennan’s interview sheds light on contact with Russia during Trump’s Presidential campaign. Watch it hereon CNN.
• Elizabeth Warren issued an insightful reaction to DeVos/Trump’s Education Budget. You can watch the video here from her Facebook page. 
• Here’s a review of the budgetfrom NPR, which looks at the other areas of the budget, as well. This is a proposal and will need to go through Congress, so there will be changes before the final version, but we can all expect to be making a lot of phonecalls in upcoming months!

ACTION ITEMS

Support Upcoming Races

Support these races.  The Republicans are pouring millions into these – showing that they are nervous. Donate and make calls.  This is the beginning of creating change before 2018.

Jon Ossoff–Georgia: electjon.com

DATE of ELECTION: June 20

Archie Parnell–South Carolina: https://archieparnell.com

DATE of ELECTION: June 20

Results for Rob Quist–Montana: http://robquist.org

DATE of ELECTION: May 25. Early results show Rob Quist behind Gianforte by a small percentage. Unfortunately, much of the state had voted early, meaning that they had already cast their votes before Gianforte bodychecked a reporter from the Guardian Wednesday night. He faces misdemeanor assault charges but may walk away with a win anyway.

Join with Hillary

Hillary has launched her new initiative, Onward Together, aimed at promoting progressive goals and helping people to organize and create change. She – and we – envision a better country for everyone. Click here to sign up.

Save National Monuments

From one of our readers:

Dear Friend to me and to the Earth — 

You can help to block Trump’s executive order to do the outrageous and unnecessary review of National Monuments. This will make it easier to submit your comments: To make your comment, just go to Regulations.gov using this link:

https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0001

Enter “DOI-2017-0002” into the search bar and click Search. Request to comment and fill out the comment box. (Note that you don’t need to give your name or contact info — which is optional.) Note the Deadlines – July 10!

In case it’s helpful — here’s what I wrote as my comment:

Keep all of our National Monuments intact as they are now!!! All of these places were designated after extensive public comment and due process. They greatly benefit local economies and are gifts to future Americans of all descriptions. And they represent the highest and most eternal American ideals, a tremendous boon to our heritage going back to Teddy Roosevelt.

Specifically, this comment is in support of Bears Ears in Utah, Katahdin Woods and Waters in Maine, Grand Staircase-Escalante in Utah, Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks in New Mexico, Grand Canyon- Parashant in Arizona, Cascade Siskiyou in Oregon, Canyons of the Ancients in Colorado, and Giant Sequoia in California PLUS all of the National Monuments on land and in Marine areas.

To be clear, I strongly urge the full protection and no shrinkage of ALL the National Monuments.

PROGRESS

We wanted to include a few action points from a breakfast we attended with Kirsten Gillibrand a couple weeks ago. She gave us many insights, but we will highilight a few ACTION ideas that will lead to PROGRESS.

Run for Office

Research the many roles you can play in politics, and if you are inspired to get more involved, run for the office you most want to hold. You do not have to start small/local and work your way up. If you want to serve your local community, run for City Council, but if you want to improve environmental issues in your state, run for Governer. If you are not up for running yourself, seek out candidates to support and host coffees, pass out postcards and campaign on their behalf.

Talk to people with different opinions

Have conversations across the aisle, even with Trump supporters. It helps. Maybe send Minds at Work or another resource to someone you know who voted for Trump, or who doesn’t seem informed on an issue that might be important to them. People might not change overnight, but surely we all know people who have changed their political views over the years. We need to make sure we are part of the conversation.

Use your network

This election was fought on social media, and that is still the battleground. We can follow the leaders, but we also have to use our own networks to impact change. Keep speaking up, sharing, liking, bringing humor and connecting with groups online and in person. It is making a difference.

Celebrate the victories at every level

We flipped two seats this week!

New York’s District 9 on Long Island

Democrat Christine Pellegrino has defeated Republican Thomas Gargiulo in the District 9 State Assembly special election, an upset in a district that Donald Trump won by 23 points in the 2016 presidential race. Christine was an elementary school teacher for 25 years before becoming more actively involved in politics during the 2016 Presidential election.

Congratulations, Christine!

In Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, a red part of the state where Trump won by 7%, Democrat Edie DesMarais won a State Representative seat. The first seat to flip from red to blue in 2017, many feel this is early evidence of how the tide is turning, a momentum that we hope will continue to the 2018 elections.

Congratulations, Edie!

CHARITY:

Yep, we push this every time. Keep giving what you can, and find the organizations that matter most to you. Please tell us about organizations that you see doing great work or philanthropic events that are open to the public. We are always happy to share.

EVENTS:

NGN Day 2017 – June 1 Nationwide

NGN Day is nationwide event created by The New Agenda, a leader in gender equality and career development for women. Join thousands of women around the country by attending interactive, networking events. Visit The New Agenda to find out more about NGN Day and Red Tents, an initiative to help women in communities gather and #resist.

Gillibrand Fundraiser in LA – June 1

If you are in Los Angeles and would like information on a fundraiser for Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on June 1, please email us at mindsatwork18@gmail.com. It promises to be a fantastic event and if you haven’t heard Kirsten in person, she is not to be missed.  She has been at the forefront of the resistance and is practicing what she preaches and should be supported in 2018 and beyond.

READING:

This article from Salon is a great one to read to remind us why we are working so hard to resist, and what is now at risk since Trump came into power.

Books

In the Country We Love by Diane Guerrero is a memoir about Guerreros’ parents’ immigration to the US from Columbia, and later deporation. Guerrero remained in the US alone and lived with friends while finishing school.

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander illustrates how the US prison system targests black people and creates a contemporary system of racial control.

***********************

Our daily dose of Hamilton: “Of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people, commencing demagogues and ending tyrants.”

***********************

Please continue to send us your ideas and feedback at mindsatwork18@gmail.com.  We appreciate any additions and corrections to keep our information as current and accurate as possible.

To subscribe, email us or follow our blog at mindsatworkblog.wordpress.com. You can read previous newsletters as well as find a number of resources and local events on the site.  Also, we are now on Twitter!  Follow us @mindsat_work

Share Minds at Work with friends.  Join local groups.  Resist.  Persist.

Share ideas, take action, have hope.

May 12, 2017

This has been quite a week – a wild mix of good vs. evil, hope and despair that leaves us feeling like we are in the midst of a real-life Marvel Comic. Rather than offer our own take on the status of the GOP healthcare bill and Trump firing Comey, we have some media sources to provide insights from some of our favorite experts speaking out and #resisting.

ARTICLES/VIDEOS

This interview with a former FBI agent is from the end of March. Pretty enlightening with accurate predictions.

Impact on Democracy, from the New Yorker

From Dan Rather on Facebook:

Future generations…

For complete lists each week of the subtle ways that authoritarianism is taking hold, follow Amy Siskind on Medium. 

ACTION ITEMS

Call Congress to demand a special prosecutor in Russia investigation.

This article on Bustle gives some tips and tools.

Here’s the DC switchboard number again.

202-224-3121

Regional numbers are often easier to get through and all calls are logged. You can find those on individual representative websites.

Resistbot

Text the word “resist” to 504-09

Then follow the instructions.

When it asks what you want to say, cut and paste this:

I am calling for an immediate independent investigation into President Trump’s ties to Russia and Vladimir Putin, in the wake of FBI Director Comey being fired.

The resistbot program will generate this letter to your Congressmen/women and send it for you. So easy. You can text “resist” to this text anytime you want to send something to them. Amazing.

Mailing against Healthcare Bill

If you are one of those people who loves a good mailing effort, this one is for Paul Ryan.

ATTENTION: Paul Ryan has turned off ALL of his public telephones & fax machines in response to protests.

So, let’s see what 67 million postcards looks like in his driveway.

Please start mailing postcards to his HOME:

PAUL RYAN

700 ST. LAWRENCE AVE.

JANESVILLE, WI 53545

Phone banks – see the websites of the upcoming races below

UPCOMING RACES

Support these races.  The Republicans are pouring millions into these – showing that they are nervous. Donate and make calls.  This article gives insight into the Montana race, where the Republican’s lead in the polls over Quist has narrowed from 13 points to 8 points in the last couple weeks. The GOP candidate, Gianforte, is a Trump supporter. This is a very good time to close the gaps and start the tide turning before 2018.

Archie Parnell–South Carolina: https://archieparnell.com

DATE of ELECTION: May 16, June 20

Rob Quist–Montana: http://robquist.org

DATE of ELECTION: May 25

Jon Ossoff–Georgia: electjon.com

DATE of ELECTION: June 20

PROGRESS

One goal of Minds at Work is to remind everyone of the incredible work that is happening in spite of this agenda, and to encourage you all to continue to fight. Here are a few highlights:

• Many Republicans are not taking the opportunity to hold Town Halls, afraid of what their constituents might ask about healthcare and other issues. To our delight, Democrats are going in their place. Read here about Democrat Sean Patrick Maloney’s Town Hall held in Republican John Faso’s neighboring district. Maloney had a seat reserved for Faso, who never made an appearance.
• Our lawmakers are under close watch, and with the negative are many positive voices speaking out for change. Also, new tools and news sources are keeping us more informed than ever. For example, this new interactive tool from the New York Times was particularly helpful this week after the Comey firing.
• Macron won the election in France. The pendulum will swing. In the meantime, we need to keep moving forward with all of our goals, and collaborate with those countries who are upholding our values. Emmanuel Macron, thank you for this message for scientists on climate change.
• Women’s rights are human rights, and we have to remember that much of this backlash has developed in the face of progress. This article about an Australian politician breastfeeding in Parliament, and a picture of Times Square decorated for 50/50 Day, an event that envisions a future of gender equality, remind us to continue to speak up and recruit more voices.

CHARITY:

Charitable contributions and involvment continue to be high, and it is making a difference. CHOOSE a charity that you believe in and support by volunteering or contributing, and spread the word on social media. Here’s a very cool one we learned about recently. Please support and share!

A Women’s SuperPAC called One Vote at a Time is taking a team of female filmmakers to Virginia to make campaign ads for Democrats. And they’re going grassroots to do it.

Can you make a contribution today? crowdpac.com/c/onevote. Even a small donation makes a huge difference; we want to show the world the strength of our team, and there is strength in numbers. Our SuperPAC isn’t funded by billionaires; it’s people-powered, and we want YOU to be a part of it.

We also have a really cool opportunity to be seen by the Obama Foundation soon, so we’d like to get as many individual donors as we can in the next few days. Can you share our campaign with your colleagues and friends?

Thank you, immensely, for your support then and now. Together, we can support fight back, support female filmmakers, and TURN VIRGINIA BLUE!

EVENTS:

RussiaGate LA – May 13

If you are in Los Angeles this weekend, attend this RussiaGate March on Saturday, May 13th from 3pm-7pm. Here’s the link to the Facebook page for more information.

https://www.facebook.com/events/241279642944891/

NGN Day 2017 – June 1 Nationwide

NGN Day is nationwide event created by The New Agenda, a leader in gender equality and career development for women. Join thousands of women around the country by attending interactive, networking events. Visit The New Agenda to find out more about NGN Day and Red Tents, an initiative to help women in communities gather and #resist.

Gillibrand Fundraiser in LA – June 1

If you are in Los Angeles and would like information on a fundraiser for Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on June 1, please email us at mindsatwork18@gmail.com. It promises to be a fantastic event and if you haven’t heard Kirsten in person, she is not to be missed.  She has been at the forefront of the resistance and is practicing what she preaches and should be supported in 2018 and beyond.

***********************

Our daily dose of Hamilton: “Every action’s an act of creation!”

***********************

Please continue to send us your ideas and feedback at mindsatwork18@gmail.com.  We appreciate any additions and corrections to keep our information as current and accurate as possible.

To subscribe, email us or follow our blog at mindsatworkblog.wordpress.com. You can read previous newsletters as well as find a number of resources and local events on the site.  Also, we are now on Twitter!  Follow us @mindsat_work

Share Minds at Work with friends.  Join local groups.  Resist.  Persist.

Share ideas, take action, have h

April 26, 2017

As we approach the first 100 days under our new administration, it is important to reflect on the PROGRESS we have made and give thanks to all of those who are working hard to protect our rights, our democracy and our world.

THANK YOU to everyone who marched over the weekend in the March for Science in Washington, D.C. and in sister marches around the country and the world. This march was crucial in showing that we will not let leaders dismiss scientific evidence in the interest of big business.

Also, a special thanks to everyone who campaigned on behalf of Jon Ossoff in Georgia’s special election. While he fell 2% short of the 50% needed to win the race outright, he is well-positioned for June and outperformed the polls’ predictions. We have just under two months to keep up the momentum (and the funding) towards a win on June 20th.

We have a long battle ahead to regaining the majority. To that end, we would like to continue to highlight groups that are doing great work at every level to get more Democrats on ballots, fundraise for candidates, and strengthen the resistance against the Republican agenda. Get involved at your local and state level, as elected officials start local and then move up.

ACTION ITEMS

Here are five ways you can have an impact in upcoming elections:

Join your local Indivisible team

Many local chapters have taken up the reins and are going strong. Go to a meeting and see how you can get involved. If you aren’t sure where to start, the link above will help you find your local group.

Join your local Democratic Committee

Join the Code Blue Team at www.codeblue.team

This organization is pounding the pavement, number crunching and recruiting teams to help fill every open spot on the ballot with qualified Democrat candidates and then get these candidates over the finish line.

Voter Registration Drives

Find out if your local Democratic Committee or another organization in your community is participating in a voter registration drive. Register Blue and Swing Left are two great organizations to follow and both organize local events to register voters and provide local information.  This is a great way to volunteer and increase the number of Democrats who make their way to the polls for every election. The percentage of registered Democrats who vote is lower than the percentage of Republicans, and while there are more registered Democrats overall, this doesn’t matter if they don’t vote! Here’s NPR’s quick snapshot from last March, before the Presidential election.

Upcoming races to support:

Archie Parnell–South Carolina: https://archieparnell.com

DATE of ELECTION: May 2, May 16, June 20

Rob Quist–Montana: http://robquist.org

DATE of ELECTION: May 25th

Jon Ossoff–Georgia: electjon.com

DATE of ELECTION: June 20th

EVENTS:

The New Normal? Women, Media and Politics – April 27 and 28

The Gloria Steinem Initiative in Media, Culture and Feminist Studies is holding this event at Rutgers on April 27 and April 28.  You can watch the events live on Facebook here.  The speakers and panels promise to be enlightening and informative.  The livestreams begin at the start of each panel.  The livestream begins at 7 PM EST on April 27 and 8:45 AM EST on April 28.  In particular, make sure that you don’t miss GLORIA STEINEM LIVE on April 28 at 9 AM as part of the livestream.

50-50 Events nationwide on May 10th

To learn more about hosting a 50-50 event and start discussions on how to create a more gender-balanced world, visit the Let It Ripple website and watch the 20-minute film, “50/50: Rethinking the Past, Present, and Future of Women + Power.”

READING:

Inspiration

Read this article about the POWER of our RESISTANCE and a look at OUR first 100 days.

Immigration

One issue we must follow closely right now is immigration. While it has moved out of the spotlight a bit as the recent focus has shifted to Trump’s foreign policy, immigration laws and actions are creating real fear in our communities. Those who support strict immigration are acting out against immigrants and high numbers of refugees who had sought asylum in our country are leaving for Canada, no longer feeling safe here. Their fears are justified, as you can read in the article about Juan Manuel Montes, a 23-year-old protected under DACA who was recently deported.

CHARITY:

Charitable contributions and involvment continue to be high, and it is making a difference. CHOOSE a charity that you believe in and support by volunteering or contributing, and spread the word on social media.

One of the best chances we have to shift attitudes and gain new supporters is to share stories – stories that inspire compassion and create tolerance. Nonprofits are invaluable in bringing these stories to the forefront. Our charity of the week is Sanctuary for Families, an organization that helps women who are victims of domestic violence overcome their abuse and find a path forward. Sanctuary also supports victims of sex trafficking and helps with immigration status and other legal implications for these women and their children.

***********************

Our daily dose of Hamilton: “Here, Sir, the people govern. Here they act by their immediate representatives.”

***********************

Please continue to send us your ideas and feedback at mindsatwork18@gmail.com.  We appreciate any additions and corrections to keep our information as current and accurate as possible.

To subscribe, email us or follow our blog at mindsatworkblog.wordpress.com. You can read previous newsletters as well as find a number of resources and local events on the site.  Also, we are now on Twitter!  Follow us @mindsat_work

Share Minds at Work with friends.  Join local groups.  Resist.  Persist.

Share ideas, take action, have hope.

April 16, 2017

In this period of religious holidays, it is important to remember that we need a government that protects our freedoms – speech, religion, press, etc – as well as one that supports and protects its people – all people of all races, genders and socioeconomic backgrounds.

To that end, this is a special weekend edition of Minds at Work leading towards the election in Georgia’s 6th next week!  We need representatives in office who protect our freedoms and values.  We lost in 2016 but can’t be complacent during the special elections this year and into the midterms next year.  So please support and help in the following races.  The special election in Kansas last week wasn’t supposed to be close at all – and it was.  In Illinois, Democrats unseated a number of Republicans in local elections. This shows how this work isn’t futile.

Keep speaking out, sharing the facts, donating, calling and reaching out to friends and fellow patriots in the states where these elections are happening.  In two separate recent conversations with Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Claire McCaskill, they both spoke to the power of social media – if we share something with 20 people and they share with another 20 and so on and so forth, word spreads. But be responsible – spread REAL news sources, check your facts, and speak with respect, not condescension, to those with whom you don’t agree.  We won’t win over any minds by speaking down to those with another opinion.

RACES:

Georgia’s special election in its 6th district is TUESDAY, April 18.  THIS Tuesday. The Republicans are spending, spending, spending to fight off Jon Ossoff (electjon.com) as the race is extremely close.  Go to his website, make calls, donate, spread the word to those in that district you know.  Make sure they VOTE (and hopefully for Ossoff). This is one of the first tests in the post-Trump world and an important bellwether for 2018.  Don’t back down and keep it up!

Other upcoming races:

Archie Parnell–South Carolina: https://archieparnell.com

DATE of ELECTION: May 2, May 16, June 20

Rob Quist–Montana: http://robquist.org

DATE of ELECTION: May 25th

READING:

This Washington Post article after the Kansas election was eye opening and a reminder that we need to keep up the work.

If the Kansas shift happened nationally, Democrats would have a stranglehold on the House

Nicholas Kristof wrote a fantastic op-ed entitled How to Stand Up to Trump and Win.  Worthy of a read as it breaks down what works and what doesn’t in resistance.  “But if “resistance” has a lefty ring to it, it can also be framed as a patriotic campaign to protect America from someone who we think would damage it.”

Lastly, we all can be inspired by this 16 year old who spoke up to and against Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ) at his recent town hall.

CHARITY:

Keep your dollars flowing to Syria.  The humanitarian crisis there is unreal.  Save the Children, International Rescue Committee, White Helmets, etc.  Please help with what you can.

***********************

Our daily dose of Hamilton: “If you stand for nothing, Burr, what will you fall for?”

***********************

Please continue to send us your ideas and feedback at mindsatwork18@gmail.com.  We appreciate any additions and corrections to keep our information as current and accurate as possible.

To subscribe, email us or follow our blog at mindsatworkblog.wordpress.com. You can read previous newsletters as well as find a number of resources and local events on the site.  Also, we are now on Twitter!  Follow us @mindsat_work

Share Minds at Work with friends.  Join local groups.  Resist.  Persist.

Share ideas, take action, have hope.

March 23, 2017

Today’s newsletter will be brief and focused on two pressing matters: the vote today on the Affordable Care Act and the Supreme Court.

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT:

The House is expected to vote TODAY on the repeal of the Affordable Care Act.  The Republican “replacement” plan (the American Health Care Act) would leave a total of 52 million Americans uninsured by 2026.  It will also substantially increase premiums for older people, especially in rural areas, and with cuts to Medicaid, people living with severe disabilities will have far less support.  Call your representatives and tell them to keep the Affordable Care Act, not replace it with the American Health Care Act.  We are better off fixing and improving what we have rather than going backwards.

5 Calls makes it VERY easy to contact your representatives.  Or use Resistbot and have our texts faxed to your representatives to create a paper trail.

SUPREME COURT:

Judge Neil Gorsuch is currently undergoing his confirmation hearings in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee.  No matter your opinion on whether or not he is qualified, no one should be appointed by Trump while he is currently under FBI investigation.  Senator Warren has called for this as well.  This is a lifelong appointment.  President Obama was thwarted from lawfully getting a hearing on his appointment – yet a man whose very election is in question and who is under investigation has a candidate currently going through the confirmation process.

Again, 5 Calls makes it very easy to contact your representatives as well as the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

RACES:

And a reminder of these upcoming races:

Jon Ossoff (electjon.com) is gaining momentum in Georgia.  This special election is April 18 – keep donating, making calls, spreading the word!  Here are some other upcoming special elections.  Click on the links to learn more about them, donate, phone bank, etc.

1) Rob Quist–Montana: http://robquist.org

DATE of ELECTION: May 25th

2) James Thompson–Kansas: http://www.votejamesthompson. com

DATE of ELECTION: April 11th.

3) Archie Parnell–South Carolina: https://archieparnell.com

DATE of ELECTION: May 2, May 16, June 20

CHARITY:

A reminder to donate to Meals on Wheels – a program that helps feed 2.4M people EVERY DAY. You can donate here.  This program relies on a part of the federal budget that Trump is proposing to cut. Read about it here to better understand the impact.

***********************

Our daily dose of Hamilton: “I don’t wanna fight, but I won’t apologize for doin’ what’s right.”

***********************

Please continue to send us your ideas and feedback at mindsatwork18@gmail.com.  We appreciate any additions and corrections to keep our information as current and accurate as possible.

To subscribe, email us or follow our blog at mindsatworkblog.wordpress.com. You can read previous newsletters as well as find a number of resources and local events on the site.  Also, we are now on Twitter!  Follow us @mindsat_work

Share Minds at Work with friends.  Join local groups.  Resist.  Persist.

Share ideas, take action, have hope.

Follow us on Twitter. We will post quick action items and news content in the days between our weekly e-mails. As always, send us your ideas!

Follow @mindsat_work. Thanks!