We must speak out whenever we encounter hate or racism and commit to taking action to dismantle white supremacy and advance justice. That is what it looks to truly honor Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. Many people will post a beautiful quote from Dr. King and that’s great, but what about the rest of the year?
Voting impacts every issue we care about. From abortion access and funding for important policies to address health disparities and begin to dismantle white supremacy, our right to vote decides who represents us, whose voices are heard, and which issues get the attention they deserve. But the fact is that right now our right to vote is under attack. Voter ID, registration purges, the closing of polling places, felony disenfranchisement – the list goes on when it comes to the ways that our voices are being limited at polling places. We have an opportunity and obligation to do something about it!
Here are a few ways to not just be in solidarity, but to take ACTION for racial justice:
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We can restore and protect our right to vote by passing the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Join our friends from the AAUW, Headcount, the Leadership Conference, and the National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund in speaking out! These links will provide quick emails and petitions you can share to help make your voice heard.
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The filibuster is a tool used in Congress to delay or shut down a vote. It is being abused to try to block voting rights and other important policies. Our partners at Deliver for Voting Rights recently stated, “The weaponization of the filibuster is racism cloaked in procedure and it must go.” You can help! Call your senator and tell them we must eliminate the filibuster to protect our right to vote (1-888-408-2349).
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The RI General Assembly also has the chance to improve voting access in Rhode Island by passing the Let RI Vote Act! This legislation helps to remove barriers to vote by mail or early in-person. For the 2022 session, the sponsors have revised the bills presented last year. The State House and Senate bills are exactly the same.
Please read the bills here: H-7100 S-2007
The best way to celebrate and honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and to make some “good trouble” is to join the call for action RIGHT AWAY to advance and protect voting rights! Together we can and we ARE making a difference.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join Emma, TWP’s volunteer lobbyist, every Wednesday!
4pm | FB Live(no FB account necessary to watch!)
These virtual meet-ups will be an opportunity to learn what is happening with explanations with additional subject matter experts.
Emma’s Weekly ‘Inside Scoop’
Sign up for Volunteer Lobbyist, Emma Gauthier’s weekly update as a way to share resources and give a brief overview of what’s going on each week at the State House. Last week she discussed the RI Budget, Hyde Amendment and Abortion Access legislation. Sign Up Today!
Stress Management Training for Activists: Free Class
with Barbara Holtzman
February 2, 2022 | 6:30-8p | Zoom
This free course, specifically for activists, teaches the most effective strategies and practices for regulating our nervous systems so we can do the work of social justice without becoming overwhelmed and burning ourselves out. Learn more