[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” background_color=”#ffffff” z_index=””][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text el_class=”inner_pages_link”]Sometimes the atrocities and injustice in our world leave me feeling helpless and sad. Here are a few actions you can take to effect change:
1. Call your senators and representative to oppose Brett Kavanaugh for US Supreme Court. Kavanaugh is 53 years old so he could be on the Court for 30 years and he has a troubling track record on many issues particularly reproductive rights and gun laws. Here is the number for the Capitol Hill switchboard (202) 224-3121 or you can use apps/websites like 5 calls, which will tell you exactly who your representative and senators are based on where you live and what to say. Here is an example of what you could say:
“Hi, my name is [name], and I am a constituent from [town/city]
I’m calling to demand Senator/Representative [name] oppose Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court. Kavanaugh’s history of advocating for positions that are outside of mainstream beliefs are deeply troubling. His position that a sitting president should be shielded from criminal and civil action makes clear that Trump is attempting to subvert checks and balances to avoid accountability for his actions.
Thank you for your time and attention.
[If leaving a voicemail]: Please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied.
2. Read Skill in Action: Radicalizing your Yoga Practice to Create a Just World by Michelle Cassandra Johnson. This book asks readers to explore the profoundly transformational practice of yoga and to become a social change agent to create a world that is just for all. The book explores liberation for everyone while inviting readers to enact agency, whether that manifests as activism, volunteer work, or changing relationships with others and ourselves. Michelle is on a book/yoga tour across the United States over the next 2 weeks so check out her tour schedule and learn more at https://www.michellecjohnson.com/.
3. Donate to Raices. There are still at least 2,500 refugee and immigrant children between the ages of 5 to 17 who are separated from their parents in the United States as part of the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance policy.” This policy takes children away from their parents without any intention of reuniting the families. The administration has received a court mandate to reunify these families by the end of July, but it is unlikely they will meet this deadline.
These children go through a legal hearing without legal representation. This is where Raices comes in to help, Raices is a non-profit that promotes justice by providing free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees in Texas. If you are able, please go to Raices website and make a donation which will help make this nightmare a little less scary for these children. https://www.raicestexas.org/donate/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=”” el_class=”common_content_below_content_rows”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text el_class=”inner_pages_link”]
October Action Steps
September was a tough month politically. As a nation we need to reflect on the norms in place about consent and sexual assault. Here are a few steps you can take to enact change:
1. Call your senator
Call your senator to demand that Brett Kavanaugh withdraw his nomination for the Supreme Court. Three women have come forward accusing Kavanaugh of sexual assault or misconduct. Christine Blasey Ford was the first women to come forward. On September 27th she testified bravely in front of the senate judiciary committee. It is unacceptable to have a judge in the highest court in the United States with such an egregious history. Use 5calls.org to make this call. The site gives you a script and the phone number of one of your senators.
https://5calls.org/issue/withdraw-kavanaugh-sexual-assault-allegations
2. Read and Chat
It is important to talk with the boys and girls in your family about consent. We have an opportunity to make change by informing and empowering our children. It is not always easy to have these conversation, but you will find in this article some tips on how to do so:
3. Register to vote
Visit https://vote.gov/ to get information on how to register to vote in your state. In 37 states and the District of Columbia you can register to vote online. It can be as easy as a few click. Many states have an October deadline to vote in the November midterm elections, so do it right away!
4. Donate to RAINN
RAINN is the National Sexual Assault Hotline. They provide many services to those who have experienced sexual assault. Here are just a few examples of these services:
- Confidential support from a trained staff member.
- Support finding a local health facility that is trained to care for survivors of sexual assault and offers services like sexual assault forensic exams
- Someone to help you talk through what happened
When you give to RAINN, you’re not just donating to an organization—you’re helping to improve the lives of thousands of people affected by sexual violence. 93¢ of every dollar donated will go directly to RAINN’s programs and services. Explore their website and donate here: https://donate.rainn.org/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” z_index=”” el_class=”quote_sec” css=”.vc_custom_1567083571812{background-color: #fdd1e2 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”grid” text_align=”center” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text el_class=”quote_content_area”]”I am capable of getting through tough times as I get stronger mentally, spiritually, and physically every day.”
– Koya Webb
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