Sunday, May 23, 2021

Fighting White Supremacy: Calling your congresspeople

Obviously, one can make many phone calls to congresspeople in support of white supremacy as well; this is not an automatic win.

However, it can have an impact to contact the senators and representatives for your area. They do notice phone calls more than letters and e-mail. They might notice phone calls less than office visits, but the calls will certainly be more convenient for you, and perhaps it is less likely to seem like a threat in light of recent events..

In addition, there is a web site that can make it easier for you.

https://5calls.org/

The site -- which will guide you through making five calls per day, if you want -- has the contact information for the offices, suggested scripts for the conversations, and multiple issues you can choose from.

As an Oregonian in a fairly liberal region, I don't use it much. Not only do my senators and representative tend to be on the side I support for various issues, but often they are spearheading the legislation. I am grateful for that. It does remind me that sometimes I can still send messages of support. Any time I have sent any kind of message, it has been acknowledged. I truly appreciate that.

However, if you live in another area, you might be represented by people who are confidently moving in directions you cannot approve. In that case, perhaps your calls can chip at their confidence.

Also, it may not be the worst thing if you call someone who already supports a law expressing your support. Calls like that can strengthen their resolve, and give them anecdotes to relate as they work on the legislation. 

It might be good practice for more difficult calls.

In addition, perhaps looking down the list of current topics will give you some ideas about possibilities and priorities. If you are not sure where to start, that can help.

5 Calls focuses on federal legislation, but there can be local contacts as well.

We recently received a flyer requesting calls in support of the CROWN Act:

https://www.thecrownact.com/ 

Focusing on ending discrimination against natural hair, they are now seeking protection in all 50 states, but statewide legislation was passed in Oregon just recently.

https://www.wweek.com/news/2021/04/29/oregon-house-passes-crown-act-banning-hair-discrimination/

That is one that is directly related to fighting white supremacy. 

The CROWN Act web page shows some stories of state legislatures and provides a space for sharing stories. 

It is worth perusing. One thing that is going to be helpful in finding your arena is seeing what is already happening. We don't need to reinvent the wheel every time we get an idea that things are unfair. Most of the time there are already people working on it. Deeing what they are doing and what they need is a good place to start.

 

Related posts:

https://sporkful.blogspot.com/2017/09/mormons-should-be-fighting-graham.html

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