IL-9 Action Newsletter 8/16/17
5 Things To Do This Week to Resist from the IL-9
Add Your Name
This past weekend’s gathering of white supremacists in Charlottesville, and the violence against and casualties of counter-protestors that resulted, is a clear demonstration that our country is still very much mired in our foundation in white supremacy and a legacy of racism. As you stand in solidarity with Charlottesville, consider signing this petition from Color of Change that calls for the removal of all Confederate symbols and monuments across the country. All of these symbols and monuments simply serve to preserve our culture of white supremacy; it’s hard enough to dismantle white supremacy as is, but even harder when images of that culture pollute our communities.
Whether or not you personally know someone who depends on the protections of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, now is the time to speak up to elected officials and attorneys general across the country to demand that this vital program be maintained. Add your name to this petition from United We Dream, then share with family and friends information about what DACA brings to our country using the hashtag #DefendDACA. Use this link to share on Facebook, or this one to share via Twitter.
The FCC has extended the period for public comments regarding net neutrality. Net neutrality protections ensure that all internet traffic is considered equal and that internet service providers cannot make access to particular websites or services either faster or slower than others. The current administration and Republican majority have signaled an interest in overturning net neutrality—in essence allowing corporations to purchase “fast lane” access for their sites and products. Eliminating net neutrality would have significant negative impact on both access to information and intellectual freedom. Use this tool from the American Library Association to add your comments in support of maintaining net neutrality. Commenting is open through August 30.
Raise Your Consciousness
A number of major organizations in the resistance, including MoveOn, People’s Action, Color of Change, and Indivisible, will be pooling their efforts and expertise for a nationwide training call scheduled for Sunday, August 20, at 7 p.m. This call will explore white supremacy, its history, and its impact on America; opportunities to fight against bigotry and white supremacy; and strategies for talking to people in your life about white supremacy and to combat it in your community. The call is open to anyone, with registration available at this link.
While you’re contemplating the events at Charlottesville last weekend and the disgustingly milquetoast response from our commander in chief, now is a good time to revisit the difference between being non-racist and being anti-racist. This video from The Guardian, featuring award-winning author Marlon James, explores the difference, highlighting that only through anti-racist work can we actually dismantle the systemic oppressions and white supremacy inherent in our country.