Chop Wood, Carry Water 3/19

Hey, folks! Happy Wednesday.

It’s going to have to be a quick one today, as I’m off to record the podcast shortly. I did, however, want to address a few housekeeping items.

First, I’ve received a few emails asking me to include in the newsletter actions around the situation in Israel/Gaza. I created a separate newsletter for that particular subject last year. So if you want the very occasional action around Middle Eastern (and other international) politics you can subscribe to Chop Wood, Carry the World. I must warn you, though—global politics are not my main focus or forte—I simply don’t have the bandwidth to do them justice. So while I will send out calls to action from time to time please don’t expect me to be your main source on that—I’ll almost definitely let you down.

Speaking of which, I have officially reached a point of overwhelm where incoming emails are concerned. Please accept my apologies if I don’t reply to yours. I simply can’t get to all of them. Remember to check my FAQs doc, which is pinned to the top of every newsletter, for answers to many of your questions. And if you have problems with your subscription or need to change an email address please check out Substack’s support page or email their support team at support@substackinc.com. They do a great job; most of the time all I do is put readers in touch with them anyway.

Ok, all. Housekeeping is boring but sometimes you have to do it. Now on to more exciting things, like taking action to save our democracy. Let’s get to work!

Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲 and Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲

Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.

I’m calling to demand that the Senator/Representative stop allowing the Trump administration to defy the Constitution. Congress needs to do its job as a co-equal branch of government to resist Trump’s blatant disregard for the rule of law. I want the Senator/Representative to publicly condemn and demand oversight hearings to investigate the Trump administration's open defiance of federal court orders. S/he should also support articles of impeachment and move to convict Trump for his repetitive defiance of constitutional law. Enough! We don’t have kings in America. Do your job! Thanks. [H/T]

Extra Credit ✅

This tool allows you to thank your lawmaker if they opposed the Republican CR and chastise them if they didn’t. It’ll give you the right script for your particular rep once you input your address. Enjoy!

Get Smart! 📚

Reminder: Tonight’s #TeslaTakedown mass mobilizing call will feature Rep. Jasmine Crockett, John Cusack, Alex Winter, Prof. Joan Donovan and activists from all over the country speaking. On the call, we’ll be celebrating our progress, hearing from experts and organizers, and sharing our next MAJOR action to take on Musk and stop the illegal coup against our constitution.

Wednesday, March 19 at 8:30 p.m ET. RSVP now!

Win Races! 🗳

Here are a couple more ways to help us win in Wisconsin:

Join a Voter Protection 101 Training session to learn about Wisconsin election law so you can help people exercise their right to vote. The session will cover election law basics, voter registration, and available resources, as well as how you can get involved protecting democracy in your community!
Thursday, March 20, 5-6pm CT. Register at this Mobilize link.

Text Bank with All on the Line—Join All On The Line Wisconsin for a text bank to share critical information and mobilize voters for the upcoming election. The sessions will start with volunteer training on the texting tool and then participants will stay on Zoom together while texting voters. Tuesday, March 25 and Thursday, March 27, 7pm-9pm ET. Register at this Mobilize link.

Activate America is also holding phone banks to get out the vote to elect Susan Crawford on April 1. These phone banks use the Scale to Win dialer.
Wednesday, March 19 and 26 from 4-6pm ET; Friday, March 21 an 28 from 11am-1pm ET; and Monday, March 31, 4-6pm ET. Register at this Mobilize link.

Resistbot Letter (new to Resistbot? Go here! And then here.) 💻

[To: all 3 reps] [H/T subscriber Coleman R.—thanks!] [Text SIGN PWTZHB to 50409, or to @Resistbot on Apple Messages, Messenger, Instagram, or Telegram]

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is the nation's only federal agency dedicated to supporting America's libraries and museums. These institutions play a vital role in our communities by offering essential services such as early literacy programs, internet access, job assistance, resources for students and veterans, STEM education, and support for small businesses. Eliminating federal funding for the IMLS would deprive millions of Americans, especially in rural areas, of these invaluable resources and learning opportunities. It is crucial to maintain the modest federal funding for the IMLS to uphold the aspirations and daily needs of our communities. I urge you to take a stand against the proposed cuts and work to protect this crucial agency that advances education, opportunity, and community development across the country.

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OK, you did it again! You’re helping to save democracy! You’re amazing.

Talk soon.

Jess