Category: What You Can Do Now - PACG - Progressive Action for the Common Good

What You Can Do Now - Keep Up-to-Date With Our Earth Month Calendar

3/10/2020

Keep Up-to-Date on April Earth Week Activities in Our Area

Environmental Forum

PACG is partnering with many organizations in the Quad Cities Area to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, which was originally established as April 22, 1970. Various groups are offering a wide variety of ways to honor our connection to the principles of having clean waterways, protecting species, moving toward a commitment of clean transportation and rethinking urban land use.

Our PACG website will maintain a current calendar list of everything we know about that relates to Earth Week. You can view the PACG calendar here. We are proud that our website, calendar and Facebook pages are ways for our community to know what's happening. And, although we don't usually post Community Events on our PACG calendar, we are going to for the month of April so that people in the Quad Cities can readily find the events celebrating the day, week and month devoted to taking care of the Earth.

Contact Lori McCollum with questions or comments.

Call Your Senators About the Impeachment Vote - What You Can Do Now

2/3/2020

Call Your Senators About the Impeachment Vote - Update

Considering the turmoil facing our democracy at this confusing time, we encourage all PACG members to call the offices of their US Senators daily to voice their opinions about the impeachment of the President. Are you frustrated that witnesses and documents were blocked? Are you worried about the precident this sets for future administrations? Express your concern to your Senators.

The Senate votes on Wednesday, February 5th to decide on removal from office. A two-thirds majority of Senators is required for removal. Let your Senators know that the their vote to uphold our Constitution will be a deciding factor in your future support. If your Senator is working for you in the way that you desire, call to express your appreciation.

Tell your friends and voting-age family members to contact their Senators as well..

This is very simple but has enormous impact. Each call takes one or two minutes. You either speak to a staffer or leave a message. State your name, address and your message. Be brief, respectful and stay on point. It's also a good idea to thank the staffer - if you speak to one - for doing their job during this stressful time. If your Senator is pursuing this situation to your satisfaction, tell them you are grateful for their diligence and hard work. If they are not, give them input.

Iowa Senators
Chuck Grassley - Davenport Office: 563-322-4331
WA DC Office: 202-224-3744

Joni Ernst - Davenport Office: 563-322-0677
WA DC Office: 202-224-3254

Illinois Senators
Dick Durbin - Rock Island: 309-786-5173
WA DC Office: 202-224-2152

Tammy Duckworth - Rock Island: 309-606-7060
WA DC Office: 202-224-2854

Your voice matters between elections - make it heard. Take 4 minutes out of your day to help make the change that you want to see. Put these numbers in your phone's Contacts and call daily. You will feel empowered.

Allison Ambrose

Drug Policy Forum - 2020 Platform Resolutions - What You Can Do Now

2/1/2020

2020 Platform Resolutions - Drug Policy Forum

Here are the Drug Policy Forum party platform resolutions. Print the ones you support and bring them with you when you caucus on Monday, February 3rd.

2020_platform_resolution_-_drug_policy_forum_-_expanding_medical_cannabis.docx
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2020_platform_resolution_-_drug_policy_forum_-_expanding_medical_cannabis.pdf
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Issue: Expanding Iowa’s Medical Marijuana Bill

Whereas in 2019, the Iowa Legislature overwhelmingly passed House File 732 that
would have expanded the state's restrictive medical marijuana program which was vetoed by
Gov. Kim Reynolds at the end of the legislative session, and the legislature did not reconvene to take up an override;

Whereas the Medical Cannabidiol Board - which oversees Iowa’s low-THC medical
cannabis program - recommended that the legislature remove the three percent THC
potency cap and replace it with a purchasing limit of 4.5 grams of THC over 90 days, which does not go far enough to establish better therapeutic dosing standards, leaving most seriously ill
Iowans behind;

Whereas the Medical Cannabidiol Board conceded that a doctor should have the right to recommend dosing;

Whereas the Medical Cannabidiol Board also recommended adding PTSD to the list of medically qualifying conditions, thus protecting our veterans and other citizens who suffer from this diagnosis; and

Whereas that recommendation is awaiting consideration from the Board of Medicine; now, let it be

Resolved that it’s time for Iowa to pass effective and compassionate legislation regarding a comprehensive medical cannabis program that includes:
            1.  removing the THC cap
            2.  allowing flower/bud, steam vaporization
            3.  including multiple strains of cannabis for patients.

Issue: Marijuana/Cannabis Legalization

2020_platform_resolutions_-_drug_policy_-_cannabis_legaliztion.docx
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Whereas, marijuana/cannabis prohibition hasn’t worked, with marijuana use being mainstream widespread;

Whereas prohibition wastes public resources, while marijuana taxation brings in much-needed revenue;1

Whereas prohibition sends an overwhelming number of Americans through the criminal justice system, ruining countless lives;

Whereas arresting marijuana offenders prevents police from focusing on real crime;2 and,

Whereas prohibition is detrimental to the environment;3 now, be it

Resolved that Iowa lawmakers support marijuana/cannabis legalization.

1 The Congressional Research Service projected that replacing marijuana prohibition with taxation and regulation would yield $6.8 billion in excise taxes alone. In Washington State, taxes on cannabis sales brought in more than $400 million in 2017.

2 More than 650,000 marijuana arrests and citations — more than for all violent crimes combined. Meanwhile, FBI data showed that less than 46% of violent crimes and only 18.3% of property crimes were cleared nationwide. Data published in Police Quarterly showed a higher percentage of some crimes were solved after legalization in both Colorado and Washington.

3 Illicit marijuana growers sometimes use banned pesticides, divert waterways, and leave hazardous waste in state and national parks. Regulated cannabis businesses are monitored to ensure compliance with zoning and environmental laws.

Issue: Marijuana/Cannabis Decriminalization

2020_platform_resolutions_-_drug_policy_-_cannabis_decrminalization_.docx
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Whereas Iowa is seriously lagging behind the 26 states and the District of Columbia that have stopped jailing and criminalizing residents for possessing small amounts of marijuana;

Whereas under current Iowa law, first-offense possession of even a single joint is punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, one of the most severe first-offense penalties in the
country; and

Whereas these draconian penalties hit low-income and communities of color the
hardest and, according to the ACLU, people of color in Iowa are almost eight times more
likely to be arrested for marijuana prohibition than their white counterparts; now, be it

Resolved that lawmakers support reducing or eliminating marijuana/cannabis possession penalties, and putting an end marijuana/cannabis prohibition.

Issue: Removing Marijuana/Cannabis from Schedule I Classification

2020_platform_resolutions_-_drug_policy_-_cannabis_schedule_i_removal.docx
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Whereas, on October 27, 1970, the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control
Act was enacted;

Whereas Title II of that act, titled the Controlled Substances Act, established
categories varying from Schedule I (the strictest classification) to Schedule V (the least
strict); and

Whereas Marijuana was placed in the Schedule I category, thereby prohibiting its use for
any purpose; now, be it

Resolved that Congressional lawmakers remove marijuana/cannabis from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.

Issue: Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction Access

2020_platform_resolutions_-_drug_policy_-_harm_reduction.docx
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Whereas the Iowa State legislature has continued to deny access to life-saving harm reduction tools such as safe syringe access, safe consumption sites, and a state standing order to dispense naloxone; and

Whereas Iowa legislators continue to ignore evidenced-based interventions for their constituents while 33 states have established syringe access programs; removed paraphernalia laws; and are considering safe consumption sites to reduce disease transmission of HIV, Hep C, and to prevent overdose death; now, be it

Resolved that Iowa lawmakers immediately support safe syringe access, safe consumption sites, and a state standing order for the life-saving overdose reversal drug, naloxone.

Caroline Vernon

What You Can Do Now - Download Platform Resolutions

1/28/2020

Iowa Caucus: Download Platform Resolutions

Iowa Caucus

The PACG Forum Facilitators have written resolutions that they would like to see in both parties' platforms. You can access and download these from our website through the Blog post links below, and take them to your caucus site where they will be gathered. The more that are turned in, the better the chance of getting them into the platform.

Civil Rights Forum Platform Resolutions
Drug Policy Forum Platform Resolutions
Environmental Forum Platform Resolutions
Health Care Reform Forum Platform Resolutions

Allison Ambrose

What You Can Do Now - Attend Memorials for Activist Kriss Wells

1/28/2020

Social Justice Giant Kriss Wells Passes Away
Memorial Service - Saturday, Feb 15th at 3:00 pm in Minneapolis
Sharing Circle & Reception - Saturday, Feb 22nd at 10 am in Davenport

We are sad to share that one of our founding members, Kriss Wells, has passed away in the Twin Cities after an extended illness. We are grateful for the tireless work he gave to the community to fight for environmental justice, human rights, economic justice and peace. Kriss had a gentle manner, which beautifully complemented his peaceful and fearless advocacy.

His memorial service will be Saturday, February 15th at 3:00 pm at:
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55408 (map)

A Sharing Circle and Reception will be Saturday, February 22nd at 10:00 am at:
UUCQC
3707 Eastern AV
Davenport, IA (map)

His obituary is here.

His family requests that memorial donations can be made to the Quad Cities Community Foundation (put Dick Fallow Endowment for Social Justice on the memo line).

Please keep Kriss’s family in your thoughts.

Julie Ross

What You Can Do Now - Call Your Senators About Impeachement

1/3/2020

Call Your Senators About the Impeachment Inquiry

A Message from the President

Considering the turmoil facing our democracy at this confusing time, we encourage all PACG members to call the offices of their US Senators daily to voice their opinions about the President being impeached and the next steps in the Senate. Which witnesses and documents do you think should be compelled to ensure a fair Senate trial? If you are unsure of these peoples' names, you can tell your Senator that you don't want witnesses and documents blocked.

Tell your friends and voting-age family members to contact their Senators as well..

This is very simple but has enormous impact. Each call takes one or two minutes. You either speak to a staffer or leave a message. State your name, address and your message. Be brief, respectful and stay on point. It's also a good idea to thank the staffer - if you speak to one - for doing their job during this stressful time. If your Senator is pursuing this situation to your satisfaction, tell them you are grateful for their diligence and hard work. If they are not, give them input.

Iowa Senators
Chuck Grassley - Davenport Office: 563-322-4331
WA DC Office: 202-224-3744

Joni Ernst - Davenport Office: 563-322-0677
WA DC Office: 202-224-3254

Illinois Senators
Dick Durbin - Rock Island: 309-786-5173
WA DC Office: 202-224-2152

Tammy Duckworth - Rock Island: 309-606-7060
WA DC Office: 202-224-2854

Your voice matters between elections - make it heard. Take 4 minutes out of your day to help make the change that you want to see. Put these numbers in your phone's Contacts and call daily. You will feel empowered.

Allison Ambrose

What You Can Do Now - Call Congress About COP25

12/3/2019

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
December 2nd thru December 13th

Madrid, Spain

Environmental Forum

The 25th Conference of the Parties, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change will occur from December 2nd-13th in Madrid, Spain. At the COP25 the international community will attempt to accelerate actions to reverse climate change. Call your members of Congress and ask why we are withdrawing from this agreement at this critical time. Nations are supposed to submit new climate action plans in 2020. We must reduce emissions 45% by 2030 and reach climate neutrality by 2050 to stabilize the global temperature by the end of the century. Let Congress know that you are a Climate Crisis Voter!

Contact information for your Iowa and Illinois representatives is always available on the PACG website! Call or email today!

Lori McCollum

What You Can Do Now - Scott County Legislative Forum - December 3rd at 5:30 pm

11/12/2019

Scott County Legislative Forum -
Tuesday, December 3rd at 5:30 pm

Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Branch
3000 N Fairmount St, Davenport 52804 (map)

PACG, Quad Cities Interfaith, NAACP Davenport Branch

Current Scott County legislators have been invited to this forum to answer questions from members of the community. We want to send our reps off to the new legislative session with our concerns fresh on their minds.

We have invited the following legislators:
Sen. Chris Cournoyer, Rep. Monica Kurth, Sen. Jim Lycam, Rep. Gary Mohr, Rep. Ross Paustian, Sen. Roby Smith, Rep. Phyllis Thede and Rep. Cindy Winkler.

The forum is co-sponsored with Quad Cities Interfaith, NAACP Davenport Branch 4019, and Progressive Action for the Common Good.

Please join us to provide your input.

Julie Ross
pacgoffice@gmail.com

What You Can Do Now - Attend Caucus Training!

11/1/2019

How Are Caucuses Conducted? - Thursday, November 7th at 6:00 pm

Davenport Public Library, Fairmount Branch
3000 N Fairmount ST
Davenport, IA 52804 (map)

PACG, Quad Cities Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees (QCAIR), the AAUW and the Davenport Public Library

PACG, QCAIR, Inc., the American Association of University Women, and the Davenport Public Library are hosting Caucus Training on Thursday, November 7th, at the Fairmount Branch, Davenport Public Library. The training will begin at 6:00 pm and is open to all.

Did you know that the Democratic and Republican caucuses, while similar, are conducted differently? Many people have no idea how the caucuses are conducted or how they should go about supporting their respective candidates. You are invited to come learn about the caucus process and how they operate. After a brief explanation of the rules and process for the Democratic and Republican caucuses, attendees will be participating in a mock caucus; however, real candidates will not be used. Learn how to caucus by participating in our mock caucus!

Susan Leuthauser

What You Can Do Now - Contact Your Legislators in Support of the Kurds

10/31/2019

Contact Your Representatives to Tell Them to Support the Kurdish People

A Message to Our Members

PACG supports the Kurdish people in Syria during these difficult times (Please read our recent Blog Post - Prayer and Reflection Vigil: Standing with the Kurds in Crisis).

Whether or not you are able to attend the Vigil, we encourage you to contact your Members of Congress to express your support for these people. You can find your national legislators on our website under our Action Center tab.

Calling is easy and just takes a few minutes. You will need to state your name and address if you speak to a staffer or for the recorded message you leave. Stay on point and be polite. You can use the script below to make it easy.

If you would like to write to your legislators, the following statement is simple and straightforward. We have also attached it as a download in two forms so that you can print it, put your address and the date at the top, sign the letter and mail it.

Here's what we suggest, but feel free to make any changes you'd like:

Your Address
the Date

Dear

I am one of your constituents who votes, and I would like to express my concern about the situation in Northern Syria involving the treatment of the Kurdish people.
I encourage you to exercise the power of your office to preserve our nation’s partnership with the Kurdish people, particularly in keeping with our tradition of standing with our allies and providing protection for the victims of persecution, wherever they may live. I believe in the humanitarian values that have been the hallmarks of America and expect my elected officials to represent these values.

Please support the Kurds.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Your Name

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