Civil Rights Action Plan
Here are some actions YOU can take to protect Civil Rights in the next....
3 HOURS
3 DAYS
3 WEEKS
On Tuesday, April 11 attend an important public discussion on Criminal Justice Reform at St. Ambrose University, 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Rogalski ballroom. The forum is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by Progressive Action for the Common Good and St. Ambrose. Participants include police, prosecutors, defense attorneys, juvenile court officers and professors.
3 MONTHS
- Talk to five friends tonight and tell them about today.
- Buy a newspaper. Read it. Consider subscribing to it to support the work of fact-gathering journalism. (Share with a neighbor to save money. And be sure to recycle the paper when you’re done.)
- Find out who your state and federal legislators are. Put their numbers in your phone. U.S. Senators and Representatives can be reached through the central switchboard at 202-225-3121.
3 DAYS
- Read the Constitution. (At least read the first 10 amendments, known as the Bill of Rights.)
- Join the ACLU. It is only $20 a year for a national membership. Support your state ACLU, and consider starting your own local chapter.
- Go to People Power and watch the ACLU’s video on Resistance Training.
- Write postcards to your legislators. Your message can be just a few words. A card is cheaper than a letter. At least the mailman and an intern will read it!
3 WEEKS
On Tuesday, April 11 attend an important public discussion on Criminal Justice Reform at St. Ambrose University, 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Rogalski ballroom. The forum is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by Progressive Action for the Common Good and St. Ambrose. Participants include police, prosecutors, defense attorneys, juvenile court officers and professors.
3 MONTHS
- Run for precinct committee person. It is an entry level post in party politics. You will represent your neighbors in making decisions.
- Organize a court monitoring group. Every person in the U.S. is entitled to a public trial, yet there is often no member of the public present when pleas are entered, bail set and trials are held.
- Learn about racial bias. Go to Project Implicit and take the on-line test that reveals implicit bias, rather than explicit bias.
- Check your own voter registration. Make sure your address is up to date. If you changed your name, correct it. Tell five friends to check their registrations, too.
