“Our country is strong because of generation after generation of immigrants who embraced the ideals of America, and then fought for those ideals, and fought in wars to defend our country, and built companies that employed people, and helped to build the railroads, and the highways, and all the things that we take for granted in this country. Those were built by immigrants. We’re all immigrants. That’s who we are.”
- Fmr. President Barack Obama Today, take 100 seconds to trace your own immigrant roots using the links below, and share what you find. If you can't find your own ancestors or don't have immigrant roots, call up a relative, an in-law, or a close friend and see if you can help them learn something new about theirs. Resources: Liberty Ellis Foundation (Ellis Island): Searchable database containing more than 51 million individual records, covering the period 1892-1957 Castle Garden: Before Ellis Island opened, 80% of new immigrants to the United States still came through New York, and Castle Garden was the main point of entry. This database has more than 11 million records, covering immigration to the US between 1820 and 1892. For Additional Resources, see this article from FamilySearch.
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After yesterday's action, you hopefully know exactly where your senator stands on the executive order on immigration. Now, let’s pick up our phones and call to either thank them for defending the rights of refugees and immigrants, or urge them to reconsider their stance.
Need a little help figuring out what to say? Here's an easy-to-follow call script created by our Policy Team that will walk you through it. A Federal Appeals Court is set to hear arguments today over whether to restore the President's recent Immigration Ban, so this issue is more relevant than ever, and we have the power to put pressure on our representatives to speak out. We've been hearing a lot lately about the system of checks and balances that moderates power between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. We've seen those checks and balances in action this week as Federal judges weighed in on (and temporarily blocked) the President's Immigration Ban, which sought to block travel to the US from several Muslim countries, and halt entrance of refugees into the US for 120 days.
While this issue is currently being examined in the courts, it's important for all of us to continue putting pressure on the legislative branch (our representatives) to weigh in on this issue, as we cannot rely solely on the courts to keep the administration in check. Today, we're asking you to take 100 seconds and use the guide we've created to find out where your Senators stand on the Immigration Ban. Tomorrow, we will provide a simple calling script that you can use to reach out to your Senators and weigh in based on what you find out. Find your Senators' positions on the ban here. The Syrian conflict has forced millions to flee their homes, seeking refuge in neighboring countries or risking death, capture, and deportation to make it to Europe. This project from @bbcnews asks what choices you would make if you were in their shoes. Based on real stories and experiences, this interactive journey sheds light on the dilemmas refugees face trying to find safety for them and their families.
Experience the journey here. Long-term changemakers understand the importance of balancing sustained action with moments of rest and reflection.
Before diving in to our next week of action (and a new theme) tomorrow, we're pausing to care for ourselves so we can continue to be there for others. Take at least 100 seconds today to honor the work of this past week, and if you feel inspired, share an accomplishment or a reflection below. Warning: Today's action is a sensitive one about gender-based violence, but we think it's important.
Every two minutes, someone is sexually assaulted in the United States. Many of these incidents go unreported. While gendered violence and rape are difficult to discuss, we must be willing to confront these issues and advocate for our friends, family, and community members who have been affected by these crimes if we want to create real lasting change. After a sexual assault takes place, a doctor or nurse may collect and store evidence in what's referred to as a rape kit. When tested, the DNA collected in these kits can be critical in solving these crimes. However, because of what is known as a rape kit backlog, hundreds of thousands of these kits sit untested, leading to extremely low conviction rates. One way you can help is by urging our elected officials to make needed reforms and devote resources to end this backlog - and together, we can ensure justice for those affected by these crimes, and work to create a safer society for all. Take 100 seconds to reach out to your elected officials HERE (includes template and will auto-send to your reps). HeForShe (a project of UN Women) is mobilizing men and women around the world to become a 'bold, visible force for gender equality." They offer resources for learning and action in a number of areas - from identity, to education, to health, violence, and politics.
Use your 100 seconds today to check out their work and download a free Action Kit for you or your company. Let ours be the generation that ends gender inequality around the world. Explore HeForShe and download your action kit here. Today, as Gender Equality week meets the first day of Black History Month, we are honoring the work of creative Black women who have shaped our culture, and whose work dares us to see the world differently. We invite you to take 100 seconds to share a quote, a short video, or a poem from a Black female artist you admire. A few of our favorites are featured below. Together, let's fill our social spaces with inspiration for the road ahead.
A few of our favorites: Maya Angelou - Still I rise Aja Monet - My mother was a freedom fighter (@ Women's March) - starts at :40 Audre Lorde - Dahomey Some other great ones in here. |
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