Latest Action Items

North Shore Indivisible is committed to taking ACTION to bring about the change we want to see.

What follows is a list of ACTIONS individuals can take to engage in the political process.

If you completed an action, post something in the comments. What did the staffer say when you called? Did you get a person, voicemail? Did you receive any response? Tell us about it.

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Public Comment to Census Bureau – Deadline 8/7/18

Posted on by Sonny Cohen
Seal of the United States Census Bureau
The Census Bureau is accepting public comments on its decision to add a citizenship question to the 2020 Census. To submit your comment before the August 7 deadline, visit https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/06/08/2018-12365/proposed-information-collection-comment-request-2020-census. 

The League of Women Voters opposes such a question, which will result in an unfair and inaccurate Census that fails to equitably represent the U.S. population. See more below under “Why It Matters.”

WHY IT MATTERS:
US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross recently announced that there will be a citizenship question on the 2020 Census. The League of Women Voters vehemently opposes this measure, claiming that it will result in an undercount of those living in the United States and will jeopardize fair redistricting and the determination of the allocation of resources. Additionally, the call for a citizenship question is anti-immigrant in nature and will further instill fear, preventing immigrants from participating fully in the count.

The US Census, mandated by the Constitution, takes place every 10 years and counts every person living in the United States. The information it collects is used for redistricting and to allocate federal funds to local communities. A citizenship question has not been asked since 1950.

Some of the reasons you may offer in opposing a citizenship question on the 2020 Census:

  • Undermines an accurate count: Including a question about citizenship in the 2020 Census will damage the chances for an accurate count of our country’s population.
  • Change is a betrayal: This change to the way we count the number people living in the United States is a betrayal of the idea that in America, every person counts.
  • Misleading motive for the change: This decision isn’t about improving demographic data on citizenship to fulfill the Voting Rights Act. It’s designed to frighten immigrants-citizens and non-citizens alike-so they won’t participate in the Census. It’s a blatant political maneuver meant to disenfranchise these groups and deny them equal representation.
  • Undermines the rights of eligible voters and threatens democracy: Including this question on the Census undermines the rights of eligible voters and threatens a process vital to our democracy.
  • Jeopardizes the allocation of important resources: A fair and accurate Census is essential to the way the federal government allocates resources for infrastructure, education, and transportation. Census data is critical when determining resources for fire, water and trash collection.
  • The Constitution mandates an accurate count of ALL people: The United States Constitution mandates an accurate count of all people living in the United States — not all citizens. Non-citizens are an integral part of our economy and need to be included in the 2020 Census to paint a complete picture of our great country.

Hate Has No Home Here – Share Your Agreement

Posted on by Sonny Cohen

Tenth Dems has signs available for purchase. So many are disgusted with what they’ve seen and heard lately. One way people have rejected this negativity is by displaying a “Hate Has No Home Here” sign. They are $5 per sign or 5 signs for $20 if you arrange to pick them up. In some cases, delivery may be available for an extra charge. Contact us if you need that. Click here to order your signs!

Let us know if you’re interested in a sign—click here, call 847-266-VOTE (8683), or email info@tenthdems.org.

Become an OFA Community Engagement Fellow

Posted on by Sonny Cohen

Application deadline: Wednesday, July 11, 2018

OFA supporters are change-makers. We’re bold. We speak out for progress. And we fight for change by getting organized. Right now, we need folks like you—smart, passionate people—more than ever. The Fellowship equips new organizers with the tools and training to approach complex problems that impact the health of communities, both right now and long-term.

For six weeks, Fellows learn from experienced organizers and trainers through weekly online trainings. Fellows get a deep dive into the theory of change behind community organizing, then, when possible, work side-by-side with experienced community organizers where they live.

Throughout the program, Fellows are challenged to build community relationships, develop fundamental organizing skills, and explore their leadership potential.

What you’ll do as a Community Engagement Fellow:

 

  • Attend online training every Wednesday at 7:30pm CT from 7/18 to 8/22
  • Complete weekly assignments after each online training
  • Be provided opportunities to apply skills to your community organizing

 

Application process and timeline:

 

  • Application deadline: Wednesday, July 11, 2018
  • Acceptance will occur on a rolling basis

 

Ready to apply? Follow this link.

The OFA Community Engagement Fellowship is unpaid, is primarily for educational and training purposes, and is not expected to lead to an offer of permanent employment.

 

Support Mark Walker for 53rd District IL State Rep

Posted on by Sonny Cohen

While you may live outside the 53rd district, this race is key to making sure that Illinois gets back on its feet fiscally, and everyone in Illinois has a vested interest in getting Mark Walker elected. If you are interested in volunteering as a canvasser or phonebanker, sign up at this link.

Hi there, my name is Varun, and I’m field director for Mark Walker’s campaign for State Representative. As you may know, Mark Walker is running in the 53rd, and previously held the seat from 2009-2011.

In his time at Springfield, he shepherded wide-reaching legislation concerning TIFs and economic development, and had authored and brokered a solution to the impending budget crisis that Rauner then tore up. Mark wants to go back to Springfield to finish what he started and resolve our public finance crisis and challenge the new threats to this state that have manifested themselves in Trump. In addition, he wants to make sure that his opponent, a Roskam staffer that supports the failed Roskam/Rauner agenda, doesn’t end up being elected and misrepresenting his constituents in Springfield.

Net Neutrality Expired – Take These Steps

Posted on by Sonny Cohen

Trump’s rollback of net neutrality (which is the principle that ensures the internet is free and open for everyone) has gone into effect.

For you, losing net neutrality protections means that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will be able to block content or give some sites preferential treatment.

For big telecom companies like Comcast and Time Warner, rolling back net neutrality means they can block or throttle your internet access, or charge websites more to get a “fast lane” that gives them an advantage over their competitors.

There’s still a chance for Congress to act — but time is growing short, and it’s an uphill battle. Under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), Congress can undo recently-issued rules from government agencies by passing a “resolution of disapproval.” The CRA has an unusual provision that lets Senate Democrats force a vote on the resolution in their chamber last month. That resolution passed 52-47, with Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski (AK), Susan Collins (ME), and John Kennedy (LA) joining every Democrat to protect net neutrality.

Now, it’s the House’s turn to act. Congressman Doyle (PA-14) has introduced a companion resolution in the House. But despite overwhelming public support for saving net neutrality (86% of all Americans! 82% of Republicans!), Paul Ryan has refused to bring it to the floor for a vote.

Here are two things you can do to take action on Net Neutrality today:

  1. Read Indivisible’s resource to get the latest information on net neutrality and the fight ahead.
  2. Call your Representative and tell them: co-sponsor Congressman Doyle’s resolution of disapproval to save net neutrality.

It’s unlikely that House Republicans will join the resolution. Many of them have already come out saying they’re happy that Trump’s FCC is getting rid of net neutrality (we don’t get it, either). Right now, the odds are long — but calls from Indivisibles make a difference and move the needle on this issue.

Time and time again, Republicans have gone against public opinion (repealing healthcare, passing the tax scam, inaction on gun violence prevention), and not moving on net neutrality is just the latest example. And if they don’t do what their constituents want, then Indivisibles will replace them with members of Congress who will.

Stand Strong for Clean Car Standards!

Posted on by Lynne Hoyer
Clean Car Standards

Tell the CEOs of the World’s Largest Car Companies:
Stand Strong for Clean Car Standards!

U.S. automakers just experienced an historic seven-year record sales streak, yet President Trump and EPA Administrator Pruitt are trying to roll back lifesaving clean car standards that they claim are “crushing the auto industry.” The truth is that clean car standards benefit the economy, manufacturers, drivers, and the environment. They reduce carbon pollution and fight global climate change. We can’t let Pruitt and the President destroy them.
Tell the CEOs of the world’s biggest automakers — GM, Ford, Fiat Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Volkswagen, Hyundai-Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, Subaru, and BMW — to publicly denounce this disastrous rollback plan and take a stand against Trump and Pruitt’s attempts to destroy clean car standards.

SEND an email to the CEO’s of the world’s major auto manufacturers.

How to Spend Volkswagen Settlement Dollars

Posted on by Lynne Hoyer
Electric Bus

Tell Illinois the Illinois EPA invest Volkswagen Dollars in exhaust-free, zero-emission buses.

SEND your email to the Illinois EPA ( Kim.Biggs@illinois.gov )

Copy/paste this text suggested by Sierra Club Illinois:
The draft Volkswagen mitigation plan released for Illinois has some positive elements — it recognizes environmental justice concerns, and it commits 10% of funds to be invested in electric school bus programs, which is an important step to protecting children across our state.
But the only way to accelerate toward a clean vehicle future is for Illinois to choose zero emission vehicles — and we must be ready for them. In addition to prioritizing electric transportation, Illinois’ final mitigation plan should invest the max 15% of funds in charging infrastructure. Ohio, Michigan, and Minnesota have proposed dedicating the full 15% for EV infrastructure, so Illinois shouldn’t be left behind.
None of the funds should go to advance dirty engines that run on diesel and natural gas, the same fossil fuels that got us into this mess. Instead, plans should prioritize electrification through retrofitting or replacing polluting vehicles with clean, zero emission trucks, transit buses, locomotives and freight switchers, along with investing the full 15% for EV charging infrastructure.