February 20-24 is set aside for members of Congress (MoCs) to return to their states/districts and do work. As I type this, I am watching my own representative, the incomparable Barbara Lee, lead a town hall focused on the Affordable Care Act. Fortunately for Representative Lee, she is receiving a very well-deserved enthusiastic reception at this standing room only event. Not all our MoCs have earned these accolades.
Please take a moment to check your MoCs' websites and see when and where they will be speaking. Here's a link to spreadsheet with website and other contact information for your MoCs.
Here are some of the events planned by California's representatives. Unfortunately quite a few have not planned/announced any public events. If your representative has not stepped up to meet with their constituents, please give them a call and let them know that you fully expect them to do so. You can also show up at their local office and hound them. Remember, the GOP expects us to give up. Their entire plan is predicated on our failure to sustain this movement. (Literally, as I typed that last sentence, Barbara Lee was encouraging us to keep up the letters and calls and resistance.)
The Indivisible Guide folks have put out a PDF specifically about how to pressure Missing Members of Congress who are failing to meet their constituents.
I know this Yopp! is hard for some of you. Signing petitions, emailing, making calls, marching, and all that is great. Face to face with your MoC is hands down the most powerful way to get yourself heard. This is at the heart of the Indivisible Guide. This first designated state work period is one of several. If you can't do it next week, take a look at the Congressional schedule for 2017 and set aside some time. Since I'm on an academic schedule, I'm planning to go pedal to the metal over spring break and the summer. (I've also got something BIG cooking that I can't talk about right now, but I'll just dangle that teaser out there. Be sure to check the Daily Yopp! later this week.)
Yours in Solidarity!
THE YOPP! An ongoing analysis of the state of our nation since the election of 2016 from a political, economic, and social perspective with a focus on social justice. The Yopp! is meant to inform and inspire its readers to take action.
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