Under the covers?
Or back out to fight for those who will be hurt the most?
Our friend Sarah, a Georgetown University junior, gave her friends a social justice to-do list for the week. We liked it so we made one too:
#1 – FIND OUT TODAY WHO YOU ELECTED
Learn exactly who represents you in the state legislature, Congress and at the local level.
CLICK HERE TO START.
Remember our elections have not yet been certified by the Missouri Secretary of State so check back for updates. If you live out of Missouri, the same thing applies with YOUR state director of elections.
#2 – NEED HELP?
Please contact my legislative assistant, Adam Speak at adam.speak@house.mo.gov or call him at my Capitol office – 573.751.0100. He will help you – regardless of where you live, even out of state.
#3 – WRITE DOWN YOUR ELECTEDS CONTACTS
Write down their names, email and phone number and stick them on your refrigerator & computer desktop. Use bright colored post-it notes so you can see them every time you reach for a snack or get on Facebook.
I could not be more serious with these first 3 steps.
Most people have NO IDEA who represents them in the state legislature. Many in my own district think I work in Washington D.C. I am not kidding you. We don’t call ourselves “Congress” —we are your state legislatures. Most of us were on your ballot in November —and are who YOU put in charge to represent you. You must contact us repeatedly in 2017 – stay on our backs – make sure we fight for you.
Conservatives now control 66 out of 99 state chambers. In Missouri the GOP is in charge with super-majorities in both the House and Senate and have all but one statewide office. It is going to be very rough. GUESS WHERE MOST POLICY ACTUALLY GETS PASSED? Yep, in your state.
#4 – MARK THIS DATE ON YOUR CALENDAR
January 4, 2017 —Missouri Legislative Session Begins.
Most other states also begin 2017 sessions in January. SEE EVERY STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR HERE.
#5 – FIND YOUR LOCAL MAYOR & SCHOOL BOARD
They are meeting regularly RIGHT NOW and many will be up for election in the spring. Attend city council and school board meetings. Run for office yourself.
Policy decisions that effect your family are being made each month, decisions on which you may or may not agree. Pay attention – even if your children aren’t old enough to attend or if you’re an empty nester.
Extremist policy begins locally—and is where extremist candidates are groomed.
CLICK HERE FOR ST LOUIS COUNTY GOVT & SCHOOL DISTRICTS.
#6 – DECIDE RIGHT NOW WHAT ISSUES YOU CARE MOST ABOUT
Reflect where you can put your time and resources. Decide your focus right now.
Our impulse is to open up our wallets to every group immediately which is not practical. Step up for those for which you are truly passionate – and remember state organizations, not just national ones.
#7 – FORWARD THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO EVERY FAMILY MEMBER AND FRIEND
BEING PASSIVE IS NO LONGER AN OPTION.
We’ve seen much of this before in our history.
Protecting civil rights and standing up for those who are most at risk is our responsibility.
Join with me.
