Embedded Files
Inform
Felon disenfranchisement is disallowing felons the right to vote. 4.6 million people in the United States were disenfranchised as of 2022, and all but 2 states and one district place some restrictions on felons’ voting. The Democracy Restoration Act has been proposed in Congress to expand voting rights to felons, abolishing the permanent denial of felons’ voting rights.
Promoting Youth Justice:
Government offices have devoted time to helping young defendants protect their rights and release options. Policies have been changing due to shifting trends in juvenile crime. In California, the DJJ (Division of Juvenile Justice), a group that runs the youth correctional facilities, is known for a history of neglect and mistreatment. In the California Legislature, a representative from LA recently helped pass a bill (AB 61) that releases minors in custody if a probable cause isn’t determined within 48 hours. Laws like these are needed in all states to protect youth defendants from (an often) unfair system.
So far, 37 states and 150+ cities and counties have adopted “ban the box” to prevent employers from stigmatizing candidates based on a prior criminal record. Ban the box makes it so an employer considers a candidate’s qualifications first without the stigma of a conviction by delaying background checks until further on in the hiring process. As of late 2019, the “Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019” has become part of the National Defense Authorization Act.
Read, Watch, Listen, Take Action 2/21/24
Criminal Justice Reform
Read
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/05/magazine/murder-podcast-debbie-williamson.html
https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/justice-system-reform/wrongful-convictions
https://www.themarshallproject.org/2024/01/27/alabama-execution-kenneth-smith-death-penalty
https://www.themarshallproject.org/?ref=nav
https://innocenceproject.org/our-work/
Watch
Listen
Take Action
FAMM:
FAMM, or Families Against Mandatory Minimums, is an organization dedicated to providing incarcerated people with compassionate release or commuting sentences, reintegration into their communities, and pushing for the reduction, and ultimate end of, mandatory minimum sentences for crimes. Mandatory minimum sentencing laws impose a minimum amount of time one has to spend in prison for a given offense/conviction. They argue that one-size-fits-all sentencing harms prisoners’ families and places an unnecessary burden on the economy and taxpayers. One in two Americans have had someone in their families experience incarceration and one in twenty-eight kids has a parent in prison.
Read, Watch, Listen, Take Action 12/7/23
2023 Local Activism and Community Engagement
Sophia Landers read…
Archer Senior and Coco’s Angeles Co-Founder Layla Tehranchi founded an app called “Foster Buddy” that connects emancipated teens and foster youth aging out of the system with mentors and professionals who are interested in making a lasting difference in the lives of those in need.
In a $650 million land deal by the team’s owner, Stan Kroenke, LA Rams executives are revitalizing nearly 100 acres in the valley’s Woodland Hills neighborhood into a sports-centric, live-work-play development, including a practice facility and team headquarters. This will improve Urban development and city life.
Stephanie Harrison watched…
Descendant chronicles the descendants of the last enslaved Africans brought to America, and how they are bringing awareness to, and reclaiming their (and their descendants’) stories.
Descendant https://participant.com/film/descendant
This film documents the struggle to fight for Black voting rights in Lowndes County, Alabama, led by activist Stokely Carmichael.
Lowndes County https://participant.com/film/lowndes-county-and-road-black-power
This film focuses on the struggle, primarily in Michigan and Wisconsin, against gerrymandering, or biased political redistricting practices aimed at disenfranchising voters.
Slay the Dragon https://participant.com/campaigns/slaythedragon
Olivia Miro listened to…
Left, Right & Center - KCRW - “Left, Right & Center is KCRW’s weekly politics show where we take on the tough, divisive issues you’re afraid to talk about with your own family.”
"100% renewable energy by 2035 is ambitious but LA’s on track" - KCRW - This piece runs through and helps readers understand LA’s ambitious renewable energy goal.
Grace Ryan promotes taking action with…
Through the Surfrider Foundation’s Take Action page, you can easily learn about and support different campaigns surrounding ocean and coastal protection.
Volunteer with Alexandria House, which provides safe and supportive housing for women and children in the process of moving from emergency shelter to economic stability and permanent housing. Learn more here.
Level Up LA works to “strengthen under-resourced Los Angeles community schools”. Check out their website here!
Volunteer at the Ballona Wetlands! Help revive this rare coastal habitat and keep our coastal waters safe and clean. Learn more here.
Selah Johnson suggests you visit…
The Skirball Cultural Center is currently hosting an exhibit titled “This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of the Civil Rights Movement”. This exhibit highlights the ways in which young people helped to advance several social movements during the 1960s. This exhibit can be visited until February of 2024, and The Skirball has free entry on Thursdays. Visit the website: Here
The LACMA’s current exhibit, “Painting in the River of Angels: Judy Baca and The Great Wall”, includes murals from the 1960s depicting the Chicano Movement and the Watts Renaissance. It can be visited between the hours of 11:00 am and 6:00 pm until June 2nd, 2024. Visit the website: Here
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is hosting “A Great Day in East LA: Celebrando The Eastside Sound” between May 10th, 2024 and January 26th, 2025. This is a multi-media exhibition exploring many different musical influences from and within the eastside of Los Angeles. Visit the website: Here
The Autry Museum in Griffith Park has an exhibit examining the establishment of twenty-five federal off-reservation boarding schools for Native American children in the late 19th century. This exhibit is titled “Sherman Indian School: 100+ Years of Education and Resilience”, and can be visited until May of 2024. Visit the website: Here,
Beginning December 9th, The Autry Museum is also hosting an exhibition titled “Reclaiming El Camino: Native Resistance in the Missions and Beyond”. This exhibit calls attention to Los Angeles’ rich Native history and educates visitors on the El Camino Real, the ancient and well-worn trade route for Native people.
Olivia Hallinan-Gan urges you to stay updated on the Upcoming Election…
Pre-register or register to vote HERE
Get educated on the upcoming primary election on March 5th, 2024 and the general election on November 5th, 2024 below
On March 5th, 2024 the primary election will be held in California. Additionally, on November 5th the general elections will take place. We are spotlighting some of the propositions on the ballot in November.
Proposition 1: Behavioral Health Services Program and Bond Measure (March 5, 2024)
This proposition’s goal is to…
Rename the Mental Health Services Act (2004) to the Behavioral Health Services Act
Expand the act's purpose to include substance use disorders
“Changing how revenue from the 1% tax on income above $1 million is spent under the law, including requiring 30% of the Behavioral Health Services Fund be allocated to housing intervention programs”
Increase the size of the voting commission from 16 to 27
Issue “$6.380 billion in bonds to fund housing for homeless individuals and veterans with mental health or substance use disorders”
November 5th 2024
$18 Minimum Wage Initiative
“A "yes" vote supports increasing the state minimum wage to $18 per hour by 2026 for all employers and thereafter adjusting the rate annually by increases to the cost of living.”
Fast Food Restaurant Minimum Wage and Labor Regulations Referendum
“A vote to "keep the law" is to uphold Assembly Bill 257 (AB 257), which would establish a fast-food council authorized to increase the minimum wage of workers in the fast-food industry to $22 per hour and regulate working hours and conditions.”
California Right to Marry and Repeal Proposition 8 Amendment
“A "yes" vote supports repealing Proposition 8 (2008), which defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman in the state constitution, and adding language to establish a right to marry.”
Melinda Wang encourages you to Reflect Empathy…
Given the current humanitarian crises in Israel and Palestine, Reflect Empathy is hosting an art gallery and auction with the works of artists from Israel, Palestine, and the US, with the idea of shedding light on the experiences of affected people. We are looking for Israeli or Palestinian artists interested in donating or creating a piece of art for us to showcase in our community with the theme of responding to the Israel-Palestine conflict. The piece can either be physical or digital (to be projected), but physical is preferred. Artists not who are not Jewish or Palestinian are also free to submit with the idea of responding to the Israel-Palestine Conflict in mind. We would also be open to covering any shipping costs artists incur. Questions and submissions can be sent to reflectempathyproject@gmail.com. For further information on our organization, please visit our website: https://www.reflectempathy.org/. Additionally, please check out our Ukraine Anthology, our previous passion project using the power of words and art to foster connections:(https://www.amazon.com/Reflect-Empathy-Ukraine-Anthology/dp/B0CLL38HZV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WZHCX8YUHR2B&keywords=ukraine+anthology&qid=1700859340&sprefix=%2Caps%2C258&sr=8-1).
Sophia Shin and Lucy Williams recommend you look out for...
Get excited for upcoming ArcherEngage community conversations—The Artemis Center's new initiative. ArcherEngage is a new conversation series starting in January dedicated to fostering civil discourse and exploring contemporary issues. ArtemisEngage aims to provide a platform for students to participate in meaningful dialogue, broaden their perspectives, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them with unique topics beyond humanities classrooms.
More information will come to you shortly...
Read, Watch, Listen, Take Action 11/27/23
2023 Israel-Hamas War
Read
US relations with Israel from the U.S. State Department
Timeline of conflicts between Israel and Palestinian militants from NYT
Overview of conflict and explanation of terms from Bloomberg
August Pew Research poll on Americans views of Israel from Pew Research
PBS Newshour collection of Palestine/Israel conflict
Timeline of Peace / Two-State Solution Efforts (PBS)
Watch
Disturbing the Peace documentary
Listen
NPR - The History Behind Tensions Between Israelis And Palestinians
Guardian: How Conflict Erupted?
Take Action
Organizations requesting donations: The following list includes organizations providing humanitarian aid to civilians on both sides of this conflict.
Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund
More suggestions: here, and here
Connect with organizations promoting cross-cultural activism:
Read, Watch, Listen, Take Action 1/31/23
Government Representatives & Black History Month
Charlotte Tragos, Margaret Morris
Read
Charlotte’s reading The New York Times (Letters): George Floyd ‘Changed the World,’ and Other Reflections
Readers discuss a proclamation by Mr. Floyd’s young daughter and note the key roles played by the judge and the teenager who took the nine-minute video.
Watch
Charlotte’s watching John Lewis: Good Trouble
Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) fights for civil rights, voting rights, gun control, health care reform and immigration.
Listen
Charlotte’s listening to Pod Save America: “Accountability today, justice tomorrow.”
Derek Chauvin is found guilty of murdering George Floyd, Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) joins to talk about renewed hope that Congress might pass police reform, and Democrats re-introduce the Green New Deal as Joe Biden pledges to cut carbon emissions in half ahead of a global climate summit.
Take action
Donate
1) GoFundMe link to Duarte Wright’s funeral service set up by his aunt. GoFundMe
2) Survival Fund For Black Trans Student
3) Help Xavqior get safe housing
5)Help a Black Woman's Survival Fund
Organizations
1) Black Lives Matter Fund Page
Black Power:
Building collective power to address the harms of past and present generations.
influence global movements of resilience, community action, and possibility.
Vision:
Carrying out aspirations of Black radical Ancestors
“From our visions, we grow Black futurities that are healing and liberated.”
Transformation:
“We center from this place of truth”
commit to the praxis required to make this layered, ever-evolving, life-long journey.
Joy:
Celebrating, playing, and finding pleasure in community is the heart of how we transform, build Black power, and stay true to our visions.
The Black Visions Organization has received 30 million dollars in donations since the death of George Floyd, and has redistributed 8.i9 million dollars to community members and other organizations.
Through the “Emergency Fund” they re-allocated $767,000 to 176 individuals and 17 organizations.
Through the “Transformative Black-Led Movement Fund” earned a total of 7.1 million dollars in order to rapidly distribute mutual aid and grants efficiently supported by a community led process
Mission Statement: “The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. is America’s premier legal organization fighting for racial justice. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, LDF seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in a society that fulfills the promise of equality for all Americans. LDF also defends the gains and protections won over the past 80 years of civil rights struggle and works to improve the quality and diversity of judicial and executive appointments.”
4) ACLU
A website which continuously updates links to community bail funds. The organization is also fighting to abolish the money bail system and pretrial detention
6) National Police Accountability Project
Educate and inform the public about issues relating to police misconduct.
Provide information resources for non-profit and community groups who work with victims of police abuse.
Support legislative reform efforts aimed at raising the level of police accountability.
Create a forum for legal professionals and community organizations to come together and creatively work to end police misconduct.
Teaming up with top legal defense professionals to provide defense aid for those in need
Education
Sign Petitions/Send texts
Read, Watch, Listen, Take Action 1/25/23
Climate
Rose Sarner, Grace Ryan
Read
Grace Ryan read, https://impakter.com/women-in-sustainability/ - Impaktar.com
This Article is sharing the stories of young, female environmentalists from across the globe.
Grace Ryan read, https://impakter.com/new-role-cities-climate-crisis-interview-maimunah-mohd-sharif/ - Impaktar.com
This is an interview with Ms. Maimunah Mohd Sharif, the executive director of UN-Habitat. She talks about the new roles cities everywhere will need to play in the climate crisis.
Watch
Rose Sarner watches, https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/a-fierce-green-fire-web-exclusive-women-in-the-environmental-movement/2985/ - PBS
Watch this two minute clip from the PBS documentary, Fierce Green Fire, which focuses on the role women play in protecting our earth. Or watch the full episode!
Rose Watches, https://theconversation.com/young-muslim-women-are-leading-environmental-movements-grounded-in-their-beliefs-150504 - The Conversation.com
Mishka Banuri is the 20-year-old co-founder of Utah Youth Environmental Solutions (UYES). UYES empowers youth to hold government officials accountable in combating the climate crisis. In 2018, she led efforts to pass a resolution in the Utah legislature to recognize the validity and existential threat of climate change.
Rose Sarner watches, https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/news/2022/03/the-climate-crisis-is-a-human-rights-crisis-and-a-womens-rights-crisis-un-chief-says - The UN
Watch the UN virtual town hall with women representing a range of civil society organizations during the 66th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW66).
Listen
Grace Ryan listens to, https://www.npr.org/2022/09/10/1121882555/colorado-river-megadrought-got-you-down-feel-hope-with-tiktoks-westernwatergirl - Tik Tok
Listen to this podcast: “Colorado River megadrought got you down? Feel hope with TikTok's 'WesternWaterGirl'”
Take Action
Rose Sarner took action with, https://www.equalitynow.org/news_and_insights/funding-womens-rights-is-crucial-for-effective-climate-action/ - Equalitynow.org
EqualityNow highlights the importance of representation for women in climate activism and spaces in which solutions are discussed: “Women continue to be underrepresented in climate debate and governance, as demonstrated at this year’s COP27 United Nations climate conference, where women accounted for less than 34% of country negotiating teams. This needs to change. Women are bearing the brunt of climate change and must be fully represented at climate negotiations and within climate finance to ensure their distinct vulnerabilities, requirements, and contributions are prioritized”.
Rose Sarner took action with, https://www.weact.org/ - weact.org
We Act for environmental justice is a non profit organization which focuses on climate justice for underrepresented Communities. You can get involved by donating: “More than ever, community mobilization is key to achieving environmental justice in New York City and beyond. We need your support to rally at all levels of government, and to mobilize communities in the fight for environmental equality. Your support will enable us to respond quickly and effectively to environmental issues affecting urban underrepresented communities”. You can also get involved by becoming a member of the organization (most accessible if you spend time in New York). When you become a WE ACT member, you will be able to: (continue onto next slide)
Read, Watch, Listen, Take Action 1/16/23
Abortion Rights
Artemis Center Board
Read
Sophia Landers is reading “The abortion stories we don’t hear” - NYT
Read the harrowing stories of woman across the United States and their experiences with abortion. In this unique and visual source, woman tell their personal story to allow readers personal insight into the realities many woman face when confronted with a pregnancy.
Alexis David is reading “Risking everything to offer abortions across state lines” - Emily, Bazelon, NYT
This article, by Emily Bazelon, highlights Linda Prine, a doctor providing abortions to women from states where it is restricted. Prine’s tale is an inspiring one, full of courage and defiance in the face of danger.
Olivia Miro reads Kanye West’s celebrity gives his brazen antisemitism a more toxic power, reach - Los Angeles Times
Kanye West’s raging recent antisemitism throughout the past few weeks has caused a much greater impact than if it had come from someone of less influence. His antisemitism has caused a spike in antisemitism throughout the US, including antisemitic flyers dropped on doorsteps, banners on the freeway, and people publicly saluting Hitler.
Watch
Noor Afshar watches, Roe v. Wade: https://www.amazon.com/Roe-v-Wade-Jon-Voight/dp/B091JJZQY3
This movie follows Dr. Bernard Nathanson and Dr. MIldred Jefferson, telling the story of Jane Roe filin a lawsuit against Henry Wade, where she challenges Texas’s law that made abortion illegal (except by a doctor's orders to save a woman's life).
Noor Afshar watches, The Janes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRbquE2BAkQ - HBO Max
This trailer highlights the inspiring stories of women who fought to protect and aid other women before abortion was legalized.
Noor Afshar watches, The Last Abortion Clinic: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/documentary/clinic/
In this movie FRONTLINE investigates the decline in clinics and physicians that will preform abortion. Pro-Life advocates have executed a successful campaign to reduce accessibility to abortion and here we see that campaign and its effect in full.
Listen
Stephanie Harrison listesn to, The Daily “Abortion Bans are Restricting Miscarriage Care“ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-abortion-bans-are-restricting-miscarriage-care/id1200361736?i=1000570568033 - Apple Podcasts
The Daily is a podcast from the New York Times focused on covering key issues, here specifically, how post-Roe abortion bans affect related, essential healthcare for women.
Stephanie Harrison listens to, Ordinary Equality: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ordinary-equality/id1492330633
Ordinary equality is a podcast focusing delves into what resisting new bans and providing women with abortion-related care looks like in a post-Roe-vs-Wade world. The podcast seeks to share stories of resistance and of women living with the consequences of the Supreme Court’s repeal.
Take Action
Margaret Morris took action with, https://www.plancpills.org/support-abortion - Plan C
Plan C helps women access safe, at-home abortion pills. They need more voices to spread their message and ensure that more people know Plan C and their mission.
Sophie Altemus took action with, https://reproductiverights.org/take-action-abortion-is-essential/ - Center for Reproductive Rights
The center for reproductive rights creates easy access for share-able posts about the overturning of Roe vs. Wade. These include both graphics and captions that will continue to spread the word.
Charlotte Tragos took action with, https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/issues/abortion - Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood offers the opporotunity to volenteer with Planned Parenthood Action Fund which will connect volunteers with resources other members to spread the word, hold events, and create change!
Charlotte Tragos took action with, https://www.amnestyusa.org/abortiontoolkit/ - Amnesty International
Amnesty International USA urges its volunteers by sending AIUSA Campaign letters and petitions.
Charlotte Tragos took action with, https://secure.everyaction.com/jfJ2RZeCr0eYO6fA8-fdeA2 - Feminist Majority Foundation
Feminist Majority Foundation affirms the right of every individual to access safe abortion care, regardless of income or zip code, They support repealing the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits pregnant people from using Medicaid to pay for their abortion care. “To inquire about volunteer opportunities in our Washington, DC area office, please e-mail volunteerdc@feminist.org or call 703-522-2214”
Read, Watch, Listen, Take Action
Racial Inequality & Injustice
Claire Helscher, Eva Dembo, Hannah Joe
Read
The Hate U Give is Angie Thomas's first novel about a teenage girl who grapples with racism, police brutality, and activism after witnessing her black friend’s murder by the police.
Writings by Radical Women of Color: The Bridge Called My Back is a collection of essays by women of color that focus on intersectionality in feminism in both creative and critical ways.
Watch
Just Mercy: Just Mercy is a film adapted from a true story about the case of Walter McMillian, who was sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit. Just Mercy exposes the inequality and injustices within the U.S. criminal justice system through the lens of activist, lawyer, and founder of the EJI, Bryan Stevenson.
Disclosure: Disclosure offers an in-depth look at how Hollywood depicts transgender people, and the wider impact on both American culture and transgender lives.
The Trial of the Chicago 7: The Trial of the Chicago 7 follows the 1969 trial of seven defendants who were accused of conspiring to incite a riot at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago while protesting against the United States’ participation in the Vietnam War.
The Biggest Little Farm: The Biggest Little farm follows a couple as they work to develop a sustainable farm on 200 acres outside of Los Angeles.
The True Cost: The True Cost is a documentary investigating the impact of fashion, specifically the fast fashion industry, on people and the planet.
An Inconvenient Truth: Is climate change real? Former VP Al Gore certainly thinks so. In this doc, he hits the lecture circuit to raise awareness of the dangers of global warming.
Judas and the Black Messiah: Judas and the Black Messiah is a biographical drama about the betrayal of Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party in the late-1960s, at the hands of William O'Neal, an FBI informant.
Listen
Organizer and activist DeRay Mckesson, with analysis from Sam Sinyangwe, Kaya Henderson, and De’Ara Balenger, sits down for deep conversations with experts, influencers, and diverse local and national leaders to explore news, culture, social justice, and politics.
The Activist Hustle, a podcast by and for Millennials and Gen-Zs about what it means to be an activist. Each episode, we interview an activist hustling to break the mold, change the rules and bring positive change to our world. We'll hear about their triumphs and their failures, and figure out to implement that we learn from their experiences.
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