Archived Call To Action
Huddle Actions for Week of December 17th
Tax Cut Bill – You have one last time to reach out to our MoCs to give them feedback on the HR1. The House plans to vote on Tues and the Senate possibly Wednesday or Thursday.
Impeachment Efforts – Although the House motion to impeach has been tabled, numerous groups are laying the ground work for impeachment. Read about some of these efforts: https://impeachdonaldtrumpnow.org/, http://fortune.com/2017/11/09/tom-steyer-impeach-trump-petition-ads/ , and https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/women-marched-washington-now-they-want-impeach-trump-n824911 .
Sign a petition: https://action.needtoimpeach.com and https://impeachdonaldtrumpnow.org/ .
Follow on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ImpeachDonaldJTrumpNow/ ) and Twitter (@ImpeachPOTUS, @impeachtnow, @impeachtrump, @trumpimpeachment).
Participate in an Impeachment rally on January 20th. Marches are planned for Nashville, Washington DC & other locations. Stayed tune for a possible event in Knoxville: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wearemarchon/
Voting System Security – Sens. Martin Heinrich & Susan Collins have filed the SAVE Act (S 2035) that provides increased security for the voting systems of the USA, protects against intrusion, theft, manipulation, and deletion of voter registration data and ballots, or votes cast, and prevents cyberattacks from malicious computer hackers, and for other purposes. https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/115/s2035 Consider asking our Senators to support and co-sponsor the bill.
Save National Monuments – Consider joining the efforts to save the National Monuments under attack by the Trump administration. At least 10 monuments are threatened: https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/04/28/525883061/photos-see-the-sweeping-american-landscapes-under-review-by-trump Numerous environmental organizations, outdoor commercial companies and the Navaho nation have filed legal actions against assault on national monuments. You can join these efforts heres: http://www.patagonia.com/home/ , http://monumentsforall.org/ , https://earthjustice.org/features/national-monuments?gclid=CjwKCAiAjanRBRByEiwAKGyjZXgwVVKL4Q5doufM6xH_DhJCG2r94zZ_Rm3PVhokmZsIZIls3THUbRoC8QwQAvD_BwE , https://sierra.secure.force.com/actions/National?actionId=AR0079253 , https://secure.npca.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1938&s_src=g_grants_ads&gclid=CjwKCAiAjanRBRByEiwAKGyjZZm1eR76lLaMCaeOhCF7hNY5EMrw3xptWKniKzI_1J2hBhFEP_LG_hoCjA0QAvD_BwE , https://www.nrdc.org/save-our-national-monuments?gclid=CjwKCAiAjanRBRByEiwAKGyjZfmUYdnkpiDDWml_mY_7JpcqfRZAyQ69AWy34D2bSlbKImVkpo7noRoC9CEQAvD_BwE , https://takeaction.oceanconservancy.org/page/9148/action/1?ea.tracking.id=17WAXAAXXX , http://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2017/5/11/what-you-can-do-to-protect-national-monuments-now
Postcard Writing – It’s fun! It’s easy! The postcard writers are a great group of folks that meet at Vienna Coffee House 212 College St. Maryville on Sundays from 12:30-2PM. Supplies are provided!
Members of Congress (MoC) Contact Information
Rep. Jimmy Duncan: 800 Market St. Suite 110 Knoxville TN 37902, phone: 202-225-5435 (DC), 865-523-3772 (Knoxville), 865-984-5464 (Maryville), email: https://duncan.house.gov/contact
Sen. Alexander: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-4944 (DC), 865-545-4253 (Knoxville), 423-752-5337 (Chattanooga) or 615-736-5129 (Nashville), email: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email.
Sen. Corker: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-3344 (DC), 865-637-4180 (Knoxville), 423-756-2757 (Chattanooga) or 615-279-8125(Nashville), email: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme
Mark your calendars! Anniversary marches and rallies are being planned for January 20 & 21, 2018. See details under first item below. An anniversary convention, march and rally are planned for Nashville on January 20th and people are meeting to organize an event for Knoxville. Stay tuned for the Knoxville details on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/womensmarchcoalition/
Together We Rise, the official oral history of the Women’s March will be available January 16, 2018. Preorder here: https://www.womensmarch.com/togetherwerise?link_id=1&can_id=e5e57436b03a3b8a055affe65e459882&source=email-pre-order-the-womens-march-book&email_referrer=email_273226&email_subject=pre-order-the-womens-march-book
Huddle Actions for Week of December 10th
Learn About March On – March On has been formed by organizers of sister marches to the original 2017 Women’s March in DC. They are now organizing anniversary marches on January 20 & 21st calling for 45’s impeachment. https://www.fightbackpac.com/ See: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/women-marched-washington-now-they-want-impeach-trump-n824911?cid=sm_npd_ms_fb_ma and https://qz.com/1139150/womens-march-2018-when-and-where-it-starts-in-new-york-los-angeles-chicago-philadelphia-san-francisco-and-more/ . You can join them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wearemarchon and https://www.facebook.com/fightbackpac/?fref=ts . You can follow them on Twitter https://twitter.com/wearemarchon and https://twitter.com/fightbackpac . Visit the Impeach Boutique: http://impeachboutique.com/ Send a satirical holiday card to 45 or buy an Impeachment ugly Holiday sweater. 😊
Decreasing Gun Violence – Consider asking our MoCs to support the following bills:
Background Check Expansion Act – SB2009/HR3464 introduced by Sen. Chris Murphy & Rep. Clyburn, prohibits gun dealers from selling a gun prior to completion of background check. This measure is supported by 95% of all Americans polled.
Automatic Gunfire Prevention Act – SB1916/HR3947, introduced by Sen. Feinstein & Rep. Cicilline, bans bump stocks. This measure is supported by 65% of all Americans polled. https://poll.qu.edu/national/release-detail?ReleaseID=2501
Domestic Violence & Stalking Act – SB1539/HR2670, introduced by Sen. Klobuchar & Rep. Brown, expands protections to include dating partners, closes loopholes in the original law and denies guns to abusers.
SB 2094/HR4365, introduced by Sen. Flake & Rep. Scott, requires the military to promptly report domestic violence convictions to National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
Support Clean Power Plan – Educate yourself about the Clean Power Plan and how it is under threat. Public comments can be offered here until Dec. 15th: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0355-0002
Express Opposition to H.R. 2936 - Please consider contacting our Senators to Oppose H.R. 2936! This environmentally damaging bill is misleadingly called the Resilient Federal Forest Act of 2017, but would open the door to irresponsible logging in our national forests, as well as block citizen oversight and accountability...among other critical impacts such as destruction of natural ecosystems and wildlife habitat, erosion, and impacts on water quality. Sadly, the bill passed the House and is now being considered by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. https://earthjustice.org/blog/2017-july/devastating-federal-forest-bill-would-clear-cut-national-forests-and-silence-our-dissent and https://www.npca.org/articles/1674-position-on-h-r-2936-resilient-federal-forests-act-of-2017
5. Postcard Writing – It’s fun! It’s easy! The postcard writers are a great group of folks that meet at Vienna Coffee House 212 College St. Maryville on Sundays from 12:30-2PM. Supplies are provided!
Members of Congress (MoC) Contact Information
Rep. Jimmy Duncan: 800 Market St. Suite 110 Knoxville TN 37902, phone: 202-225-5435 (DC), 865-523-3772 (Knoxville), 865-984-5464 (Maryville), email: https://duncan.house.gov/contact
Sen. Alexander: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-4944 (DC), 865-545-4253 (Knoxville), 423-752-5337 (Chattanooga) or 615-736-5129 (Nashville), email: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email.
Sen. Corker: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-3344 (DC), 865-637-4180 (Knoxville), 423-756-2757 (Chattanooga) or 615-279-8125(Nashville), email: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme
Huddle Actions for Week of December 3rd
Protection of Arctic Refuge – Despite passage of the Senate tax cut bill, an effort is underway to pass legislation protecting the ANWR. Please consider thanking Sens. Cantwell, Markey & Bennett for leading this fight to prevent oil drilling in the Arctic Refuge by sending this letter: http://p2a.co/lASQUzM?p2asource=+CCbpfbATDRus
Offer Comments on Net Neutrality by Dec. 14th – Click on www.GoFCCYourself.com . Then Click EXPRESS (at right side of page). Enter your name (Must hit enter for it to register) & required info. Sample comment: "I strongly support net neutrality backed by Title 2 oversight of ISPs. Net Neutrality is a protection for consumers. It protects the right of people to have an open internet, where all traffic is treated equally. If people are deprived to websites and services unless they pay for access to those sites, learning/growth/sharing will be diminished. Please keep the Internet open and accessible to all Americans." For more information: http://www.theopeninter.net/ and https://www.savetheinternet.com/net-neutrality-what-you-need-know-now . Sign a petition: http://www.commoncause.org/take-action/act/save-net-neutrality-open-internet-ajit-pai-fcc.html?gclid=CjwKCAiAu4nRBRBKEiwANms5W1sphqobk-Sc8w4LDCZDOSs2ndBvb2olXoc1d8EVIG4Tmp-mV8KpyhoCAT0QAvD_BwE
Support Clean Power Plan – Educate yourself about the Clean Power Plan and how it is under threat. Public comments can be offered here until Dec. 15th: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0355-0002
Mueller Firing Rapid Response Team – As the investigation gets closer to 45 & his family, the risk of him firing Robert Mueller increases. If that happens, people are preparing to rally in public. For more information & to sign up for alerts, see: https://act.moveon.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response-events/13359/?source=taf&aktmid=tm5042261.CoV140&t=1&referring_akid=.18365435.2-xqY6
Concealed Carry Gun Law - Consider asking Rep. Duncan to oppose the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act HR38, which comes up for a vote this week. This bill amends the federal criminal code to allow a qualified individual to carry a concealed handgun into or possess a concealed handgun in another state that allows individuals to carry concealed firearms, even if the originating state does not a require gun carry permit. The bill puts victims of domestic violence in harm’s way: https://qz.com/1144247/the-concealed-carry-reciprocity-act-of-2017-will-be-devastating-for-victims-of-domestic-violence/
Postcard Writing – It’s fun! It’s easy! The postcard writers are a great group of folks that meet at Vienna Coffee House 212 College St. Maryville on Sundays from 12:30-2PM. Supplies are provided!
Members of Congress (MoC) Contact Information
Rep. Jimmy Duncan: 800 Market St. Suite 110 Knoxville TN 37902, phone: 202-225-5435 (DC), 865-523-3772 (Knoxville), 865-984-5464 (Maryville), email: https://duncan.house.gov/contact
Sen. Alexander: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-4944 (DC), 865-545-4253 (Knoxville), 423-752-5337 (Chattanooga) or 615-736-5129 (Nashville), email: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email.
Sen. Corker: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-3344 (DC), 865-637-4180 (Knoxville), 423-756-2757 (Chattanooga) or 615-279-8125(Nashville), email: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme
Huddle Meeting & Book Club This Week!
Huddle Actions for Week of November 26th
Senate Tax Bill – The tax cut bill may come up for a vote this week, so if you have the time to take only one action, please consider calling about this one. Sen. Corker appears to be on the fence about this bill because of how much it may increase the deficit. Feel free to quote this report: https://www.npr.org/2017/11/23/566034204/poll-economists-unanimous-that-debt-would-balloon-under-gop-tax-plan and a sample letter is attached.
Clean Dream Act 2017 – As each week passes, the fate of DACA recipients continues to hang in the balance. The current Congressional session ends December 15th. The time to act is now! Please consider asking our MoCs to support HR 3440 and S 1615. For details and talking points: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&ved=0ahUKEwjVnP3IpbrXAhUM2IMKHf90BfoQFghcMAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fcnl.org%2Fdocuments%2F453&usg=AOvVaw23585h3aJ-IQBQbT7yyWvv and https://www.aclu.org/issues/immigrants-rights/tell-your-senator-protect-dreamers-and-pass-clean-dream-act-now You can also join the Here to Stay movement: http://weareheretostay.org/#action
Postcard Writing – It’s fun! It’s easy! The postcard writers are a great group of folks that meet at Vienna Coffee House 212 College St. Maryville on Sundays from 12:30-2PM. Supplies are provided!
Members of Congress (MoC) Contact Information
Rep. Jimmy Duncan: 800 Market St. Suite 110 Knoxville TN 37902, phone: 202-225-5435 (DC), 865-523-3772 (Knoxville), 865-984-5464 (Maryville), email: https://duncan.house.gov/contact
Sen. Alexander: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-4944 (DC), 865-545-4253 (Knoxville), 423-752-5337 (Chattanooga) or 615-736-5129 (Nashville), email: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email.
Sen. Corker: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-3344 (DC), 865-637-4180 (Knoxville), 423-756-2757 (Chattanooga) or 615-279-8125(Nashville), email: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme
Huddle Actions for Week of November 19th
Healthcare & Taxes – The Senate tax cut bill also repeals the individual mandate for buying health insurance under Obamacare. If passed, this will result in 13 million people losing insurance and a premium increase of at least 10% for everyone. Further destabilization of the market and loss of insurers are also possible. Please consider contacting our Senators to oppose this action, especially in light of Sen. Alexander’s bill to stabilize insurance markets. Contact info below.
Dept. Secretary for Education Nominee – Mitchell Zais has been nominated for this position and has stated that he believes 5-yr-olds are incapable of learning, so pre-K education should not be federally funded. He is for vouchers, anti-common core and does not understand how laws protect LGBT students. http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/campaign-k-12/2017/10/trump_taps_common_core_foe_mick_zais_education_dept.html and https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2017/11/15/trump-nominee-for-no-2-spot-at-education-department-stumbles-on-key-questions-at-confirmation-hearing/?utm_term=.9a3901f65e82 . Please provide feedback to Sen. Alexander who chairs the committee that held hearings this week on Mr. Zais.
Threat to Marine Mammals – The SECURE American Energy Act (HR 4239, HR3133) repeals many of the safe guards put in place after the BP Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the core provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. For more info: https://www.ecowatch.com/biggest-attack-marine-mammals-2509135255.html?utm_campaign=RebelMouse&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_content=EcoWatch Please ask Rep. Duncan to vote against the bill and sign this petition: https://act.nrdc.org/letter/marine-mammals-171107
Threat to Elephants & Lions – The administration is going to allow hunters to import elephant & lion trophies back to the USA: https://www.buzzfeed.com/briannasacks/trump-is-allowing-hunters-to-import-elephant-trophies-back?utm_term=.qsJ9vrJyq#.cv8PBw6mX and https://nypost.com/2017/11/16/trump-to-lift-ban-on-importing-elephant-trophies-from-africa/. This decision was made despite results of the Great Elephant Census (http://www.greatelephantcensus.com/final-report/ ) and widespread knowledge that the decision is based on lies and corruption (remember Cecil the lion being lured to his death in Zimbabwe?). Please contact the US Fish & Wildlife Service and ask them to reverse this decision: https://www.fws.gov/duspit/contactus.htm or call the External Affairs Public Comment line for the Interior Dept: 703-358-1980. Local office: 865-692-4024. Although 45 put a temporary halt to elephant trophy imports, it must be made permanent!
Blue Slip Process Retained – Consider thanking Sen. Grassley for retaining the blue slip process for judicial nominees. See: http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/11/politics/blue-slip-judicial-nominees-grassley/index.html and http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/chuck-grassleys-office-says-hes-in-charge-of-judicial-nominee-blue-slip-tool-after-mitch-mcconnell-pledges-to-kill-it/article/2637190 Sen. Grassley can be reached at 202-224-6020 or https://www.grassley.senate.gov/constituents/questions-and-comments or 135 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington DC 20510.
Educate Yourself About the Uranium One Issue – The whole controversy is debunked by Shepard Smith on Fox News: https://www.mediamatters.org/video/2017/11/14/fox-news-shepard-smith-debunks-uranium-one-lie-peddled-his-own-network/218557 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pDbzrzVLtg
Postcard Writing – It’s fun! It’s easy! The postcard writers are a great group of folks that meet at Vienna Coffee House 212 College St. Maryville on Sundays from 12:30-2PM. Supplies are provided!
Members of Congress (MoC) Contact Information
Rep. Jimmy Duncan: 800 Market St. Suite 110 Knoxville TN 37902, phone: 202-225-5435 (DC), 865-523-3772 (Knoxville), 865-984-5464 (Maryville), email: https://duncan.house.gov/contact
Sen. Alexander: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-4944 (DC), 865-545-4253 (Knoxville), 423-752-5337 (Chattanooga) or 615-736-5129 (Nashville), email: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email.
Sen. Corker: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-3344 (DC), 865-637-4180 (Knoxville), 423-756-2757 (Chattanooga) or 615-279-8125(Nashville), email: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme
Postcard Template
Huddle Actions for Week of November 12th
Bipartisan Healthcare Fix – Please push Sen. McConnell again to bring the Alexander-Murray bill to the floor for a vote. More than 200 Associations support it: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/more-than-200-groups-support-alexander-murray-bipartisan-short-term-legislation-to-stabilize-premiums-protect-access-to-insurance?utm_source=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11820 . Watch this video by Sen. Alexander: https://youtu.be/VQuap15znfg You can reach Sen. McConnell at 202-224-2541, 317 Russell Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510-0001 or https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=ContactForm.
More Bad Judicial Nominees – These nominees have been deemed by the American Bar Assoc. as being unqualified. Consider contacting our Senators.
Leonard Grasz: http://www.pfaw.org/blog-posts/aba-calls-trump-circuit-court-nominee-grasz-not-qualified/ and https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/trump-judicial-nominee-grasz-unqualified_us_59fa1df9e4b0b0c7fa37aa85 His nomination is still in committee, with another hearing scheduled for Nov. 15th.
Brett Talley: http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/359234-american-bar-association-dubs-fourth-trump-judicial-nominee
Charles B. Goodwin: http://newsok.com/federal-judge-in-okc-deemed-unqualified-by-american-bar-association/article/5566580
Proposed Fee Increase at National Parks – We are very lucky in that the GSMNP is a free National Park. Most parks have entrance fees and the Interior Dept. proposes increasing fees at 17 of the most popular parks during their peak season. Fees would change as follows: 1) car from $25-$30 to $70, 2) pedestrian/bicycle from $10-$15 to $30 and 3) motorcycle from $15-$25 to $50. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/10/26/trump-could-make-visiting-a-national-park-more-expensive-than-a-six-flags-ticket/?utm_term=.3034ed6c39dc and https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/10-24-2017-fee-changes-proposal.htm . You can offer comments until Nov. 23rd here: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?documentID=83652
Paris Climate Agreement – Both Nicaragua and Syria have announced their intentions of ratifying this agreement, which leaves the USA as the only nonmember country in the world. Shame on us! Consider contacting the White House to urge them to reverse course on the agreement: https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact, 202-456-1111 or send the postcard in file attached.
Postcard Writing – It’s fun! It’s easy! The postcard writers are a great group of folks that meet at Vienna Coffee House 212 College St. Maryville on Sundays from 12:30-2PM. Supplies are provided!
Members of Congress (MoC) Contact Information
Rep. Jimmy Duncan: 800 Market St. Suite 110 Knoxville TN 37902, phone: 202-225-5435 (DC), 865-523-3772 (Knoxville), 865-984-5464 (Maryville), email: https://duncan.house.gov/contact
Sen. Alexander: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-4944 (DC), 865-545-4253 (Knoxville), 423-752-5337 (Chattanooga) or 615-736-5129 (Nashville), email: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email.
Sen. Corker: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-3344 (DC), 865-637-4180 (Knoxville), 423-756-2757 (Chattanooga) or 615-279-8125(Nashville), email: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme
Huddle Actions for Week of November 5th
Educate Yourself About the Budget Proposal that paves the way for Tax Reform – See: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/house-passes-4-trillion-budget-step-forward-trump-tax-plan-n814616 Here’s what the bill does:
Tax bill cannot be filibustered if it adds $1.5 trillion or less to the deficit. The deficit is sure to increase by that amount.
The energy committee could use the budget to ease restrictions on oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Over the next 10 years, the budget calls for $473 billion in cuts from Medicare and $1 trillion from Medicaid. They are part of $5 trillion in cuts mentioned overall, but most are not specified. http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20171102/NEWS/171109965
See https://www.trumptaxscam.org/. In Tennessee alone, 41% of the tax cuts will go to millionaires (average = $162,000) while those making <$45,000 will receive $180 per person and a family making $59,000 .
For information on the actual bill, see: https://taxfoundation.org/details-tax-cuts-jobs-act/ and http://www.crfb.org/blogs/tax-cut-and-jobs-act-will-cost-15-trillion
Encourage Our MoCs to Reject the Tax Cut & Jobs Bill as Written - When contacting our MoCs on Tax Reform, here are some talking points:
We need to see Trump's tax returns so we can trust these reforms are not totally self- serving.
Tax reform should increase budget revenues and contribute to decreasing the federal debt. Tax Policy Center projects that Trumps corporate tax breaks will reduce federal revenue by $2.4 trillion over 10 years (http://robertreich.org/post/161289192820 ).
Giving the wealthiest people in this country a major tax cut does not guarantee the creation of any jobs or the trickle down of wealth to the middle class. http://robertreich.org/post/161289192820
Do not eliminate the estate tax. If family farms need relief, then provide for that. It is estimated that $200billion of the tax cuts will go to the wealthiest 5000 families in the USA, while $300billion will be spread across all other tax payers.
Eliminate corporate loopholes and the ability to hide assets offshore.
All subsidies for fossil fuel industries should end.
Tax reform should not be done at the expense of Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security or Healthcare.
Under the new rates, people earning $20,000-$40,000 will pay more taxes. Tax relief for graduate students and those with student loans is eliminated.
The bill makes corporate tax cuts permanent while middle class tax cuts expire after 5 years (then their taxes will increase).
Freedom from Equifax Exploitation Act, SB 1816 – A you may have heard recently, approximately 143 million consumers worldwide had their personal information stolen during a hack of the Equifax credit rating company. Sen. Elizabeth Warren has filed this bill to prevent Equifax and similar companies from charging a fee to consumers for freezing their credit. Click here for more information regarding credit freeze, including some helpful links. It would also require Equifax to refund any fees they charged for consumers who attempted to freeze their information in the wake of this year’s scandal. Please consider asking our Senators to support and cosponsor this bill.
Reauthorization of CHIP – Although the House passed a bill to fund the Children’s Health Insurance Program & Community Health Centers it is a partisan affair that is unlikely to be well received in the Senate. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/house-chip-no-closer-political-games_us_59fc8b8be4b0b0c7fa39c75b Please consider asking our Senators to craft something that is fairer and less harmful to both children and seniors.
Read a Book – In November, the Huddle Book Club is reading Fight to Vote by Michael Waldman, an important new book (The Washington Post) on the long struggle to win voting rights for all citizens by the author of The Second Amendment: A Biography and president of The Brennan Center, a legal think tank at NYU. The group will meet in Study Room D from 6-7 PM prior to the main Huddle group meeting on November 30th.
Greenway Photo Contest – Support our Environment/Climate Change group by voting for the photo they’ve submitted for the #LovemyGreenway contest: http://wshe.es/Sj1GUeOS
Postcard Writing – It’s fun! It’s easy! The postcard writers are a great group of folks that meet at Vienna Coffee House 212 College St. Maryville on Sundays from 12:30-2PM. Supplies are provided!
Members of Congress (MoC) Contact Information
Rep. Jimmy Duncan: 800 Market St. Suite 110 Knoxville TN 37902, phone: 202-225-5435 (DC), 865-523-3772 (Knoxville), 865-984-5464 (Maryville), email: https://duncan.house.gov/contact
Sen. Alexander: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-4944 (DC), 865-545-4253 (Knoxville), 423-752-5337 (Chattanooga) or 615-736-5129 (Nashville), email: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email.
Sen. Corker: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-3344 (DC), 865-637-4180 (Knoxville), 423-756-2757 (Chattanooga) or 615-279-8125(Nashville), email: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme
Huddle Actions for Week of October 29th
Bipartisan Healthcare Fix – Please consider contacting Sen. McConnell requesting the Alexander-Murray bill be brought to the floor for a vote. The CBO score is very favorable! It will decrease the deficit by $3.8billion and not decrease the number of people with insurance. See: http://www.businessinsider.com/alexander-murray-obamacare-bill-text-cbo-score-2017-10 and http://www.politico.com/story/2017/10/25/cbo-score-murray-alexander-health-care-244158 . You can reach Sen. McConnell at 202-224-2541, 317 Russell Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510-0001 or https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=ContactForm .
Where do They Find These People? Please ask our Senators to oppose them.
Thomas Farr, a strong proponent of voter suppression, has been nominated for a federal judgeship for the Eastern District of North Carolina. See: http://billmoyers.com/story/north-carolina-voter-suppression-lawl-judge/
Here’s a petition to sign: http://billmoyers.com/story/north-carolina-voter-suppression-lawl-judge/
Kathleen Hartnett White has been nominated to head the national Council on Environmental Quality. She’s a climate change denier who believes carbon dioxide is a good for the environment. See: http://www.businessinsider.com/kathleen-hartnett-white-environmental-nominee-says-carbon-dioxide-isnt-a-pollutant-2017-10 and https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/kathleen-hartnett-white-coal-slavery_us_59e0c0b2e4b04d1d518125a9
Learn About Duty to Warn - http://duty2warn.accountsupport.com/home/ Duty To Warn is an organization of mental health professionals who advocate Trump’s removal under the 25th Amendment on the grounds that he is not psychologically fit.
You can watch a 34-minute movie on their website. Their book The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump can be purchased through various vendors and is available free through WordPress: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0ahUKEwiN2M3CxuPWAhXJwiYKHT0YBmIQFgg7MAI&url=https%3A%2F%2Ffreebooks12017.files.wordpress.com%2F2017%2F09%2Fthe-dangerous-case-of-donald.pdf&usg=AOvVaw2QyxjIzFe4UjVdeqBdw2ku
You can follow them on Twitter (@duty2warn) and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/str/duty2warn/stories-keyword/stories-public?see_more_ref=eyJzaWQiOiIiLCJyZWYiOiJoZWFkZXJfc2VlX2FsbCJ9 .
Consider asking in Rep. Duncan to support HR 1987, a bill that allows Congress to create a committee to assess a president’s mental and physical health.
Voter Suppression – Educate yourself about voter suppression and the efforts to relieve it in TN.
Let America Vote: https://www.letamericavote.org/
ACLU: https://www.aclu.org/issues/voting-rights/fighting-voter-suppression and https://vote.peoplepower.org/TN
Here’s a petition to sign: https://www.letamericavote.org/landing/acquisition-171003-kobach/
Postcard Writing – It’s fun! It’s easy! The postcard writers are a great group of folks that meet at Vienna Coffee House 212 College St. Maryville on Sundays from 12:30-2PM. Supplies are provided!
Members of Congress (MoC) Contact Information
Rep. Jimmy Duncan: 800 Market St. Suite 110 Knoxville TN 37902, phone: 202-225-5435 (DC), 865-523-3772 (Knoxville), 865-984-5464 (Maryville), email: https://duncan.house.gov/contact
Sen. Alexander: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-4944 (DC), 865-545-4253 (Knoxville), 423-752-5337 (Chattanooga) or 615-736-5129 (Nashville), email: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email.
Sen. Corker: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-3344 (DC), 865-637-4180 (Knoxville), 423-756-2757 (Chattanooga) or 615-279-8125(Nashville), email: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme
Upcoming Events
November 1st, Wed 4:30PM: Environment/Climate Change Working Group Meeting. Maryville Greenway at the covered pavilion behind the Court House off Court Street.
November 2nd, Thurs 7PM: Universal Healthcare Working Group Meeting. Study Room D, Blount County Public Library. Anyone willing to help resident with healthcare questions on Nov 2,9,30 & Dec 7,14 from 3-7PM at the Library, please contact Laura Sell at laurajsell@tds.net ."
November 2nd, Thurs 6PM: Good Neighbors Spread the Spirit Banquet & Silent Auction. New Providence Presbyterian Church 703 W Broadway Ave Maryville. Donations accepted for dinner. RSVP to info@goodneighborsbc.org or (865) 681-5420.
November 2nd, Thurs 6:30PM: PFLAG Maryville Meeting on Keeping Safe. Anderson Hall Maryville College, Maryville.
November 4th, Sat: 10AM-2PM: BCIO’s 2nd Immigrant Family Emergency Plan Workshop. Alcoa High School Cafeteria. We still need one notary and some translators: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a054aa4ab2b0-nov
November 7th, Tues 6:30PM: Free movie viewing of Selma: Bridge to Ballot. Celebrate "Election Day" with this account of the dangers and the idealism of the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery AL, 54 miles away. Sponsored by Talking w/Kids & Teens about Race project. Learning Lab near parking lot of Blount County Public Library, Calderwood & N Cusick St Maryville.
November 9th, Thurs 7PM: Real News/Fake News: What’s the Difference. Sponsored by League of Women Voters-Blount County. Panelists: Rachel McClelland, Director of Communications for UT School of Law & teacher in the College of Communications; Deborah Fisher, Executive Director of Tennessee Coalition for Open Government & former senior editor of news for The Tennessean; Melissa Erickson, Multi-platform producer at WBIR-TV & former reporter with The Daily Times; Thomas Fraser, Senior Content Specialist with Ripley Public Relations. Sharon Lawson Rm Blount County Public Library 508 Cusick St Maryville.
November 11th, Sat 1PM: Screening of “13th” Documentary Movie by Ava DuVernay. The movie tracks the criminalization of African Americans from the end of the Civil War to the present day, assailing a broken prison system and other examples of institutionalized racial bias with a measured gaze. Screening will occur via Zoom and will be followed by a panel discussion with Matt McGorry (cast member of How to Get Away With Murder & Orange is the New Black), Charlene Sinclair (Director of Reinvestment at the Center for Community Change) and Grace Bauer (Director of Justice For Families of incarcerated people). The panel will begin at 3 PM ET. If you would like to host a screening via Zoom please register here: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/join-surj-in-hosting-a-screening-of-13th. All you need is wifi and a screen.
November 14th, Tues 6:30PM: Free movie viewing of Mighty Times: The Children March. In 1963, the young people of Birmingham joined together to protest segregation. This short film tells their unforgettable story in their own words. Sponsored by Talking w/Kids & Teens about Race project. Learning Lab near parking lot of Blount County Public Library, Calderwood & N Cusick St Maryville.
November 14th, Tues 5:30-7:30PM: Addressing Islamophobia. Keynote speaker is Dr. Amer F. Ahmed. Toyota Auditorium, Howard Baker Center, University of TN, 1640 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville
November 30th, Thurs 7PM: Maryville Huddle Group Meeting. Ms. Susan Hughes, the Election Commissioner for Blount County will be holding a Voter Registration Training event. All interested parties are welcome to attend. Prior to the meeting you may want to download the GoVoteTn Voter App to your smartphone: https://sos.tn.gov/products/elections/govotetn-voter-app .
Future Meeting Dates: The Sharon Lawson Room at Blount County Public Library is now reserved for our Huddle Group on the last Thursday of the month. Please save these future meeting dates: November 30 (Voter Registration Training), no meeting in December, January 25 (Dark Money), February 22 (SURJ-BC), March 29, April 26 (Healthcare for All), May 31, June 28.
Huddle Actions for Week of October 22nd
Bipartisan Healthcare Fix – Please consider thanking Sen. Alexander for his work with Sen. Murray to provide a 2-year fix to Obamacare. Also consider thanking Sen. Corker for cosponsoring the bill (contact info below).
Restrict First Use Nuclear Weapons Act 2017 – Sen. Markey (S. 200) & Rep. Lieu (HR 669) have filed a bill that says no President shall have the ability to unilaterally order a nuclear first strike and that, unless we are attacked first, only a majority of Congress can authorize such a strike. Consider asking our MoCs to cosponsor this bill (contact info below).
Another Bad Nominee – Michael Dourson has been nominated to oversee the EPA’s chemical safety division despite a long history of minimizing the deadly effects of toxic chemicals. See. http://blogs.edf.org/health/2017/10/17/more-than-50-public-health-scientists-sign-letter-opposing-doursons-nomination-for-epas-toxics-office/ and https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/19/science/epa-chemical-industry-dourson.html . The EPA has already shifted positions on toxic chemicals due to the influence of an industry insider: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/21/us/trump-epa-chemicals-regulations.html. Mr. Dourson will undoubtedly support this shift.
Please consider asking our Senators to oppose his nomination (contact info below).
Sign this petition: https://act.credoaction.com/sign/reject_dourson
REINS Act (SB21) – From the League of Women Voters: Under the bill, no major regulation could take effect unless it is approved by both houses of Congress within a limited period of time. This would effectively amend every existing regulatory statute – including bedrock laws like the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act – and neuter them. The regulatory system would return to what it was in the age of the robber barons with no federal agency able to use its technical and scientific expertise to protect the public. Either house of Congress could kill any future safeguard simply by failing to act. Also see: https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/suspending-the-rules-how-congress-plans-to-undermine-public-safety Consider contacting our Senators as the bill is scheduled to come to a vote soon.
Postcard Writing – It’s fun! It’s easy! The postcard writers are a great group of folks that meet at Vienna Coffee House 212 College St. Maryville on Sundays from 12:30-2PM. Supplies are provided!
Members of Congress (MoC) Contact Information
Rep. Jimmy Duncan: 800 Market St. Suite 110 Knoxville TN 37902, phone: 202-225-5435 (DC), 865-523-3772 (Knoxville), 865-984-5464 (Maryville), email: https://duncan.house.gov/contact
Sen. Alexander: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-4944 (DC), 865-545-4253 (Knoxville), 423-752-5337 (Chattanooga) or 615-736-5129 (Nashville), email: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email.
Sen. Corker: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-3344 (DC), 865-637-4180 (Knoxville), 423-756-2757 (Chattanooga) or 615-279-8125(Nashville), email: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme
Huddle Actions for Week of October 15th
Potential Mining Destruction in Bristol Bay AK ☹ – Please speak up! Deadline for comments is October 17th. Bristol Bay is a pristine area in Alaska and home to the most valuable salmon fishery in the world. Scott Pruitt is considering allowing a Canadian company to start mining for gold up river, which could destroy the whole ecosystem. Background info: http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/22/politics/pebble-epa-bristol-bay-invs/index.html Submit comments here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/07/19/2017-15181/proposal-to-withdraw- proposed-determination-to-restrict-the-use-of-an-area-as-a-disposal-site-pebble and here https://secure.wilderness.org/page/14403/action/1?ea.url.id=1067356
2018 Budget Reconciliation Vote – The Senate vote on the budget is set for Monday 10/16, so contact our Senators soon! The budget increased military spending and guts most safety-net spending (e.g. Medicaid, welfare, food stamps), and Medicare. Based on an overestimation of economic growth, it is likely to add $1Trillion dollars to the deficit. http://www.npr.org/2017/07/19/537959833/heres-whats-in-the-house-republican-budget-and-why-it-matters Please ask Sens. Alexander & Corker to vote against the measure (contact info below).
ACA Health Insurance Sign Up - The enrollment period onto 2018 ACA insurance plans is short, November 1 through December 15. Those who already have a 2017 ACA plan and those without a plan should review and enroll in the plan best for them for 2018.
People can enroll at www.healthcare.gov but the website will be down for 12 hours on Sundays. If they need help with enrollment, they can call (free, 24/7) 1-844-644-5443 or visit www.getcoveredtenn.org . We need to spread the word about the short enrollment time, the help line and the correct web address. If you would like to volunteer to help people enroll in ACA or TennCare, call THCC, 615-227-7500 or go to thcc2.org.
A small enrollment table will be in the foyer at Blount County Public Library 3-7 PM on Nov 2,9 & 10, and possibly Dec 7 & 14. Please contact Laura Sell ( laurajsell@tds.net )lif you would like to help people enroll at this location.
Sabotaging Obamacare – See the attached announcement from TN Justice Center regarding last week’s executive orders. Please contact TN Attorney General, Mr. Herb Slatery (615-741-3491), and ask him to join other states attorneys in suing for continuance of cost-sharing subsidies.
Stop Government Waste of Tax Payer Money – Consider asking our MoCs to join the calls for Steve Mnuchin, Rick Perry, Scott Pruitt & Ryan Zinke to resign over their use of charter & military planes (i.e. the same reason Tom Price resigned) at tax payers’ expense. For more information: http://money.cnn.com/2017/10/05/news/mnuchin-trips-government-planes/ , https://www.cbsnews.com/news/report-energy-sec-rick-perry-took-charter-flight-day-before-price-resigned/ , https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/09/27/epas-pruitt-took-charter-military-flights-that-cost-taxpayers-more-than-58000/?utm_term=.1220f584b6ac , and https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/02/ryan-zinke-charter-flights-investigation-interior-department-inspector-general .
Postcard Writing – It’s fun! It’s easy! The postcard writers are a great group of folks that meet at Vienna Coffee House 212 College St. Maryville on Sundays from 12:30-2PM. Supplies are provided!
Members of Congress (MoC) Contact Information
Rep. Jimmy Duncan: 800 Market St. Suite 110 Knoxville TN 37902, phone: 202-225-5435 (DC), 865-523-3772 (Knoxville), 865-984-5464 (Maryville), email: https://duncan.house.gov/contact
Sen. Alexander: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-4944 (DC), 865-545-4253 (Knoxville), 423-752-5337 (Chattanooga) or 615-736-5129 (Nashville), email: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email.
Sen. Corker: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-3344 (DC), 865-637-4180 (Knoxville), 423-756-2757 (Chattanooga) or 615-279-8125(Nashville), email: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme
Huddle Actions for Week of October 8th
Speak up for Common Sense Gun Control – 1) Ban civilian ownership of all weapons designed for warfare, 2) Close the gun show loophole, 3) Create certificates of firearm ownership, similar to titles for autos/motorcycles and enact regulations pertaining to training, testing, insurance, etc. and 4) prohibit sale of high capacity ammunition magazines, tracer ammunition and binary explosives.
Contact our Mocs (see info below) http://www.indivisible.org/resource/preventing-gun-violence-tell-members-congress-prayers-not-enough/ Request they support a ban on bump stocks & form a bipartisan committee to investigate gun violence.
See which Congressmen received the most money from the NRA in the 2016 election cycle: https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/recips.php?cycle=2016&id=D000000082
See the money given by gun control vs. gun rights advocates to presidential candidates in 2016: https://www.opensecrets.org/news/issues/guns/
Sign these petitions:
- http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/gun-control-now?source=s.em.mt&r_by=13449823
Volunteer for Immigrant Workshop – A second Immigrant Family Emergency Plan Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, Nov 4th at the Alcoa High School Cafeteria from 10AM-1:30PM. Volunteer translators (must speak Spanish), scribes, greeters, childcare helpers and hospitality folks are needed. For more information or to volunteer please email maryvilletnhuddle@gmail.com.
EPA Budget Cuts – Please consider contacting our Senators. The House of Representatives recently passed H.R. 3354, the Dept. of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018, which cuts funding for the EPA by over $500 million, slashing its budget to the lowest in over a decade. The bill has been placed on the Senate legislative calendar. Please contact our Senators to let them know you oppose ANY cuts to the EPA budget. Here are some good background articles: https://thinkprogress.org/house-budget-bill-polluter-giveaways-28c46276a6ad/ , http://www.commercialappeal.com/story/opinion/contributors/2017/09/22/if-you-play-drink-breathe-tennessee-epa-cuts-would-hurt/685344001/, https://www.edf.org/sites/default/files/content/tennessee_report_r7.pdf
Read a Book – The Huddle Book Group is reading No Is Not Enough: Resisting Trump's Shock Politics and Winning the World We Need by Naomi Klein this month. See date of next discussion below.
Postcard Writing – It’s fun! It’s easy! The postcard writers are a great group of folks that meet at Vienna Coffee House 212 College St. Maryville on Sundays from 12:30-2PM. Supplies are provided!
Members of Congress (MoC) Contact Information
Rep. Jimmy Duncan: 800 Market St. Suite 110 Knoxville TN 37902, phone: 202-225-5435 (DC), 865-523-3772 (Knoxville), 865-984-5464 (Maryville), email: https://duncan.house.gov/contact
Sen. Alexander: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-4944 (DC), 865-545-4253 (Knoxville), 423-752-5337 (Chattanooga) or 615-736-5129 (Nashville), email: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email.
Sen. Corker: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-3344 (DC), 865-637-4180 (Knoxville), 423-756-2757 (Chattanooga) or 615-279-8125(Nashville), email: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme
Huddle Actions for Week of October 1st
Healthcare Woes Continue - The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or CoverKids in TN and funding for the Federally Qualified Health Centers (e.g. Cherokee Center in Knoxville) expired on Sept. 30th. Please contact all 3 of our MoCs to encourage them to pass legislation to fund these programs. CHIP covers 9 million children and 27 million people are dependent on FQHCs (CHIME bill HR 3770). For more information: http://info.familiesusa.org/webmail/72112/445684466/f777e6fbbac55f3b07cabfd4a831004a
Bad Nominees - Please consider contacting our Senators, who will be holding hearings on these nominations, as well as signing the petitions below.
Climate Change Denier Nominated to lead USDA – Sam Clovis is a racist right-wing climate denier with NO background in science or agriculture to the top science position at the US Department of Agriculture. Background info: https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevensalzberg/2017/08/15/reject-this-incompetent-trump-appointee-hes-not-a-scientist/#46e5cb7917b1 , http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/21/politics/clovis-nominated-to-usda/index.html, and http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/schumer-trump-usda-sam-clovis-nominee_us_599ca8ade4b0d8dde999a406 . Sign this petition: https://act.climatetruth.org/sign/StopClovis?source=sp&sp_ref=330941659.363.182485.e.0.2&source=em_p
Nonscientist, Career Politician Nominated to lead NASA – Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-OK) is nominated to head NASA. He has NO formal qualifications in science or engineering, believes climate change is overblown, and has the financial backing of the Koch brothers. Background info: http://www.newsweek.com/trumps-nasa-chief-pick-jim-bridenstine-controversial-choice-658880 Sign this petition: http://act.climatehawksvote.com/stop_bridenstine
Former Coal Executive Nominated to lead MSHA – David Zatezalo, former CEO of Kentucky coal company, Rhino Resources, has been nominated to lead the Mine Safety & Health Administration. Rhino mines have a pattern of violations pertaining to safety and MSHA has issued injunctions against them in the past. Background info: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/trump-puts-former-coal-executive-in-charge-of-mine-safety_us_59ab5f46e4b0354e440ad7e1 and http://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/20170902/trump-nominates-former-coal-exec-to-run-msha
Anti-Women’s Rights Advocate Nominated for Asst. Attorney General of Civil Rights Division – Eric Dreiband has a history of taking positions that limit equality/opportunity for women, people of color, LGBTQ, seniors & religious minorities. His nomination is opposed by >70 civil rights groups: http://www.npr.org/2017/09/06/548985268/civil-rights-division-nominee-eric-dreiband-appears-before-senate-panel and http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/aug/31/eric-dreiband-doj-nominee-opposed-civil-activists/ . Sign the petition: https://act.nwlc.org/onlineactions/qERYPg9IZUKJOVZzRK3nHw2?emci=c3aaff6f-ba97-e711-80c2-000d3a104ee9&emdi=ef1945b9-c597-e711-80c2-000d3a104ee9
Anti-LGBTQ Advocate Nominated for Federal Judgeship in Texas – Jeff Mateer spoke at the 2015 “Kill the Gays” Conference, organized by a far-right past who advocates the death penalty for gay people. Mateer once described transgender youth as part of “Satan’s plan” and believes in conversion therapy. Sign this petition: http://act.pfaw.org/sign/withdraw-mateer/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=aa&utm_campaign=judicialnoms&t=3&akid=407%2E3337915%2EJYwLRv
Lawyer tied to Russian Bank Nominated for DOJ Position – Brian Benczkowski has been nominated to oversee the Criminal Division of the Justice Department. He most recently represented Alfa Bank, the Russian bank mentioned in the controversial dossier about the Trump campaign. http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-doj-nominee-helped-russian-bank-2017-7 and http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/justice-department-nominee-with-ties-to-russian-bank-voted-out-of-committee/article/2635920 Talk about putting the fox in charge of the henhouse! Yikes! Sign this petition: https://www.change.org/p/impeach-legal-removal-of-president-vice-president-et-al-for-misprision-of-treason/u/20915014
Postcard Writing – It’s fun! It’s easy! The postcard writers are a great group of folks that meet at Vienna Coffee House 212 College St. Maryville on Sundays from 12:30-2PM. Supplies are provided!
Members of Congress (MoC) Contact Information
Rep. Jimmy Duncan: 800 Market St. Suite 110 Knoxville TN 37902, phone: 202-225-5435 (DC), 865-523-3772 (Knoxville), 865-984-5464 (Maryville), email: https://duncan.house.gov/contact
Sen. Alexander: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-4944 (DC), 865-545-4253 (Knoxville), 423-752-5337 (Chattanooga) or 615-736-5129 (Nashville), email: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email.
Sen. Corker: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-3344 (DC), 865-637-4180 (Knoxville), 423-756-2757 (Chattanooga) or 615-279-8125(Nashville), email: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme
Upcoming Events
October 3rd, Tues 2PM. Tuesdays @ Two - Air Quality in GSMNP. Speaker is Jim Renfro, Air Quality Specialist for GSMNP. Heritage Center 123 Cromwell Dr Townsend.
October 4th, 4:30PM. Huddle Climate Change/Environment Working Group meeting. Public House 321 High St Maryville.
October 10th, Tues 6PM: Marian Wright Edelman Distinguished Lecture. Grand Pavilions Ballroom, Holiday Inn Downtown 525 Henley St Knoxville. Attendance & Parking are free. Marian Wright Edelman is founder & president of the Children’s Defense Fund. For more info: http://tntoday.utk.edu/2017/09/12/ut-host-marian-wright-edelman-october-10-distinguished-lecture/
October 17th, Tues 7:30 PM: Deeper Than the Skin Musical Presentation by R. Harris & G Greenway. About race in America. TN Valley Unitarian Universalist Church 2931 Kingston Pike Knoxville.
October 21st, Sat 10:30AM: COMPASSion Roses Brunch. Speaker is Chamique Holdsclaw. First United Methodist Church 804 Montvale Station Rd Maryville. For more information: http://cccmaryville.org/
October 22nd, Sun 3-4:30PM: KJA Upstanders Presents: Unconscious Bias. Speaker Ben Lewis of Genesis Diversity Solutions. Knoxville Jewish Alliance 6800 Deane Hill Dr Knoxville.
October 24th, Tues 11:30AM: Blount County Ecumenical Action Council Luncheon. Shannondale of Maryville Community Building, 1507 New Providence Dr Maryville. Rev. Rob Williamson & Team will speak on Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention Alliance of the Blount County Community Health Initiative. Lunch is $5. RSVP to bcecumenicalactioncouncil@gmail.com .
October 24th, Tues 6:30PM: Free movie viewing of A Time for Justice: America's Civil Rights Movement. Watch the Oscar-winning short documentary, which tells the compelling story of the Civil Rights Movement through original footage and the narration of activist and legislator Julian Bond. Sponsored by SURJ-BC. Learning Lab near parking lot of Blount County Public Library, Calderwood & N Cusick St Maryville.
October 26th, Thurs 6PM: Maryville Huddle Book Group will meet at Blount County Public Library to prior to the main meeting.
October 26th, Thurs 6:15PM: Threats to Democracy Group will meet at Blount County Public Library in Study Room D.
October 26th, Thurs 7PM: Maryville Huddle Group Meeting. Sharon Lawson Room Blount County Public Library, 508 N. Cusick St. Maryville. Suffrage Coalition presentation by Wanda Sobieski. Learn about the role Tennessee played in the Woman Suffrage victory. Also learn from Tanya Harris How to use Twitter to get your message out to thousands. Bring your smartphone!
October 28th, Sat 11:45 AM: BC NAACP Meeting followed by BC United Meeting at 1PM. St. Paul AME Zion Church, 401 W. Broadway Ave, Maryville.
November 7th, Tues 6:30PM: Free movie viewing of Selma: Bridge to Ballot. Celebrate "Election Day" with this account of the dangers and the idealism of the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery AL, 54 miles away. Sponsored by SURJ-BC. Learning Lab near parking lot of Blount County Public Library, Calderwood & N Cusick St Maryville.
November 9th, Thurs 7PM: Real News/Fake News: What’s the Difference. Sponsored by League of Women Voters-Blount County. Panelists: Rachel McClelland, Director of Communications for UT School of Law & teacher in the College of Communications; Deborah Fisher, Executive Director of Tennessee Coalition for Open Government & former senior editor of news for The Tennessean; Melissa Erickson, Multi-platform producer at WBIR-TV & former reporter with The Daily Times; Thomas Fraser, Senior Content Specialist with Ripley Public Relations. Sharon Lawson Rm Blount County Public Library 508 Cusick St Maryville.
November 14th, Tues 6:30PM: Free movie viewing of Mighty Times: The Children March. In 1963, the young people of Birmingham joined together to protest segregation. This short film tells their unforgettable story in their own words. Sponsored by SURJ-BC. Learning Lab near parking lot of Blount County Public Library, Calderwood & N Cusick St Maryville.
Future Meeting Dates: The Sharon Lawson Room at Blount County Public Library is now reserved for our Huddle Group on the last Thursday of the month. Please save these future meeting dates: November 30 (Voter Registration Training), no meeting in December, January 25 (Dark Money), February 22 (SURJ-BC), March 29, April 26, May 31, June 28.
Huddle Actions for Week of September 24th
Healthcare Threat
Die-In Rally against Graham-Cassidy Bill – Monday, September 25th at noon at 800 Market St Knoxville, outside the Senatorial offices in the Howard Baker Courthouse. Here is the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1153695668094791/
Four Things You Might Not Know About Graham-Cassidy Bill
The bill does not require/force states to spend block grant money on healthcare. Politicians have flexibility on how to spend it: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/need-know-gops-graham-cassidy-health-care-bill/
Blue states are penalized while Southern red states are rewarded. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/graham-cassidy-bill-would-cut-funding-to-34-states-new-report-shows/2017/09/20/48741d92-9d58-11e7-9083-fbfddf6804c2_story.html?utm_term=.1fde5dd3236f and https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/09/21/health/graham-cassidy-obamacare-repeal-.html?emc=edit_th_20170922&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=10147194&referer= . This is Gov. Haslam’s rationale for supporting the bill, although other studies predict that over time, TN would lose billions: http://humphreyonthehill.tnjournal.net/haslam-alexander-corker-back-latest-obamacare-repeal-effort/
The bill does not only pertain to Obamacare and individual healthcare policies. Instead, it gives State Insurance Commissioners wide leeway to create 50 different healthcare systems that affect healthcare policies sold in each state. Quote from Blue Cross/Blue Shield, the largest insurer in TN: "The bill contains provisions that would allow states to waive key consumer protections, as well as undermine safeguards for those with pre-existing medical conditions." Although these waivers pertain immediately to Healthcare.gov and individual policies, state insurance commissioners have the freedom to apply them to group, employer-based policies as well.
The Medicaid Directors of all 50 states have issued a strong warning about the bill: http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/351846-medicaid-directors-warn-repeal-bill-would-be-largest-transfer-of-financial
Call TN and other Senators to ask they not support the Graham-Cassidy Bill –Senators to contact because they have not publicly committed to repeal:
Sen. Murkowski (AK) = https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/contact/email & 202-224-6665
Sen. Collins (ME) = https://www.collins.senate.gov/contact & 202-224-2523 or 207-780-3575
Sen. Capito (WV) = https://www.capito.senate.gov/contact/contact-shelley & 202-224-6472 or 304-347-5372
Sen. Portman (OH) = https://www.portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact-form & 202-224-3353 or 513-684-3265
Sen. Gardner (CO) = https://www.gardner.senate.gov/contact-cory/email-cory & 202-224-5941 or 303-391-5777
Sens. Alexander & Corker (see info below)
Other Issues
Offer Comments – Deadline is October 5th for offering comments on reducing car/truck emissions. For information on what’s at stake: http://blog.ucsusa.org/josh-goldman/vehicle-efficiency-standards-save-money?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fb Submit comments here: www.regulations.gov to Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0827.
Postcard Writing – It’s fun! It’s easy! The postcard writers are a great group of folks that meet at Vienna Coffee House in Maryville on Sundays from 12:30-2PM. Supplies are provided!
Working Group Updates
In order to keep the entire Huddle apprised of what various working groups are doing, please visit our website often: https://sites.google.com/view/wmcethuddle/maryville-pages/maryville-sub-groups
See the latest minutes of the Environment-Climate Change Group (attached) and at https://sites.google.com/view/wmcethuddle/maryville-pages/maryville-climate-group . Also consider joining their new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=environment%20%2F%20climate%20group%20-%20maryville%20huddle
See the last minutes of the Voting Rights/Reform Group (attached).
Note the Book Club and Threats to Democracy working groups will meet prior to the Main Huddle Meeting on September 28th.
Members of Congress (MoC) Contact Information
Rep. Jimmy Duncan: 800 Market St. Suite 110 Knoxville TN 37902, phone: 202-225-5435 (DC), 865-523-3772 (Knoxville), 865-984-5464 (Maryville), email: https://duncan.house.gov/contact
Sen. Alexander: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-4944 (DC), 865-545-4253 (Knoxville), 423-752-5337 (Chattanooga) or 615-736-5129 (Nashville), email: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email.
Sen. Corker: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-3344 (DC), 865-637-4180 (Knoxville), 423-756-2757 (Chattanooga) or 615-279-8125(Nashville), email: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme
Huddle Actions for Week of September 17th
Healthcare Issues
Speak out about the latest bill to repeal the ACA. Please contact our MoCs (info below) and Sens. Collins, Murkowski, McCain & Rand Paul.
Sen. Murkowski = https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/contact/email & 202-224-6665
Sen. Collins = https://www.collins.senate.gov/contact & 202-224-2523
Sen. McCain = https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact-form & 202-228-2862
Sen. Paul = https://www.paul.senate.gov/connect/email-rand & 202-224-4343
If you can participate in a local MoC office visit this week, please respond to susanandersonsneed@gmail.com or maryvilletnhuddle@gmail.com.
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or CoverKids in TN also expires on Sept. 30th. The Senate Finance Committee announced an agreement to extend CHIP for 5 years but no specific proposal has been announced in the House and time is running out! Here is a CHIP sign-on letter: https://www.tnjustice.org/chip-sign-on-letter/ and consider calling MoC offices.
If you are interested in participating in the TN Justice Center’s “Health Care Updates” conference calls, visit this site: http://myaccount.maestroconference.com/conference/register/502TCYDWWQEGPE15
Remember that ACA open enrollment is from November 1st to December 15th. Please spread the word!
Three More Questionable Nominations – Please Consider Contacting our Senators
Nonscientist, Career Politician Nominated to lead NASA – Jim Rep. Bridenstine (R-OK) has been nominated to head NASA. He has NO formal qualifications in science or engineering, believes climate change is overblown, and has the financial backing of the Koch brothers. Background info: http://www.newsweek.com/trumps-nasa-chief-pick-jim-bridenstine-controversial-choice-658880 and sign this petition: http://act.climatehawksvote.com/stop_bridenstine
Former Coal Executive Nominated to lead MSHA – David Zatezalo, former CEO of Kentucky coal company, Rhino Resources, has been nominated to lead the Mine Safety & Health Administration. Rhino mines have a pattern of violations pertaining to safety and MSHA has issued injunctions against them in the past. Background info: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/trump-puts-former-coal-executive-in-charge-of-mine-safety_us_59ab5f46e4b0354e440ad7e1 and http://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/20170902/trump-nominates-former-coal-exec-to-run-msha
Anti-Women’s Rights Advocate Nominated for Asst. Attorney General of Civil Rights Division – Eric Dreiband has a history of taking positions that limit equality/opportunity for women, people of color, LGBTQ, seniors & religious minorities. His nomination is opposed by >70 civil rights groups: http://www.npr.org/2017/09/06/548985268/civil-rights-division-nominee-eric-dreiband-appears-before-senate-panel and http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/aug/31/eric-dreiband-doj-nominee-opposed-civil-activists/
Educate Yourself & Participate – See Details in Upcoming Events List Below.
Sharing a Healthy Environment Lab – Sept 18th, Mon 7-9PM, Tn Valley Unitarian Universalist Church Knoxville
DACA Forum – Sept 21st, Thurs 6-7:30 PM, Fulton High School Knoxville
BC United’s Annual Prayer Walk against Racism – Sept 23rd, Sat 1PM, starts at New Providence Presbyterian Church Maryville
Clean Water Rule Comments: Deadline extended to Sept. 27th for offering comments on the attempt to redefine the definition of “waters of the USA” so that the Clean Water Act protections are diminished: http://saveepaalums.info/SaveOurWaters . Offer comments here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment?D=EPA-HQ-OW-2017-0203-0001
Postcard Writing – It’s fun! It’s easy! The postcard writers are a great group of folks that meet at Vienna Coffee House in Maryville on Sundays from 12:30-2PM. Supplies are provided!
Members of Congress (MoC) Contact Information
Rep. Jimmy Duncan: 800 Market St. Suite 110 Knoxville TN 37902, phone: 202-225-5435 (DC), 865-523-3772 (Knoxville), 865-984-5464 (Maryville), email: https://duncan.house.gov/contact
Sen. Alexander: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-4944 (DC), (865-545-4253 (Knoxville), 423-752-5337 (Chattanooga) or 615-736-5129 (Nashville), email: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email.
Sen. Corker: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-3344 (DC), 865-637-4180 (Knoxville), 423-756-2757 (Chattanooga) or 615-279-8125(Nashville), email: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme
White House Contact Information – 1600 Pennsylvania Ave Washington DC 20500, Phone: 202-456-1111, email = https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
Huddle Actions for Week of September 10
ACTION ITEM: KEEP THE PRESSURE UP FOR CONGRESS TO DEFEND DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) AND PASS THE BIPARTISAN DREAM ACT OF 2017. Please find time to make one more call this week! When the DACA program was created back in 2012, the U.S. government asked eligible immigrants to come forward, to volunteer their personal information, undergo a background check, and pay a large fine, in exchange for protection from deportation. DACA is a promise of safety by the U.S. government to the 800,000 individuals who have been granted DACA—and now that promise has been broken by President Trump who states he will end the program unless Congress passes clear legislation regarding these immigrants. Trump has "shifted the responsibility" to Congress. This issue will be debated on and potentially voted on this Fall in Congress. Call your Members of Congress and simply ask them to support the bipartisan Dream Act of 2017. This bipartisan bill was introduced by senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY). It would provide a direct road to U.S. citizenship for people who are either undocumented, have DACA or temporary protected status (TPS), and who graduate from U.S. high schools and attend college, enter the workforce, or enlist in a military program.
ACTION ITEM: Slashed Funding for Obamacare Enrollment – No.45 is slashing the budget for HealthCare.gov by 42% and the budget for marketplace advertising by 90%. This is a direct attempt to destroy Obamacare despite it still being the rule of law in this land. Please contact our MoCs and tell them what you think of this action. Also encourage them to support Sen. Alexander’s bipartisan attempt to stabilize the health insurance markets. Insist they work to repair Obamacare.
ACTION ITEM: GREAT NEWS! Please call Senator Alexander's office to THANK him for voting to fund the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change! (202)224-4944 - https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/09/08/us/politics/08reuters-usa-congress-climatechange.html?_r=0
ACTION ITEM: COMMENTS NEEDED BY OCT 5! Please submit your comments in favor of reducing car/truck emissions here: www.regulations.gov to Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0827. Read article linked to below to find out what's at stake: http://blog.ucsusa.org/josh-goldman/vehicle-efficiency-standards-save-money?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fb
ACTION ITEM: Tell the Senate: Reject climate-denying Clovis for top USDA science position. Trump nominated a racist right-wing climate denier with NO background in science or agriculture, Sam Clovis, to the top science position at the US Department of Agriculture — Undersecretary for Research, Education and Economics. The Department of Agriculture is on the front lines of the climate crisis. Clovis' nomination requires Senate confirmation, so we have a very real chance to stop it. Please consider calling Senators Corker and Alexander. Add your name to call on all Senators to reject Sam Clovis as chief scientist at USDA: https://act.climatetruth.org/sign/StopClovis?source=sp&sp_ref=330941659.363.182485.e.0.2&source=em_p
ACTION ITEM: CLEAN WATER RULE COMMENTS-new deadline Sept 27, http://saveepaalums.info/resisting-the-trump-de-regulatory-agenda-talking-points/defending-our-waters/ . Submit comments @ https://www.regulations.gov/comment?D=EPA-HQ-OW-2017-0203-0001
Postcard Writing – It’s fun! It’s easy! The postcard writers are a great group of folks that meet at Vienna Coffee House in Maryville on Sundays from 12:30-2PM. Supplies are provided!
Members of Congress (MoC) Contact Information
Rep. Jimmy Duncan: 800 Market St. Suite 110 Knoxville TN 37902, phone: 202-225-5435 (DC), 865-523-3772(Knoxville), 865-984-5464 (Maryville), email: https://duncan.house.gov/contact
Sen. Alexander: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-4944 (DC), (865-545-4253 (Knoxville), 423-752-5337 (Chattanooga) or 615-736-5129 (Nashville), email: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email.
Sen. Corker: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-3344 (DC), 865-637-4180 (Knoxville), 423-756-2757 (Chattanooga) or 615-279-8125(Nashville), email: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme
White House Contact Information – 1600 Pennsylvania Ave Washington DC 20500, Phone: 202-456-1111, email =https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
Huddle Actions for Week of September 3rd
Support DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) & its 800,000 Participants –
Please contact the White House to ask that No.45 not tamper with DACA. Call or write soon! Decision is supposed to come on Tuesday. See contact info below.
Also consider contacting our Senators to request that Dreamers be protected from deportation and they support/cosponsor the bipartisan Dream Act 2017. Introduced by Sens. Graham & Durbin, it is a new bipartisan version of the bill granting legal status & a path to citizenship for DACA kids. http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/342785-graham-durbin-revive-bill-to-help-dreamers .
Thank TN Attorney General, Herbert Slatery, for withdrawing from the lawsuit that would seek the end of DACA. http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/tennessee-ag-flips-daca-lawsuit-threat Address: Office of the Attorney General and Reporter P.O. Box 20207 Nashville, TN 37202-0207 Telephone: (615) 741-3491 Fax: (615) 741-2009 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tennessee-Attorney-General-1436615396648529/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel Twitter: @TNattygen
Slashed Funding for Obamacare Enrollment – No.45 is slashing the budget for HealthCare.gov by 42% and the budget for marketplace advertising by 90%. This is a direct attempt to destroy Obamacare despite it still being the rule of law in this land. Please contact our MoCs and tell them what you think of this action. Also encourage them to support Sen. Alexander’s bipartisan attempt to stabilize the health insurance markets. Insist they work to repair Obamacare.
Respond to Decision Regarding Nathan Bedford Forrest Bust in TN State Capital – Despite the governor’s recommendation the bust be removed, the TN Historical Commission voted 7 to 5 to keep it. Consider contacting those who voted against removal:
Secretary of State Tre Hargett – tre.hargett@tn.gov 615-741-2286
State Treasurer David Lillard – david.lillard@tn.gov 615-741-2956
Comptroller Justin Wilson – justin.wilson@cot.tn.gov 615-741-2775
Rep. Curtis Johnson – rep.curtis.johnson@capitol.tn.gov 615-741-4341
Sen. Jack Johnson – sen.jack.johnson@capitol.tn.gov 615-741-2495
Ms. Tammy White – twhite@leadershipknoxville.com or twhite@leadknox.com 865-523-9137
Mr. King Rogers, Esq. – krogers@glankler.com 901-525-1322
Hurricane Harvey Relief – See information below about the benefit concert on Sept. 10th in Knoxville. Consider contacting our MoCs to request they 1) pass immediate legislation to financially support the areas affected by Hurricane Harvey, 2) resist the cuts to FEMA proposed in 45’s budget, 3) spend money on rebuilding Houston instead of a border wall, and 4) reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program which expires Sept. 30th.
Continue to Educate Yourself about Racism – See the Reading event on Sept. 9th below. Also see this article provided by our Threats to Democracy Group: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/24/books/review/sally-hemings-thomas-jefferson-annette-gordon-reed.html?emc=eta1
Postcard Writing – It’s fun! It’s easy! The postcard writers are a great group of folks that meet at Vienna Coffee House in Maryville on Sundays from 12:30-2PM. Supplies are provided!
Members of Congress (MoC) Contact Information
Rep. Jimmy Duncan: 800 Market St. Suite 110 Knoxville TN 37902, phone: 202-225-5435 (DC), 865-523-3772 (Knoxville), 865-984-5464 (Maryville), email: https://duncan.house.gov/contact
Sen. Alexander: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-4944 (DC), (865-545-4253 (Knoxville), 423-752-5337 (Chattanooga) or 615-736-5129 (Nashville), email: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email.
Sen. Corker: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-3344 (DC), 865-637-4180 (Knoxville), 423-756-2757 (Chattanooga) or 615-279-8125(Nashville), email: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme
White House Contact Information – 1600 Pennsylvania Ave Washington DC 20500, Phone: 202-456-1111, email = https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
Huddle Actions for Week of August 27th
Educate Yourself about Racism in our Area & Get Involved
The Southern Poverty Law Center has identified 38 hate groups in TN http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2017/08/14/tennessee-home-38-white-nationalist-neo-nazi-kkk-and-hate-groups-according-splc/566459001/ and 917 in the USA https://www.splcenter.org/hate-map. Please see the attached handout for advice on improving race relations.
For more information on activities of the 4 committees of BC United (i.e. Civics, Youth, Faith, Education), contact blountcountyunited@gmail.com. Also see the attached handout with some key definitions and the email address for the BCU Education committee.
Participate in the Prayer Walk Against Racism on Sept. 23rd. More information below.
Pardon for Sheriff Arpaio – Consider contacting our MoCs and the White House to weigh in on this pardon. Contact info below. Postcard template attached. See this article for details: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2017/08/26/why-trumps-pardon-of-joe-arpaio-isnt-like-most-presidential-pardons/?utm_term=.5da9fe607d52
Articles of Impeachment – Consider contacting Rep. Duncan to request he support the article of impeachment being filed in the House by Rep. Cohen (TN). http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/aug/17/steve-cohen-introducing-articles-impeachment-trump/ Rep. Brad Sherman (CA) also filed an impeachment article on 7/12/17 based on obstruction of justice.
Bipartisan Healthcare Hearings – Sen. Alexander has scheduled hearings for Sept 6 & 13th. Please consider thanking him, as well as contacting Sen. Corker to ask he support any legislation proposed by the Committee.
No Government Shutdown – Consider contacting our MoCs to provide feedback on raising the debt ceiling and avoiding a government shutdown. No. 45 has threatened a shutdown if Congress doesn’t pass legislation to fund the border wall.
Postcard Writing – It’s fun! It’s easy! The postcard writers are a great group of folks that meet at Vienna Coffee House in Maryville on Sundays from 12:30-2PM. Supplies are provided!
Members of Congress (MoC) Contact Information
Rep. Jimmy Duncan: 800 Market St. Suite 110 Knoxville TN 37902, phone: 202-225-5435 (DC), 865-523-3772 (Knoxville), 865-984-5464 (Maryville), email: https://duncan.house.gov/contact
Sen. Alexander: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-4944 (DC), (865-545-4253 (Knoxville), 423-752-5337 (Chattanooga) or 615-736-5129 (Nashville), email: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email.
Sen. Corker: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-3344 (DC), 865-637-4180 (Knoxville), 423-756-2757 (Chattanooga) or 615-279-8125(Nashville), email: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme
Huddle Actions for Week of August 20th
Attend the Stand Against Racism Rally - Wed, August 23 @ 6:30 PM at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 178 Bessie Harvey Avenue, Alcoa TN. Organized by the Alcoa Blount NAACP, Blount County United, Men in Christ, The Beloved Community Outreach Foundation, community churches and others.
Attend the Maryville Huddle Meeting – Thurs, August 24 @ 7 PM at Sharon Lawson Room Blount County Public Library. Featured speakers are Sharon Hannum and Frances Henderson, who will introduce us to the new BC chapter of the NAACP and to the various community activities of BC United. Working group updates, etc.
Consider Volunteering for Immigrant Family Emergency Plan Workshop, Sept 16th – Help our immigrant neighbors prepare plans for how to care for their children, pets, belongings, etc. in the event of an unexpected deportation. Volunteers needed include: 1) translators to help fill out emergency forms, 2) scribes to fill out notary forms, 3) supervisors to keep an eye on children, 4) general greeters/aids, and 5) notary public. Only translators need be fluent in Spanish. Workshop will take place from 10AM-1:30 PM at St. Johns United Methodist Church, 2201 E Broadway, Maryville. Training for volunteers begins at 8AM. Breakfast and snacks/drinks will be provided. Visit this link to volunteer: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a054aa4ab2b0-family. Contact Christian Halloy for more information at challoy@utk.edu. Please share this information with all immigrant friends & acquaintances that might benefit from the workshop. We want to help as many families as possible!
Thank Sen. Corker for Denouncing 45 – https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2017/08/17/gop_sen_corker_trump_hasnt_demonstrated_competence_to_be_successful.html. See Contact info below.
Postcard Writing – It’s fun! It’s easy! The postcard writers are a great group of folks that meet at Vienna Coffee House in Maryville on Sundays from 12:30-2PM. Supplies are provided!
Members of Congress (MoC) Contact Information
Rep. Jimmy Duncan: 800 Market St. Suite 110 Knoxville TN 37902, phone: 202-225-5435 (DC), 865-523-3772 (Knoxville), 865-984-5464 (Maryville), email: https://duncan.house.gov/contact
Sen. Alexander: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-4944 (DC), (865-545-4253 (Knoxville), 423-752-5337 (Chattanooga) or 615-736-5129 (Nashville), email: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email.
Sen. Corker: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-3344 (DC), 865-637-4180 (Knoxville), 423-756-2757 (Chattanooga) or 615-279-8125(Nashville), email: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme
Just when you thought a week that started with inflammatory tweets/threats to bomb Guam couldn’t get any worse, racism and violence raised its ugly head in Charlottesville. Although we may not be able to stabilize US-North Korean relations, EACH one of us can do things to improve race relations and help those most affected by bigotry. See the actions and events highlighted in yellow below. Please consider participating in the events on August 24th, September 16th and 23rd. You CAN make a difference!
Huddle Actions for Week of August 13th
Consider Volunteering for Immigrant Family Emergency Plan Workshop, Sept 16th – Help our immigrant neighbors prepare plans for how to care for their children, pets, belongings, etc. in the event of an unexpected deportation. Volunteers needed include: 1) translators to help fill out emergency forms, 2) scribes to fill out notary forms, 3) supervisors to keep an eye on children, 4) general greeters/aids, and 5) notary public. Only translators need be fluent in Spanish. Workshop will take place from 10AM-1:30 PM at St. Johns United Methodist Church, 2201 E Broadway, Maryville. Training for volunteers begins at 8AM. Breakfast and snacks/drinks will be provided. Visit this link to volunteer: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a054aa4ab2b0-family. Contact Christian Halloy for more information at challoy@utk.edu. Please share this information with all immigrant friends & acquaintances that might benefit from the workshop. We want to help as many families as possible!
Ask our Elected Officials to CONDEMN White Nationalism
Contact the White House to demand that No.45 personally make a stronger, unambiguous statement against racism and to remove all Alt-right proponents from his WH staff: https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact or 202-456-1111 (often busy). Postcard template is attached that is addressed to the White House and can be printed on 4x6 inch paper.
Contact all three Members of Congress: contact information below and postcard template attached.
Consider supporting Charlottesville organizations fighting racism: https://medium.com/@SaraJBenincasa/what-to-do-about-charlottesville-dfc7d6636d56 and http://www.refinery29.com/2017/08/167766/charlottesville-virginia-protest-support
Watch Proctor & Gamble’s Ad “The Talk” that begins airing this week. Then consider thanking them.
Support Renewable Energy via Green Power Switch – For as little as $4 a month, you can support wind, solar and biogas renewable resources, and breathe a little easier knowing you’re taking positive action to reduce your family’s carbon footprint. Each $4 block you buy ensures that 150 kilowatt-hours of clean, renewable energy is added to TVA’s electricity mix. Sign up here: https://www.tva.gov/Energy/Valley-Renewable-Energy/Green-Power-Switch
Consider Signing Some Petitions
Support DACA: https://action.unitedwedream.org/petitions/keep-the-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-daca-program
Stop Drilling in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: https://secure.wilderness.org/page/12469/action/1?ea.tracking.id=email_A_all_all_AMA1708E1003&ea.url.id=1000994
Stop Offshore drilling: http://action.foe.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/index.sjs?action_KEY=22200
Ask Ace Hardware to stop selling bee-killing pesticides: http://action.foe.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/index.sjs?action_KEY=22193&okay=true
Let TVA know you support the National Environmental Policy Act: https://sierra.secure.force.com/actions/National?actionId=AR0084162&id=70131000001Lp1FAAS&utm_campaign=addthis&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=recruit#.WYtYSrEmgS4.facebook
Phone Banking – Sponsored by Swing Left, August 16th, 5-9PM at 311 Morgan St. Knoxville. Here are the details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/smash-the-gerrymander-weekly-phone-bank-tickets-36849227030?ref=enivtefor001&invite=MTI0NzMyMTMvbWFyeXZpbGxldG5odWRkbGVAZ21haWwuY29tLzA%3D&utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=inviteformalv2&ref=enivtefor001&utm_term=attend
Postcard Writing – It’s fun! It’s easy! The postcard writers are a great group of folks that meet at Vienna Coffee House in Maryville on Sundays from 12:30-2PM. Supplies are provided!
Members of Congress (MoC) Contact Information
Rep. Jimmy Duncan: 800 Market St. Suite 110 Knoxville TN 37902, phone: 202-225-5435 (DC), 865-523-3772 (Knoxville), 865-984-5464 (Maryville), email: https://duncan.house.gov/contact
Sen. Alexander: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-4944 (DC), (865-545-4253 (Knoxville), 423-752-5337 (Chattanooga) or 615-736-5129 (Nashville), email: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email.
Sen. Corker: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-3344 (DC), 865-637-4180 (Knoxville), 423-756-2757 (Chattanooga) or 615-279-8125(Nashville), email: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme
Huddle Actions for Week of August 6th
Consider Thanking Sen. Alexander again (contact info below) for his bipartisan efforts to stabilize healthcare insurance markets: http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/republican-senator-is-on-a-mission-to-rescue-the-health-care-law/ar-AAprY9K?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=iehp. He’s under act for these efforts! Calls can be made to all his offices.
Consider Contacting Rep. Duncan about these Federal House Bills (contact info below)
Support H.R. 2801, the HOT Car Act, which is a bipartisan bill that requires all new passenger cars to have a system to alert the operator to check the rear seat if an unattended passenger remains. Alerts would be phased in over 4 years. Consider asking Rep. Duncan to become a cosponsor of the bill.
Oppose H.R. 1314 which eliminates EPA’s renewable fuel standard that requires transportation fuel to contain a minimum volume of renewable fuel. This bill eliminates the addition of ethanol to gasoline, which will result in greater pollution and serious harm to the ethanol fuel industry.
Consider Contacting Sens. Alexander & Corker about these Federal Senate Bills (contact info below)
Oppose Regulatory Accountability Act (S. 951)
Summary: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/115/s951/summary Assessment of bill: https://www.indivisibleguide.com/resource/raa-worst-bill-youve-never-heard/
Script: Hi, I’m from [ZIP] and I’m calling about the Regulatory Accountability Act, S951. This bill would handicap federal agencies trying to protect us and our environment and I want to preserve the power of federal agencies to enact regulations as needed. I OPPOSE the RAA, and ask [senator] to do the same.
Support S.1735, the bipartisan Senate bill that prevents the executive branch (including the president) from firing a special prosecutor unless a panel of 3 judges find cause for their removal. Sponsored by Sens. Graham & Booker. Consider asking Sens. Alexander & Corker to cosponsor the bill.
Weigh in on Environmental Issues
Deadline Aug 15th (extended from July 26): Public comments on national marine monuments. More Information here: https://www.marinesanctuary.org/take-action/advocate/standupformarinesanctuaries/ Submit comments here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/06/26/2017-13308/review-of-national-marine-sanctuaries-and-marine-national-monuments-designated-or-expanded-since#open-comment
Deadline Aug 17th: Comments about offshore drilling. Information here: http://earthjustice.org/blog/2017-july/from-land-grab-to-ocean-grab-oceans-now-in-peril-from-offshore-drilling-0 Submit comments here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/07/03/2017-13998/request-for-information-and-comments-on-the-preparation-of-the-2019-2024-national-outer-continental
Deadline Aug 28th: Comments about proposal to undo the Clean Water Rule, also known as the Waters of the United States Rule. http://www.saveepaalums.info/resisting-the-trump-de-regulatory-agenda-talking-points/defending-our-waters/
Tweet – For you twitter hounds, here’s an assignment! Contact the advertisers on Sean Hannity’s show and ask them to pull their ads or you’ll boycott them. https://twitter.com/olgaNYC1211/status/893322041402818561?s=02 Here are some handles and hashtags to get you started: @hulu @JennyCraig @MercedesBenz @bookingcom @Allstate @DIRECTVservice @proflowers @booking.com @alphaRomeoUSA @Allstate @Angieslist@ @Bayer @AstraSeneecaUS @blinkhealth @boehringerus @CapitalOne , etc. #FireHannity #BoycottHannitySponsors
Postcard Writing – It’s fun! It’s easy! The postcard writers are a great group of folks that meet at Vienna Coffee House in Maryville on Sundays from 12:30-2PM. Supplies are provided!
Members of Congress (MoC) Contact Information
Rep. Jimmy Duncan: 800 Market St. Suite 110 Knoxville TN 37902, phone: 202-225-5435 (DC), 865-523-3772 (Knoxville), 865-984-5464 (Maryville), email: https://duncan.house.gov/contact
Sen. Alexander: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-4944 (DC), (865-545-4253 (Knoxville), 423-752-5337 (Chattanooga) or 615-736-5129 (Nashville), email: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email.
Sen. Corker: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-3344 (DC), 865-637-4180 (Knoxville), 423-756-2757 (Chattanooga) or 615-279-8125(Nashville), email:
Huddle Actions for Week of July 30th
The Ongoing Saga of Healthcare Continues -
Please encourage Sen. Alexander to immediately schedule hearings to support the health insurance markets and repair Obamacare. Contact page: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email or DC office (202-224-4944), Knoxville office (865-545-4253).
Consider thanking the 3 Republican Senators that voted against the “skinny bill” to repeal Obamacare. Sen. Murkowski = https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/contact/email or 202-224-6665. Sen. Collins = https://www.collins.senate.gov/contact or 202-224-2523, Sen. McCain = https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact-form or 202-228-2862
Join a Rapid Response Team – If/when No. 45 fires Robert Mueller, groups across the country are preparing for protests and rallies. In our area, people will meet at the Baker US Courthouse, 800 Market St. Knoxville. If the firing occurs before 2PM, people will meet at 5PM that day. If the firing takes place late in the day, people will meet at noon the following day. To sign up for notifications, visit this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMnmTmmon_P-cZ6XVZ8kx7H7COsAALuD9OpohZpRgeGJYRJw/viewform
Transgender Military Ban – Please speak up!
Consider contacting the White House with your thoughts about the ban on transgender soldiers.https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact or 202-456-1111 (often busy). Some statistics on cost of Mar-a-Lago trips vs cost of transgender healthcare for soldiers:https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2017/07/27/transgender-soldiers-cost-u-s-less-than-trumps-mar-a-lago-trips/515058001/
Ask our Members of Congress to make a statement on the ban: Sen. Corker’s contact page: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme or call DC office (202-224-3344), Knoxville (865-637-4180). Sen. Alexander’s contact page: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email or call DC office (202-224-4944), Knoxville (865-545-4253).
Sign this petition: http://adlaction.purpose.com/transgender-military-discrimination/
Resistbot: Remember you can use Resistbot to fax letters to our MoCs, even when phone lines are busy. Text Resist to 50409.
Consider Participating in these Surveys -
Has Sexism Consider Become Worse after the Election?https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/07/20/opinion/formacist-trump-sexism.html .
What is Your Experience of Being Gay in America?https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/07/28/opinion/being-gay-in-america.html
Postcard Writing – If you haven’t participated yet, please consider joining the fun postcard writing group at Vienna Coffee House in Maryville on Sundays from 12:30-2PM. Supplies are provided!
Support Maryville resident Vincent Saldana - Consider signing this petition: https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/bring-vincente-saldana-home Read the story: http://www.thedailytimes.com/news/stuck-in-mexico-maryville-father-of-five-denied-re-entry/article_d8482d8b-9508-5983-a69a-fce100f0683a.html
Support Environmental Issues –
Urge Trump and Commerce Dept Secretary Ross to defend marine sanctuaries and monuments. Sign the League of Conservation Voters petition: http://p2a.co/wxIU4tg
The current administration wants to rollback another EPA regulation. The 2015 Clean Water rule extended federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act to small bodies of water like headwaters, wetlands and some ponds. The 30- day public comment period is now open: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/07/27/2017-13997/definition-of-waters-of-the-united-states-recodification-of-pre-existing-rules
SAVE EPA, https://saveepa.wordpress.com/ , a volunteer organization of former EPA staffers, has recently published a guide for activists working against the Trump administration’s rolling back public protections issued by any federal agency. http://www.hillheat.com/files/GuidetoresistingEPADereg.2017.pdf .
Upcoming Events
August 2nd, Wed 4:30PM: Environment-Climate Change working group meeting. Public House 321 High St. Maryville.
August 8th, Tues 6 PM: League of Women Voters BC. Rm 101 Bartlett Hall, Maryville College, Maryville.
August 12th, Sat 9AM-12:30PM: Climate Advocate Training Workshop. Led by Citizens Climate Lobby (www.citizensclimatelobby.org ) at University of Tennessee Biosystems Engineering and Soil Sciences Bldg.
2500 E J. Chapman Drive, Room 268, Knoxville. Free parking in lot 66. For more information contact: Thomas G. Hallam - 865-584-6836, tghallamsr@outlook.com or Nina Capozzoli - 631-807-8950, ninacapozzoli2@gmail.com .
August 19th, Sat 6-8PM: Indivisible East TN Potluck Dinner. Young Martin Farm Maryville. Come meet some fun fellow activists! Bring your family, your own drinks, a dish to share, lawn chairs and a suggested donation of $10 for the Indivisible Guide Team. https://www.facebook.com/indivisibleEastTN/
August 19th, 5:30-8PM: CAPPE’s Annual Rural Preservation Potluck & Auction. Sam Houston Schoolhouse, 3650 Sam Houston Lane Maryville. Bring a dish to share; drinks provided. Activities for kids, live music and an auction.
August 24th, Thurs 6PM: Maryville Huddle Book Group will meet at Blount County Public Library to discuss the book Climate of Hope.
August 24thth, Thurs 7PM: Maryville Huddle Group Meeting. Sharon Lawson Room Blount County Public Library, 508 N. Cusick St. Maryville. Featured speakers are Sharon Hannum and Frances Henderson, who will introduce us to the new BC chapter of the NAACP and to the various community activities of BC United.
August 26th, Sat 6PM: Centro Hispano’s Latino Gala @ The Mill & Mine – The Latino Awards Gala highlights the achievements of our Hispanic community and recognizes community leaders who have provided extraordinary support for East Tennessee’s Hispanic population. We are looking for groups or individuals to sponsor a table of 8. Please email maryvilletnhuddle@gmail.com You can find all the info for the event here.
Future Meeting Dates: The Sharon Lawson Room at Blount County Public Library is now reserved for our Huddle Group on the 4th Thursday of the month. Please save these future meeting dates: August 24 (BC United, BC NAACP), September 28 (Climate Resilience), October 26 (Suffrage Coalition), November 30 (Voter Registration Training), no meeting in December, January 25 (Dark Money), February 22 (SURJ-BC), March 22.
Thanks for all you are doing!
Reminder: Thursday, July 27th is Huddle Group Meeting Night!
6 PM: Huddle Book Club will discuss the book, Climate of Hope.
7PM: Training workshop on Winning Strategies for Social Media” by Sarah Herron. Bring paper/pens.
8PM: Response planning for if/when Trump fires Robert Mueller, reports from working groups, etc.
All are welcome to participate!
Updates
Same-Sex Parental Rights – At our last Huddle meeting we learned from Chris Sanders that the TN “natural meaning” law was headed to court. Although the suit was dismissed on 7/20/17, the judge declared that same-sex parents have the same rights as heterosexual parents in TN, which was a step forward!
Recycling in Blount County – Thanks to everyone who supported the recycling proposal at Thursday’s Commission meeting. It passed 16-3!! The recycling center will be located at the Blount County Operations Center, 1221 McArthur Road and available to all county residents 25 hrs/week on Tues, Fri, and Sat. The center will accept single-stream recyclables (plastic, mixed paper, newspapers, cans) and cardboard. Please consider thanking the BC Commissioners (http://blounttn.org/ ) that supported the measure and contacting those that did not (T.Monroe tmonroe@blounttn.org, K.Miller kmiller@blounttn.org, J.Daly jdaly@blounttn.org ).
Healthcare, Healthcare, Healthcare – I think the continued efforts to repeal the ACA is making all of us sick!! ☹ Sen. Corker reversed himself last week and has come out in favor of repealing the law without a replacement plan. Please provide him some feedback on this stance: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme or call DC office (202-224-3344), Knoxville (865-637-4180), Chattanooga (423-756-2757) or Nashville (615-279-8125).
Actions for Week of July 23rdh
Reading Glasses – The Blount County jail is in need to reading glasses (all types). If you would like to donate some, please bring them to this Thursday’s Huddle Meeting. Thanks!
Dream Act 2017 (bipartisan) – Sens. Graham & Durbin are introducing a new version of the bill granting legal status & a path to citizenship for DACA kids. http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/342785-graham-durbin-revive-bill-to-help-dreamers . Please consider asking our Senators to co-sponsor this legislation:
Sen. Corker’s contact page: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme or call DC office (202-224-3344), Knoxville (865-637-4180), Chattanooga (423-756-2757) or Nashville (615-279-8125).
Sen. Alexander’s contact page: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email or call DC office (202-224-4944), Knoxville (865-545-4253), Chattanooga (423-752-5337) or Nashville (615-736-5129).
Pretrial Integrity & Safety Act 2017 – Sens. Harris & Paul have introduced a bipartisan bill to reform the bail system, targeting excessive bail requirements. http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/20/politics/criminal-justice-reform-bills-kamala-harris/ Please consider asking our Senators to co-sponsor this bill. Contact info above.
Empty Chair Town Hall – Our Members of Congress will be invited to a town hall in Knoxville on Saturday, August 26th, which is during the fall congressional recess. When they don’t show up, we’ll hold it anyway. If you are interested in helping with this event, please contact April White at akapril@gmail.com.
Postcard Writing – If you haven’t participated yet, please consider joining the fun postcard writing group at Vienna Coffee House in Maryville on Sundays from 12:30-2PM. Supplies are provided!
Latino Awards Dinner – On August 26th, Saturday, at 6:00pm @ The Mill & Mine, Centro Hispano will hold a gala that highlights the achievements of the Hispanic community and recognizes community leaders who have provided extraordinary support for East Tennessee’s Hispanic population. If you are interested in joining a table sponsored by the Maryville Huddle, please email maryvilletnhuddle@gmail.com.
Upcoming Events
July 29th, Sat 11:45 AM: BC NAACP first membership meeting, followed at 1-3PM by Blount County United meeting. St. Paul AME Zion Church, 401 W. Broadway Ave, Maryville. Presentation by SURJ-BC.
August 2nd, Wed 4:30PM: Environment-Climate Change working group meeting. Public House 321 High St. Maryville.
August 8th: Tues 6 PM: League of Women Voters BC. Rm 101 Bartlett Hall, Maryville College, Maryville.
August 12th, Sat 9AM-12:30PM: Climate Advocate Training Workshop. Led by Citizens Climate Lobby (www.citizensclimatelobby.org ) at University of Tennessee Biosystems Engineering and Soil Sciences Bldg.
2500 E J. Chapman Drive, Room 268, Knoxville. Free parking in lot 66. For more information contact: Thomas G. Hallam - 865-584-6836, tghallamsr@outlook.com or Nina Capozzoli - 631-807-8950, ninacapozzoli2@gmail.com .
August 19th, Sat 6-8PM: Indivisible East TN Potluck Dinner. Young Martin Farm Maryville. Come meet some fun fellow activists! Bring your family, your own drinks, a dish to share, lawn chairs and a suggested donation of $10 for the Indivisible Guide Team. https://www.facebook.com/indivisibleEastTN/
August 19th, 5:30-8PM: CAPPE’s Annual Rural Preservation Potluck & Auction. Sam Houston Schoolhouse, 3650 Sam Houston Lane Maryville. Bring a dish to share; drinks provided. Activities for kids, live music and an auction.
August 24th, Thurs 6PM: Maryville Huddle Book Group will meet at Blount County Public Library to discuss the book Just Mercy: A Story of Justice & Redemption by B. Stevenson.
August 24thth, Thurs 7PM: Maryville Huddle Group Meeting. Sharon Lawson Room Blount County Public Library, 508 N. Cusick St. Maryville. Featured speakers are Sharon Hannum and Frances Henderson, who will introduce us to the new BC chapter of the NAACP and to the various community activities of BC United.
August 26th, Sat 6PM: Centro Hispano’s Latino Gala @ The Mill & Mine – The Latino Awards Gala highlights the achievements of our Hispanic community and recognizes community leaders who have provided extraordinary support for East Tennessee’s Hispanic population. We are looking for groups or individuals to sponsor a table of 8. You can find all the info for the event here.
Future Meeting Dates: The Sharon Lawson Room at Blount County Public Library is now reserved for our Huddle Group on the 4th Thursday of the month. Please save these future meeting dates: August 24, September 28, October 26 and November 30.
Recess is over! Congress is back in session for 3 weeks and word is that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wants to pass something on healthcare before the August recess. Please keep calling our Senators.
Actions for Week of July 10th
Healthcare – Call, email, fax your Senators Alexander and Corker and tell them that the BCRA is a bad idea. Cuts to Medicaid are unacceptable. The suggestion of repealing the ACA without a replacement as a last ditch effort makes no sense. Tell them its time to work towards universal healthcare.
a. Sen. Corker’s contact page: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme or call DC office (202-224-3344), Knoxville (865-637-4180), Chattanooga (423-756-2757) or Nashville (615-279-8125).
b. Sen. Alexander’s contact page: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email or call DC office (202-224-4944), Knoxville (865-545-4253), Chattanooga (423-752-5337) or Nashville (615-736-5129).
Regulations.gov only has 400 comments opposing ACA repeal. Comment period ends 7/12. Let’s comment here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment?D=CMS-2017-0078-0001
2. Support Public School Children – A Helping Hands Event is scheduled for Heritage Middle School on July 22ndto provide school supplies, clothes, haircuts, etc. for >2000 Blount County needy school children. We are joining BC United in collecting these school supplies: 1) packages of loose leaf, lined paper, 2) two pocket folders and 3) spiral notebooks. Volunteers are also needed to pass out the supplies. Please contact Rev. Bill Dickerson at 865-299-1070 to volunteer or to let him know you have supplies to donate. Supplies can also be dropped off at St. Paul AME Zion Church, 401 W. Broadway Ave, Maryville on Sat, July 15th from 12-2 PM.
3. Tell the government what you think about these attacks on our environment.:
The deadline for comments to Interior Secretary Zinke about the importance of protecting our national monuments is July 10 (Monday). Please visit the following site for more information: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-department-releases-list-monuments-under-review-announces-first-ever-formal
.
Comments can be submitted online at: https://www.regulations.gov by entering “DOI-2017-0002” in the search bar
Trump and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke have announced that they will reconsider Obama's five-year offshore drilling plan which would have limited drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf, and will instead replace it with a plan that instills less limits and regulations http://bit.ly/2sIzWfa The Interior has just opened up the public comment period so that we can share our thoughts on the matter. We can use Sierra Club's link to edit and send a comment: http://bit.ly/2tI982E
Empty Chair Town Hall – Our Members of Congress will be invited to a town hall in Knoxville on Saturday, August 26th, which is during the fall congressional recess. When they don’t show up, we’ll hold it anyway. If you are interested in helping with this event, please contact April White at akapril@gmail.com.
White House Press Briefings – Did you know that cameras have been excluded from WH press briefings for the past week and the press secretaries are verbally attacking or ignoring reporters during these briefings? Please consider emailing the WH https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ with this request: I am concerned about the lack of open press briefings at the White House. I think a free press is essential to our democracy. I would like open, televised briefings from the president on a regular basis. Thank you.
Upcoming Events
July 19th, Wed 9AM-2PM: Joint Operation. A free event to provide veterans & their families access to local resources & services in one easy location. Jacob Building Chilhowee Park, 3301 E Magnolia Ave Knoxville.
July 22nd, Sat 8AM: A Helping Hands Event is scheduled for Heritage Middle School to provide school supplies, clothes, haircuts, etc. for >2000 Blount County school children. We are joining BC United in collecting 1) packages of loose leaf, lined paper, 2) two pocket folders and 3) spiral notebooks. Volunteers are also needed to pass out the supplies. Please contact Rev. Bill Dickerson at 865-299-1070 to volunteer or to let him know you have supplies to donate. Supplies can also be dropped off at St. Paul AME Zion Church, 401 W. Broadway Ave, Maryville on Sat, July 15th from 12-2 PM.
July 23rd, Sun 1-4 PM: Huddles & Other Organizations Gathering. Come join us for a fun afternoon at the Arnstein Jewish Community Center 6800 Deane Hill Dr Knoxville. Huddle groups from the WMC are joining with other community groups to educate ourselves on each other’s actions and issues. All family members are welcome. Bring swimsuits for the pool! Kids can also enjoy the playground.
July 26th, Wed 6:30PM: Caring about the Earth: Spiritual Stewardship. Dorothy Herron Rm, Blount County Public Library. The Blount County Baha'i Community will be hosting a discussion on the efforts to safeguard our common habitat, environmental change, what is environmental justice, and the responsibility we hold for correcting the current status of climate change.
July 27th, Thurs 6PM: The Maryville Huddle Book Group will meet at Blount County Public Library to discuss the book Climate of Hope.
July 27th, Thurs 7PM: Maryville Huddle Group Meeting. Sharon Lawson Room Blount County Public Library, 508 N. Cusick St. Maryville. The program for that night is entitled “Winning Strategies for Social Media”. Whether you're a candidate, a campaign manager, or just an individual who wants to be a political influencer, learn a few tricks of the trade from Sarah Herron a senior-level digital strategist, social media brand manager and founder of Indivisible East Tennessee. See how the pros reach target demographics, build communities, manage their brand's reputation, amplify key messages and drive conversions in the social media space. Then, let's discuss how we can use those insights and tactics to move the progressive agenda forward and win!! Inexperienced and experienced social media users, nonhuddlers, activists, potential candidates, etc. are all welcome!
July 29th, Sat 1-3PM: Blount County United, St. Paul AME Zion Church, 401 W. Broadway Ave, Maryville. Presentation by SURJ-BC.
August 26th, Saturday, at 6:00pm @ The Mill & Mine – Centro Hispano - The Latino Awards 2017 – The Latino Awards Gala highlights the achievements of our Hispanic community and recognizes community leaders who have provided extraordinary support for East Tennessee’s Hispanic population. We are looking for groups or individuals to sponsor a table of 8. You can find all the info for the event here.
Future Meeting Dates: The Sharon Lawson Room at Blount County Public Library is now reserved for our Huddle Group on the 4th Thursday of the month. Please save these future meeting dates: July 27, August 24, September 28, October 26 and November 30.
Actions for Week of June 18th
Day of Dinners - On Sunday, June 25th the Women’s March Coalition, Black Lives Matter and other groups are inviting us to participate in the Day of Dinners https://www.dayofdinners.org/ (if link doesn’t open in IE, try another browser). Day of Dinners is a chance for thousands of us - families, neighbors and strangers - to come together, share good food, and get real about building deeper, stronger communities. Sign up to host or attend one!
Support the ACA - If you haven’t called our senators yet with your opinion about repealing Obamacare, you still have time to speak up!
Please contact Susan susanandersonsneed@gmail.com or 865-256-0656 if you want to participate in a constituent visit.
Sen. Corker’s contact page: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme or call 202-224-3344. Sen. Alexander’s contact page: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email or call 202-224-4944.
Consider attending the Die-In on Wed, June 21st in Market Square (details below).
Paris Climate Agreement - Trump may have pulled the U.S. out of the agreement but we can still act on climate change as individuals, cities, and states.
Call Governor Haslam (615-741-2001) and urge him to join the United States Climate Alliance with other state leaders to maintain the climate goals set forth in the agreement.
The Mayors of Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Nashville are all participating in the Mayors National Action Climate Agenda (http://www.climate-mayors.org/paris-agreement-adoption-toolkit/). Will the Mayors of Maryville (Tom Taylor: 273-3401) and Alcoa (Don Mull: 380-4795) sign on? Please call them!
Watch “From the Ashes” http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/from-the-ashes/ - a look at the legacy and future of the coal industry, on Sun, June 25, 9PM, on National Geographic Channel.
Thank our Heroes - The Capitol Police officers who saved the lives of so many at the Congressional baseball practice this week were heroic. It is somewhat ironic that the officers, a gay married black woman, a black man, and a Hispanic man, represent those in our country that Rep. Scalise has legislated against. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/steve-scalise-the-capitol-police-and-an-exclusionary_us_5942d4a0e4b0940f84fe2cb6 Let’s thank Special Agent David Bailey, Special Agent Crystal Griner, and Officer Henry Cabrera: United States Capitol Police, 119 D Street, NE, Washington, DC 20510. Easy-to-print postcards for 4x6 paper are in the attached Word file.
Support Public School Children – A Helping Hands Event is scheduled for Heritage Middle School on July 22nd to provide school supplies, clothes, haircuts, etc. for >2000 Blount County needy school children. We are joining BC United in collecting these school supplies: 1) packages of loose leaf, lined paper, 2) two pocket folders and 3) spiral notebooks. Please see more details in the events list below. You can also bring supplies to the Huddle meeting this Thurs.
Postcard writing – Join folks from Indivisible at Vienna Coffee House 212 College St, Maryville every Sunday from 12:30-2PM to write postcards to our elected officials. Thanks to everyone getting writer’s cramp😊
Become a Notary – Many of you inquired about how to become notaries at our last Huddle meeting. See the instruction sheet attached to this email.
Major Action for Weeks of June 11th and 18th
Sen. McConnell has initiated Rule 14 proceedings to put healthcare repeal on the fast track – no hearings, no expert testimony, and a draft of the bill may not even be released until the day before they vote! Watch Sen. McCaskill’s plea for involvement in the process: http://www.businessinsider.com/claire-mccaskill-senate-gop-healthcare-bill-secrecy-attack-2017-6 The vote may be scheduled before the July 4th recess. We need to let our senators know this is unacceptable!
Please consider participating in a visit to the senators’ offices in Knoxville. See the attached protocol. Susan Sneed of Indivisible-East TN will help schedule the visits, provide coaching so you are prepared, and may be able to provide escorts to some groups. Visits last for about 30 mins. Please contact Susan susanandersonsneed@gmail.com or 865-256-0656 if you want to participate. Constituent visitors have the most impact on the senators and we want to try to schedule these visits over the next couple of weeks!!!! I’m game! Let Susan or me know if you are, too!
Other ways to you can get involved:
a) You can call and email the senators. Lots of folks are planning to call in on June 14th, so if lines are busy try another day. Corker’s contact page: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme or call 202-224-3344. Alexander’s contact page: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email or call 202-224-4944.
b) Send a fax via ResistBot. Text Resist to 50409
c) Sign this petition: http://act.savemycare.org/page/s/let-us-testify
d) If you do all the above activities, you’ll get extra credit and a gold star! 😊
Other Actions for Week of June 11th
1. Consider signing this Petition Supporting the Paris Agreement at https://front.moveon.org/ . Other pertinent petitions are also featured on this website.
2. Thanks to everyone who contacted the BC Mayor last week regarding county recycling. Bins have been placed at BC Public Library for aluminum, paper, cardboard & plastic. They hope to have a permanent solution to publicize by the end of the month. If you have not contacted Ed Mitchell yet, remind him we need a plan that includes hazardous waste management, steel cans, mixed paper and glass. Call: 865-273-5700 or email at emitchell@blounttn.org.
3.Postcard writing – Join folks from Indivisible at Vienna Coffee House 212 College St, Maryville every Sunday from 12:30-2PM to write postcards to our elected officials. This graphic was for today but you can count on them being there every weekend!
4. Centro Hispano needs help with their annual fundraiser, The Latino Awards Gala on August 26th. If anyone loves planning parties, does graphic design, is looking for a way to help our neighbors, please contact Claudia Caballero at claudia@centrohispanotn.org.
Actions for Week of June 5th
1.Please contact Blount County Mayor, Ed Mitchell, to request an immediate solution to termination of recycling in the county that occurred April 5, 2017. Our Environmental Working Group found out that a proposal for public recycling drop off sites for Blount County residents is on his desk. He received the proposal over a year ago but has not acted. A county commission ad hoc committee submitted the recommendation that the County partner with City of Maryville to help fund the two Maryville drop off sites so that county residents can use them. Call/email Ed Mitchell and urge him to act now: 865-273-5700/ emitchell@blounttn.org . The State of TN mandates that local government have a recycling site available and the suggestion from his secretary that we simply take recyclable items to the county dump is woefully inadequate!
2.Please write (https://duncan.house.gov/contact), fax (202-225-6444), Resistbot or call (865-523-3772, 865-984-0521, 202-225-5435) Representative Duncan and ask him to support these 3 voting rights bills:
HB 2499 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require States to meet standards for the location and operation of polling places used in elections for Federal office, including a standard requiring States to ensure that no individual waits for longer than one hour to cast a vote at a polling place, and for other purposes.
HB 607 - Prohibits election officials from requiring individuals to provide photo identification as a condition of obtaining or casting a ballot in an election for Federal office or registering to vote in elections for Federal office, and for other purposes.
HB 2669 - Allows vote by mail and increased security with automatic voter registration.
And to not vote for this bill: HB 10 – Financial CHOICE Act. Amends the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act so that the Volcker Rule restrictions on speculative investments by banks is repealed, along with limiting authority of Financial Stability Oversight Council, etc. The hearing for this bill is set for 5PM on June 6th.
3.Consider writing to the Embassy of Montenegro 1610 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009, fax: 202-234-6109, email: usa@mfa.gov.me to let them know how embarrassed you are about how No. 45 shoved their prime minister out of the way at the recent NATO meeting. Sad!!
4.Read about the new Problem Solver Caucus in the House….40 Reps & Dems who are working with No Labels to work and vote together to get things done! They hope to recruit additional members. https://www.nolabels.org/blog/problem-solvers-caucus-calls-legislation-tackles-tax-reform-infrastructure-together/ You can follow their FB page here: https://www.facebook.com/Congressional-Problem-Solvers-Caucus-703778196368685/
5. Postcard writing – Join folks from Indivisible at Vienna Coffee House 212 College St, Maryville every Sunday from 12:30-2PM to write postcards to our elected officials. Covfefe!
6. Latino Community Outreach - On Tuesday, June 6 at 7:00 pm at St. John United Methodist Church 2201 E. Broadway in Maryville we will be joining other groups in a planning meeting on how to support our Latino Neighbors in Blount County. Please see the minutes of the Huddle meeting from last week for details.
Actions for Week of May 30th
1. Please call the White House comment line (202-456-1111) and request that we remain in the Paris Climate Agreement. The President is threatening to withdraw despite the overwhelming consensus both in the USA and around that world that the agreement benefits us all.
2. Thursday, June 1st at 6:15pm the House Speaker, Rep Paul Ryan, will be in Knoxville at the Cherokee Country Club, 5138 Lyons View Pike Knoxville. He is speaking at a $10- $25,000 per couple fund raiser to benefit the NRCC. This is a VIP photo reception at 6:15 and reception begins at 6:30pm. Apparently, there is an after party at the home of Bill Haslam’s father ( Jim Haslam II- 1036 Craigland Ct or James Haslam III - 5020 Lyons View Pike) for $25,000 a couple for a Haslam PAC. Although Cherokee Country Club is a private club, there were protests there back when Wade Houston became UT basketball coach (because he was not allowed to join). The protests were held on the opposite side of the street. Stand with the trees and bushes. More information about protesting will be forwarded as it is received!
3. Email Healthcare letters by June 5th! The Takoma Parents Action Coalition, a DC/Maryland activist group will hand deliver letters for us to Sens. Alexander and Corker’s offices in DC. The letters are being written to support universal healthcare, to strengthen Obamacare (Affordable Healthcare Act), and to resist all attempts to pass Ryan-Trumpcare (American Health Care Act) in the Senate. Address your letters to each Senator, include your name and mailing address and email them takomaparentsactioncoalition@gmail.com by June 5th. They will print the letters and deliver them. Now’s your chance to speak up! Please write!
Here are some talking points if you need them for the letters:
The Republican bill would have severe impacts for Tennesseans:
• The bill would strip health care from 578,900 Tennesseans.
• The Republican bill puts more than 2,718,800 Tennesseans with pre-existing conditions at risk of losing coverage, including 355,200 children.
• The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, and others say it means "people with pre-existing conditions could be denied coverage or forced to choose between purchasing basic necessities and affording their health care coverage.” A new report shows how much more people with pre-existing conditions would be charged: $4,270 for asthma, $17,060 for pregnancy, $26,180 for rheumatoid arthritis and $140,510 for metastatic cancer.
• AARP opposes it because it raises premiums five times more on people over 50 - what they call an ‘age tax,’ increasing the average cost per enrollee by $13,083 by 2020 for Americans over 55. These estimates would jump to $19,109 by 2026.
• The Republican bill disproportionately hurts Americans living in rural areas, in some cases causing a person’s plan to exceed their annual income.
• It includes a giveaway to insurance companies: if your insurance lapses for more than 63 days, insurance companies will charge you 30 percent more when you sign up for insurance again.
4. Sign the Petition: Last month, the President signed an Executive Order threatening Giant Sequoia National Monument with drilling, mining and logging. This monument boasts about half the sequoia groves left -- including one of the ten highest. The Department of the Interior is accepting public comments on whether to let Big Oil destroy Giant Sequoia. So we need you to speak up NOW and help save this special place! Tell the Department of the Interior: No drilling, mining or logging in Giant Sequoia National Monument! http://action.foe.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/index.sjs?action_KEY=21822
5. Postcard writing – Join folks from Indivisible at Vienna Coffee House 212 College St, Maryville every Sunday from 12:30-2PM to write postcards to our elected officials.
6. On Tuesday, June 6 at 7:00 pm at St. John United Methodist Church 2201 E. Broadway in Maryville we will be joining other groups in a planning meeting on how to support our Latino Neighbors in Blount County. Please see the minutes of the Huddle meeting from last week for details. We hope you will be able to attend.
Actions Week of May 22nd
Reminder: Monthly Huddle Group meeting is this Thursday, May 25th (7PM). I’m pleased to announce that we will have guests at the Huddle Meeting! Rev & Mrs Dani Castillo will speak to us about the Hispanic Community in Blount County. We’ll also hear updates from some of our working groups. Please see location below.
Actions to Consider
Our Threats to Democracy working group recommends we speak up when we see a threat to our democracy (e.g. attacks on freedom of speech, freedom of the press, civil rights, ties with Russia, etc. Resistbot (text “resist” to 50409) is a great tool for activism. Also, use twitter to point out when our democracy is at risk (#eastTNresist). Please also check out the following
Citizens United is a threat to our democracy. There is a Fresh Air episode that explains the background of Robert Mercer’s influence over the election with his support for Bannon. Here is the episode: http://www.npr.org/2017/03/22/521083950/inside-the-wealthy-family-that-has-been-funding-steve-bannon-s-plan-for-years. Also see this New Yorker article: http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/03/27/the-reclusive-hedge-fund-tycoon-behind-the-trump-presidency
Thanks to all of you who called, wrote, emailed! We now have an independent counsel starting a criminal investigation into Trump’s ties to Russia. Here is an article that points out all the times Trump mentioned Putin: http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2017/03/politics/trump-putin-russia-timeline/
It appears Joe Lieberman is the frontrunner to be nominated as the new FBI director. In addition to being a politician selected for a job always held by non-partisan law enforcement professionals, Lieberman works for the law firm that Trump uses. (http://www.politico.com/story/2017/05/18/joe-lieberman-fbi-frontrunner-238563) Let's call our senators and tell them that it's more important than ever for us to be able to trust the FBI, and that means no politicians and no one with ties to Trump. Sen Lamar Alexander = 202-224-4944; Sen Bob Corker = 202-224-3344
Petition to sign - Friends of the Earth and the Environmental Working Group are keeping up the pressure on the EPA to regulate more closely the pesticides in our food and environment, like chlorpyrifos, lately in the news: https://petitions.signforgood.com/toxicpesticides
The White House Press secretary recently said they’ve heard few complaints about Trump’s actions or behaviors. Here is the WH comment line, if you want to weigh in on anything: 202-456-1111.
Postcard writing – Join folks from Indivisible at Vienna Coffee House 212 College St, Maryville every Sunday from 12:30-2PM to write postcards to our elected officials.
Good news from our Environment/Climate Change group! You still have time to offer comments on Bears Ears National Monument until May 26th and all other National Monuments until July 10th. Please visit the following site for more information: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-department-releases-list-monuments-under-review-announces-first-ever-formal Comments can be submitted online at: https://www.regulations.gov/ by entering “DOI-2017-0002” in the search bar. Also see these informative resources online: https://www.nrdc.org/onearth/why-attack-national-monuments-attack-climate , http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-environment/312574-bears-ears-national-monument-designation-a-great-way, https://medium.com/@SenBennetCO/why-protecting-our-national-monuments-is-good-for-colorado-the-country-7df04b958e43
Canvassing for Jon Ossoff
If you're interested in voter canvassing for Jon Ossoff's campaign in Atlanta, GA during the following times: June 3-4, June 9-11, and/or June 15-21, contact Nathan Higdon via email J.Nate1879@yahoo.com to sign up. Include the following information: Name, phone #, allergies, lodging & transportation needs and preferred dates. Do not let transportation or lodging be a factor because the campaign can assist. Jon Ossoff is running for the seat vacated by Tom Price, the new HHS Secretary. It is a district that may be flippable to a more progressive candidate.
New WMC Website
Visit the new website to see upcoming events on the Calendar page: https://sites.google.com/view/wmcethuddle/home
Huddle Actions for Week of December 17th
Tax Cut Bill – You have one last time to reach out to our MoCs to give them feedback on the HR1. The House plans to vote on Tues and the Senate possibly Wednesday or Thursday.
Impeachment Efforts – Although the House motion to impeach has been tabled, numerous groups are laying the ground work for impeachment. Read about some of these efforts: https://impeachdonaldtrumpnow.org/, http://fortune.com/2017/11/09/tom-steyer-impeach-trump-petition-ads/ , and https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/women-marched-washington-now-they-want-impeach-trump-n824911 .
Sign a petition: https://action.needtoimpeach.com and https://impeachdonaldtrumpnow.org/ .
Follow on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ImpeachDonaldJTrumpNow/ ) and Twitter (@ImpeachPOTUS, @impeachtnow, @impeachtrump, @trumpimpeachment).
Participate in an Impeachment rally on January 20th. Marches are planned for Nashville, Washington DC & other locations. Stayed tune for a possible event in Knoxville: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wearemarchon/
Voting System Security – Sens. Martin Heinrich & Susan Collins have filed the SAVE Act (S 2035) that provides increased security for the voting systems of the USA, protects against intrusion, theft, manipulation, and deletion of voter registration data and ballots, or votes cast, and prevents cyberattacks from malicious computer hackers, and for other purposes. https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/115/s2035 Consider asking our Senators to support and co-sponsor the bill.
Save National Monuments – Consider joining the efforts to save the National Monuments under attack by the Trump administration. At least 10 monuments are threatened: https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/04/28/525883061/photos-see-the-sweeping-american-landscapes-under-review-by-trump Numerous environmental organizations, outdoor commercial companies and the Navaho nation have filed legal actions against assault on national monuments. You can join these efforts heres: http://www.patagonia.com/home/ , http://monumentsforall.org/ , https://earthjustice.org/features/national-monuments?gclid=CjwKCAiAjanRBRByEiwAKGyjZXgwVVKL4Q5doufM6xH_DhJCG2r94zZ_Rm3PVhokmZsIZIls3THUbRoC8QwQAvD_BwE , https://sierra.secure.force.com/actions/National?actionId=AR0079253 , https://secure.npca.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1938&s_src=g_grants_ads&gclid=CjwKCAiAjanRBRByEiwAKGyjZZm1eR76lLaMCaeOhCF7hNY5EMrw3xptWKniKzI_1J2hBhFEP_LG_hoCjA0QAvD_BwE , https://www.nrdc.org/save-our-national-monuments?gclid=CjwKCAiAjanRBRByEiwAKGyjZfmUYdnkpiDDWml_mY_7JpcqfRZAyQ69AWy34D2bSlbKImVkpo7noRoC9CEQAvD_BwE , https://takeaction.oceanconservancy.org/page/9148/action/1?ea.tracking.id=17WAXAAXXX , http://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2017/5/11/what-you-can-do-to-protect-national-monuments-now
Postcard Writing – It’s fun! It’s easy! The postcard writers are a great group of folks that meet at Vienna Coffee House 212 College St. Maryville on Sundays from 12:30-2PM. Supplies are provided!
Members of Congress (MoC) Contact Information
Rep. Jimmy Duncan: 800 Market St. Suite 110 Knoxville TN 37902, phone: 202-225-5435 (DC), 865-523-3772 (Knoxville), 865-984-5464 (Maryville), email: https://duncan.house.gov/contact
Sen. Alexander: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-4944 (DC), 865-545-4253 (Knoxville), 423-752-5337 (Chattanooga) or 615-736-5129 (Nashville), email: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email.
Sen. Corker: 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510, phone: 202-224-3344 (DC), 865-637-4180 (Knoxville), 423-756-2757 (Chattanooga) or 615-279-8125(Nashville), email: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailme