Actions for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.

Martin Luther King Jr.

I haven’t been making time to be civically engaged (is there a simpler verb for this?), so I’m hosting a Zoom call with some friends to take action together. This is the list that we’re working from (give or take):

Online Actions

These will just take 5 minutes — but if you have more time, please consider personalizing the message for more impact.

1. Email Congress to protect our voting rights (via ACLU, the Climate Reality Project also supports this legislation)
2. Email your senator to pass a strong Build Back Better Act (via NRDC).
3. Take the pledge to protect voting rights to stay connected to the movement.
4. For more, check out ACLU’s action page and NRDC’s action page.

Get Ready for Upcoming Elections

Adapted from Amy Siskind:

1. Check with your local Indivisible group and see what they’re up to.
2. Find out what races you have in 2022. Put the primary and election dates in your calendar. Consider: House seats, Senate, State senate or assembly, School board, other local elections.
3. If your House seat is safe, and your Senate seats are too, consider helping in competitive races in other states.  Some groups that can get you going: @Sister_District @votefwd @swingleft
4. Work to register the vote in your town or help in key states where important races are happening at the Gov/AG/SoS level including MI, WI, PA, GA and AZ. Some orgs: @BlackVotersMtr @RockTheVote @LWV
5. Show up when your Senate and House candidates are home, and DEMAND they work to pass voting rights protections, and work with urgency. Find their calendars on their websites, follow them on social media, or sign up for their newsletters.
6. Message @POTUS and ask him to be bold in 2022!

Participate in the Democratic Party

If you’re disappointed in the Democratic Party, you’re not alone. However, the party’s direction isn’t controlled by just one person — there’s a whole system and hierarchy. Unfortunately, the base has many empty seats. I still don’t understand it all, but a good start is to:

1. Join or follow your local Democratic Club. Just google your county/area + “Democratic Club”. Their website should have some explanation of what they do and how to get involved.
2. Learn about County Committees and why they’re important. 
3. Consider running for County Committee. If you’re in Brooklyn, Rep Your Block is holding information sessions for the 2022 term.

NYC: Learn about Your Local Community Board

adapted from Transportation Alternatives:

Your local community board advises the city on everything from housing development to street safety improvements. 

1. Read this Curbed overview on Community Boards and find out how you can have a say in decision-making in your neighborhood.
2. Find your community board and follow them on social media or sign up for their newsletter. They often have good information about community events and resources.
3. Plan to attend a board meeting and add it to your calendar.
4. Share this information with someone else you know who loves NYC!

Learn More about MLK’s Legacy

Read Anti-Racism Daily’s latest article, 6 Speeches and Works That Honor The Full Legacy of MLK.

What did you do for MLK day? Share in the comments!