LET'S GET TO WORK: Civic action to-do list for 9-18-17
3. Inspired by Nicole Kidman's Emmy speech
Last night in her Emmy acceptance speech, Nicole Kidman used her star power to shine a spotlight on the silent plague of domestic violence. Each year more than 10 million women and men are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has saved, protected, and supported millions of Americans by providing legal protections, programs, and funding across the country. VAWA is up for reauthorization in 2018, and the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence has already started educating congressional staff of the importance of VAWA. Call Senators Grassley (R-IA) and Feinstein (D-CA), and Representatives Goodlatte (R-VA) and Conyers (D-MI) and ask that they support VAWA!
2. Inspired to provide all children with healthcare
Congress has only two weeks to reauthorize healthcare funding for 8.4 million children in low-income families. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a joint federal-state program that provides healthcare to children with family incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid. We applaud Senators Wyden (D-OR) and Hatch (R-UT) who have come to an agreement on CHIP funding, but now call on both chambers to move forward on a vote. Millions of children are at risk of losing lifesaving healthcare if Congress doesn’t act soon. Contact your senators and representative and tell them this is an urgent priority!
1. Inspired to tweet about fair pay
From 2015 to 2016 the gender pay gap went from 79.6% to 80.5% according to a report by the U.S. Census Bureau last week. While this number is statistically significant, women aren’t feeling a change in their checkbooks. In fact, if the wage gap keeps increasing at this rate, women won’t achieve real pay equity until 2059! To combat wage inequality the Office of Management and Budget needs to move forward with pay data collection. Today join a Twitterstorm from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. using #EqualPay to call on the Administration to combat wage inequality.
And for you...
World leaders are gathering today at the United Nations. Do you know the U.N. plays an important role in advocating to end violence and promoting gender equality throughout the world? Learn more about the priorities and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the U.N. here.
Inspiration for the New Year...
For those observing Rosh Hashana, a beautiful video from our friends at the 92nd Street Y of performers from around the world dancing their prayer for the New Year. It is a vision of a world of peace and friendship.