What a week! MVCAN has been very engaged in resistance actions of all types against Trump's extreme agenda.
Pictured: Bernard Catalinotto of MVCAN at Rally at Feinstein's Office. Photo: June Cooperman
PUT THESE EVENTS ON YOUR CALENDAR (details below, at bottom of email):
• CALL AND COFFEE FRI FEB 3, 8-9:30 am - info below
• MULTIPLE COMMITTEE MEETINGS- see below
• NO BAN NO WALL PROTEST SAT FEB 4, 3-6 pm, Civic Center, SF - info below
Meet at Mill Valley Middle School at 2 pm to carpool to the Protest.
• RESIST TRUMP TUES FEB 7, 12-1 pm, Dianne Feinstein's or Kamala Harris' Office, TBA, SF - info below
Meet at Good Earth, Mill Valley, at 11 a.m. to carpool to the Rally.
• MVCAN MONTHLY NETWORK MEETING, SUN FEB 12, 4-6pm, 142 Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley. This is the biggie. There will be lots of info and ways to get involved.
NEW TO MVCAN? Please Read and familiarize yourself with the network:
Visit www.mvcan.org and read the latest MVCAN newsletters and also read about the various action groups.
If you are interested in a particular group, contact the Chair listed below and on the web site to get involved.
Join us on Facebook.
Feel free to join in any actions in the Newsletter or the MVCAN Facebook page.
Come to a Call and Coffee (next one Fri. Feb. 3; details below) to get trained in calling congresspeople, and start making calls. *Calls are extremely important. Calling is far more effective than emailing or other communications. We primarily focus on our own representatives and also contact national representatives when appropriate. We also make calls to voters in other districts to influence them. This is the best tool you will take away.
Put these numbers in your phone. If you don't get through to one, try another. All messages go to the same place:
Sen. Dianne Feinstein DC (202) 224-3841, SF (415) 393-0707, LA (310) 914-7300, SD (619) 231-9712, Fresno (559) 485-7430
Sen. Kamala Harris DC (202) 224-3553, Sac/Fresno (916) 448-2787, SF (415) 355-9041, LA (213) 894-5000, SD (619) 239-3884
Rep. Jared Huffman DC (202) 225-5161, San Rafael (415) 258-9657, Petaluma (707) 981-8967
Read the Indivisible Guide to learn about practical Resistance skills and tactics from former Congressional staffers who learned first-hand about the tactics that were successfully employed by the Tea Party and others on the Right.
Read The Art of the Protest and From Protests, Past Lessons in What Works to learn why protests matter and how to best leverage them.
READY FOR ACTION!
From the latest Indivisible Guide recommendations:
ACTION #1
This week call or write Senators Feinstein and Harris to demand firm action to make procedural slowdowns in the Senate.
Over the weekend, Americans committed to democracy had extraordinary success in calling the attention of the country and the world to Trump’s unconstitutional and racist executive order banning immigrants. We need to build on this momentum.
Our eventual goal is to persuade Congress to REVERSE Trump’s executive order! In order to accomplish this task we need to demand our senators use Senate rules to seriously slow down “business as usual”. Our senators have two major weapons: the filibuster and “withhold consent”. The “withhold consent” rule can be used by any single senator who objects when a unanimous consent is required to move forward Senate business—potentially putting Senate business on pause for days at a time.
Don’t let Congress pretend that Trump’s policies and activities are “normal.” We need to support senators when they stand against Trump and demand that they lead the battle against collaboration with an unlawful administration.
What to Do
1. Call Senator Feinstein (202-224-3841) and Senator Harris (202-224-3553). If, however, due to high call volume, you have difficulty getting through, call regional offices in the above paragraph, or go to #2.
2. Write a postcard or letter if you can’t get through on the phone. We are advising you to send your mail to one of the senators’ “district” offices since mail sent to Washington apparently has to go through a lengthy security screening before the senator receives it.
District Office for Dianne Feinstein One Post Street, Suite 2450 San Francisco, CA 94104
District Office for Kamala Harris
50 United Nations Plaza, Suite 5584 San Francisco, CA 94102
3. Email your senators . Email has a somewhat lower impact so that would be third choice, but MUCH better than no action at all!
Email Sen. Feinstein: https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact
Email Sen. Harris: https://www.harris.senate.gov/content/contact-senator Suggested Call Script:
I am a ______ (town or city), California constituent. We urge and demand Senator______ to use every procedure available to impede Senate business until the Senate REVERSES President Trump's unconstitutional, racist executive order banning immigrants. I urge the Senator to use the "withhold consent" procedure and the filibuster to the maximum extent so that our strong opposition is not only heard by the Republicans but stops their program.
ACTION #2
Call selected Democratic senators nation wide to filibuster Trump’s Supreme Court nomination.
For his Supreme Court nominee, Trump has chosen Judge Neil Gorsuch, whose judicial rulings and style are comparable to the radical conservative, Justice Scalia. In some areas, such as weakening environmental regulations, Gorsuch is even more extreme than Scalia. In addition, Gorsuch could set back for years or decades labor unions’ ability to protect workers. His appointment would severely damage women’s reproductive rights. There is no doubt that Gorsuch is a direct threat to Roe v. Wade and women’s rights to control their own bodies.
What to Do
We need to contact selected democratic senators to urge them to support a filibuster of Gorsuch’s nomination to the Supreme Court.
Call or write these Senators:
Senator Michael F. Bennet (D-CO) DC: (202) 224-5852, Denver: (303) 455-7600. 1127Sherman St, Denver CO. 80203
Senator Thomas R. Carper (D-DE) DC: (202) 224 2441. Delaware (302) 573-6291. 310 N Walnut St. , Wilmington, DE. 19801
Senator Angus S. King Jr (D-ME) DC: (202) 224 5344. Maine (207) 622-8292. Maine: 4 Gabriel Dr, Augusta, ME. 04330
Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) DC: (202) 224 6154. St Louis: 314-367-1364: 5850 Delmar Blvd., St Louis, MO 63112
Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA) DC : (202) 224 2023. Richmond : (804) 775-2314. 919 E Main St., Richmond VA,23219
Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) DC: (202) 224-5042. Delaware: 302-573-6345. 1105 N Market St, Wilmington DE 19801
Suggested Script:
I am asking Senator______ to reject Neil Gorsuch as a Supreme Court nominee using any and ALL available means, including the filibuster. Judge Gorsuch is an extreme, right-wing candidate who will threaten women's health, rule in favor of corporations and against consumers, and rule against American workers’ rights. We strongly urge you to oppose his nomination.
Thank you! Every call makes a difference.
WHAT MVCAN DID THIS WEEK
1. Phone Banking MVCAN helped win a state house race for a Democrat! Monica Kurth won the seat in the Iowa State House by 76%! Thanks to our Electoral Team and all our phone bankers who made calls to voters. Next up: Help protect the Democratic majority in the Delaware Senate in a Special Election to be held 2/25. Contact Susan Bolle (swbolle@gmail.com) or join the Electoral Team if you want to join phone banks to win back the state houses and governor's races.
2. Resist Trump Tuesday 20+ members marched and 2 members spoke up for MVCAN on #ResistTrumpTuesday at Senator Feinstein's office in San Francisco. #ResistTrumpTuesdays are a featured activity of MVCAN. Showing up at our senators' offices are an important way to influence senators and the public, grow our team and gain support for our cause. . MVCAN is planning to join Resist Trump Tuesday Feb. 7. See below. Contact Bernard Catalinotto (bernardcatalinotto@gmail.com) for more info.
This action is right out of the Indivisible Guide, a practical Resistance handbook from former Congressional staffers. Every member of MVCAN should read it!
This action is right out of the Indivisible Guide, a practical Resistance handbook from former Congressional staffers. Every member of MVCAN should read it!
3. Message Framing Workshop 7 MVCAN members attended a workshop with Berkeley Cognitive Linguistics Professor (and longtime Trump watcher) George Lakoff. A summary will be presented at the Feb. 12 MVCAN meeting.
4. Protest at SFO A group from MVCAN mobilized quickly and joined hundreds of people at SFO, and thousands worldwide, over the weekend, to show our support and fight Trump's ban on travel by Muslims and other immigrants.
5. Outreach and Communication to various local Resistance and Community groups. MVCAN received this note from Juanita Edwards of Marin City Network, after 30+ MVCAN members participated in MC's MLK Day Celebration, "Thanks so much for your participation. It was a blessing."
6. Multiple Team Meetings We do most of our work in teams, so please do not be shy: contact team leaders of the team(s) you are interested in, or just show up at a meeting of your choice.
Rally at Dianne Feinstein's Office. Photo: June Cooperman
ACTION TEAM REPORTS
Civil Rights/Immigration met on Sun., Jan. 29, with more than 30 members in attendance. Leslie Winokur and Bob Harmon from the ACLU Marin Chapter presented about the organization's goals and functions and how to get involved. Gary Appell from the Marin Organizing Committee presented about that organization's support of immigrant communities in Marin County. Information about supporting current legislative bills was disseminated.
Next team meeting tentatively scheduled for Sun. Mar. 12, 4-6 pm at the Waste Management Treatment Agency, 450 Sycamore Ave., Mill Valley. Possible speakers from the Muslim community and the Canal Alliance. Contact Diane Goldman (dgold94941@aol.com) for more info.
Dump Trump’s 35 team members are working on ways to resist and remove Trump, to defeat him: especially by focusing on corruption and Russian ties. This committee has groups working on impeachment strategy, Russian treachery, emoluments, and supporting investigations that will bring about his removal. Dump Trump meets every week, rain or shine. Passions run high, but we focus on practical actions for all team members.
Next team meeting Sat Feb 4, 10-11am. Good Earth, Mill Valley. Contact Bernard Catalinotto (bernardcatalinotto@gmail.com) for more info.
Environment/Climate Change is engaged in change at the local level, with a plan to leverage the team's experience and success county- and state-wide, and perhaps beyond. The group will lobby state and U.S. legislators on climate issues as well as educate on and engage with numerous local initiatives and groups.
Next team meeting TBA. Contact Edi Dor (edidor@outlook.com), Linda Haggerty (lindahaggertyrn@gmail.com) or Doug Brown (homerandharriette@gmail.com) for more info.
Outreach/Communication provides graphic and promotional support for MVCAN, and helps our large meetings be organized, rewarding experiences. Join the team this week prepared to roll up your sleeves and take roles for MVCAN's important Feb. 12 network meeting.
Next team meeting Sat., Feb. 4, 9:30-10:30 am, Good Earth, Mill Valley. Contact Danny Altman (dan@ahundredmonkeys.com) for more info.
Women's Issues is taking immediate actions including writing postcards together to Members of Congress, identifying and adopting a Planned Parenthood clinic in a hard-hit state, continuing to pressure MOCs with phone calls, and bringing in younger women to the group.
Next team meeting Weds. Feb. 8, 7:30 pm, Kate Barrengos' home. Email for address. Contact Leigh Ann Townsend (townsendleighann@gmail.com) for more info.
Education has actively been opposing the nomination of anti-public school fanatic Betsy deVos for the Cabinet and has also been focused on calling the offices of all CA state Democratic legislators to ask each her/his position on school vouchers. After compiling that data, they will discuss follow-up action.
Next team meeting Thurs. Feb.2, 11:00 am, Alain Pinel Real Estate Office , 32 Miller Ave., Mill Valley. Contact Kelly Horner (keho@sonic.net) for more info.
Health Care had a very productive first meeting on Sun., Jan. 29. There were 14 people in attendance including 2 representatives from Protect ACA, a subgroup of the local MoveOn Chapter. The group's initial action was the CREDO call to oppose nomination of Senator (Dr.) Tom Price.
Next team meeting Sun. Feb. 26, 3:30-5 pm at the Waste Management Treatment Agency, 450 Sycamore Ave., Mill Valley. Dr. Steven Schroeder will be speaking on the Affordable Care Act as well Single Payer options. He is the Distinguished Professor of Health and Health Care at the University of California, San Francisco. After his talk we will be discussing next steps. The meeting is open to the community of MVCAN and friends. As space is limited to about 35 people, please RSVP for the event at this Doodle link: http://doodle.com/poll/8v3z6dazcidz5a8m
Contact Elyse Foster (fosterel22@gmail.com) for more info.
The Electoral group's focus is actively phone banking and working on the ground work to effect change state houses and governorships across the country AND flipping the House in 2018. Join us for and help us organize!
Next team meeting Sat Feb 4, 11 am. Good Earth, Mill Valley. Contact Eileen Fisher (eyefish9@arksf.com) for more info.
EVENT DETAILS
CALL AND COFFEE FRI FEB 3, 8-9:30 am
Come and make calls together on time-critical issues. No experience necessary, we will train you. Bring a laptop and cell phone.
Please RSVP by Thurs., Feb 2, if you can make it. Host: June Cooperman, email juneellenc@aol.com for exact address. RSVP 415-389-1306.
NO BAN NO WALL PROTEST Sat., Feb. 4, 3-6 pm, San Francisco Civic Center.
Join thousands of San Franciscans in the Resistance Against Donald Trump's racist and exclusionary Executive Orders. Learn more.
Meet at Mill Valley Middle School at 2 pm to carpool to the Protest. This is a way to continue to momentum of the Women's March.
RESIST TRUMP TUESDAY, Feb. 7, 12-1 pm.
Protest at Sen. Feinstein's San Francisco office, as part of an MVCAN weekly action.
Meet at Good Earth, Mill Valley, at 11 a.m. to carpool to the Rally at Dianne Feinstein's San Francisco office.
NEXT MVCAN MONTHLY MEETING Sun., Feb. 12, 4-6 pm. 142 Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley. We will have MVCAN 5-Minute University Speakers, team meetings, actions, and other ways to meet your neighbors, get involved in resistance, and impact social and political change.
Closing Thought: A successful movement is a series of small victories, at each point gaining people, skills, power and momentum. – Tina Rosenberg, author of "Join the Club: How Peer Pressure Can Transform the World"
Thank you for all you do!
– June, Bernard, Suz, Danny, Eileen and everyone at MVCAN
See MVCAN’s website
