A vote on immigration, a safety net for hungry kids, and research on gun violence: Civic action to-do list for 5-14-18

The Immigration Debate Takes Center Stage (Again)

The 800,000 young people known as DREAMers deserve an opportunity to seek citizenship in the United States, the country they have called home since they were children. After more than eight months of uncertainty, a growing number of Republican members of the House of Representatives are calling for a vote on four different immigration bills that provide a pathway to citizenship. Call your Representative and ask them to sign on to the discharge petition (H. Res 774) that requires Speaker Ryan to allow for debate and a vote on each bill. 

Secure the Safety Net

No one should go hungry or without necessary medical care in our country, and yet Congress is currently deciding on whether to drastically decrease eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Instead of cutting these valuable safety net programs that protect millions of Americans we should be strengthening them and making sure that everyone who is hungry or needs healthcare has access. Call your Representative and tell them to oppose the Farm Bill that restricts SNAP eligibility and to oppose the White House proposal for $7 billion in cuts to CHIP. 

Gun Violence Research Needed

Gun violence has reached epidemic levels in our country, and still federally funded research is greatly restricted. As the Senate Committee on Appropriations begins to consider funding levels across all departments and agencies, call your Senators and ask them to push for a $50 million increase funding for the Center for Disease Control (CDC) specifically tied to gun violence prevention research. We desperately need more research in order to develop the data that is needed to create comprehensive policy change. 

Join JWI for the launch of Chicago’s Young Women’s Leadership Network.

Media Alert

WHAT: 

Jewish Women International (JWI), the leading Jewish organization addressing the empowerment of women and girls, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Young Women’s Leadership Network in Chicago, part of a multi-city, multi-year expansion effort to create engaged communities of young professional Jewish women nationwide. The Chicago expansion is made possible by a generous grant from the Crown Family Philanthropies which has provided seed funding for the project. Through its established Networks in D.C., New York, L.A., and Denver, JWI is bringing together thousands of young women in their 20s and early 30s to build their professional skills, strengthen their personal and career networks, advance their leadership on critical issues that impact women and girls, and give back to their community.

WHEN:

Thursday, May 17, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

WHERE:

WeWork, 20 West Kinze Street, Chicago

SPEAKERS:

Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart is founder and president of internationally award-winning KOVAL Distillery, Chicago’s first distillery since the mid-1800s.

Roberta Rosenthal Kwall is the Raymond P. Niro Professor at DePaul University College of Law. Kwall is an internationally-renowned scholar and lecturer and has published more than 30 articles on a wide variety of topics including Jewish law and culture, authorship rights, and intellectual property. 

Liz Traines is a career and lifestyle coach who empowers her clients to love their careers, thrive financially and live in alignment with their values. 

Kim Oster-Holstein (moderator) is a brand architect, mentor, and serial food entrepreneur with a passion for creating food concepts/products that nourish our world community. Kim's expertise in innovation, ideation, product development, packaging look/feel/spirit, and vision/strategy for go-to-market have contributed to successful endeavors including The Crave Bar, Kim & Scott’s Gourmet Pretzels, and Industry Juice, of which she currently serves as chief mocktail officer. 

CONTACT:

Interested in attending? Contact Meredith Jacobs, COO, JWI [email protected] 202-464-4803

For more information, go to: https://www.jwi.org/ywln/

# # #

About Jewish Women International (JWI):  Jewish Women International (JWI) is the leading Jewish organization working to empower women and girls by ensuring and protecting their physical safety and economic security, promoting and celebrating inter-generational leadership, and inspiring civic participation and community engagement. JWI is a principal leader of the Coalition to End Violence Against Women and Girls Globally and a Steering Committee member of the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women. JWI’s advocacy efforts focus on the passage of legislation that supports women and girls, ensures their economic security and their ability to live life free of violence. For more information, please visit www.jwi.org or call us at 800-323-2823.

Bigotry rising, reproductive rights declining, and guns everywhere: Civic action to-do list for 5-7-18

Antisemitism and racism are on the rise...

In America people of all races, religions, and genders should be able to live lives free from discrimination, hate, and violence, and yet in the last few weeks we have seen both local elected officials and candidates for United States Congress and Senate speak vile, hate-filled, anti-Semitic rhetoric. As hate crimes in the U.S. and Europe are increasing, it is more important than ever to stand up against anti-Semitism and bigotry. One way to take action is to encourage your local law enforcement agency to submit accurate hate crime data to the FBI so we can better understand the problem and form tailored solutions - eighty-eighty percent of participating jurisdictions reported zero hate crimes in 2016, including 70 cities with populations over 100,000 residents. You can also call your Senators and tell them to co-sponsor the National Opposition to Hate, Assault, and Threats to Equality Act of 2017 (NO HATE Act), a bill that provides grants to help local law enforcement submit their crime information to the FBI.

Reproductive rights are on the decline...

A woman’s constitutional right to privacy allows her to make her own decisions about her own reproductive choices. This precious right is at danger and we must be vigilant about protecting it. Just last week the Iowa legislature passed the most extreme abortion restriction to date, making it illegal for a woman to terminate a pregnancy after only six weeks (so early in a woman’s pregnancy that she may not even realize she is pregnant).  Take time before the primaries and general election this year to learn about the candidates for state legislative seats in your district and vote for the candidates who share your values on a woman’s right to choose. 

...and guns are everywhere.

Young people in this country deserve to live without the fear of gun violence, and yet, over 800 teens between the ages of twelve and seventeen have been killed or injured by a gun this year. Over the weekend protests raged outside of the NRA convention demanding action - it is up to each of us to stand up to the gun lobby and our elected officials and demand change. Every United States Representative is up for re-election in November, call his/her office and say you will vote them out unless they co-sponsor legislation to reduce gun violence in our country. 

Protecting abuse survivors, Senate staffers, and hungry families: Civic action to-do list for 4-30-18

3. Funding for life-saving services

Federal funding for life-saving domestic violence and sexual violence services is imperative to meet the needs of millions of survivors, but the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) has been unauthorized for the last two years, putting this critical funding at risk. Last week Senators Heller, Casey, Grassley, Coons, and Cornyn introduced FVPSA to provide essential support to emergency shelters, crisis hotlines, counseling, and programs for underserved communities. Survivors fleeing life-threatening violence count on these programs to provide them shelter and safety – without this funding survivors are at great risk. Call your Senators and tell them to join the bipartisan group of senators in sponsoring FVPSA (S. 2784).  

2. No one should go hungry

Protecting food assistance for America’s most vulnerable is vital, but lawmakers have advanced a version of the Farm Bill that would make it harder for nearly two million people to purchase food for their families. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps lift 8 million people out of poverty, including 4 million children – cutting or restricting these benefits would have dire effects across our country. While your Senators and Representatives are back in their district this week, tell them to oppose the House Agriculture Committee’s version of the Farm Bill and work with Chairman Conaway to pass a bill that protects SNAP.  

1. Senators must protect their staff

In the wake of the #MeToo movement, it has become abundantly clear that gender‐based violence, including sexual harassment, is commonplace. The House of Representatives passed legislation to prevent sexual harassment within its own offices, but the Senate has failed to follow suit. Thirty-two male Senators have joined the call to overhaul the workplace misconduct rules shepherded by the Senate’s 22 female members. Call your male Senators and thank them for signing on or urge them to support the majority of the senate in protecting its staff from discrimination. 

Action on gun violence, job protection for new moms, and hunger in the U.S.: Civic action to-do list for 4-23-18

3. Take Action on Gun Violence

We have the right to live in a world without gun violence. Just yesterday a man used an assault rifle to kill four people at a restaurant in Tennessee, and on Friday morning a student was wounded in a school shooting in Florida. Students in America shouldn’t have to practice lockdown drills and adults shouldn’t have to train themselves to look for the nearest exits. At 10:00 a.m. Friday, thousands of students demanding action on gun violencewalked out of school for the  National School Walkout . We must follow their lead. Call your  Members of Congress  and tell them to co-sponsor the “ Assault Weapons Ban ” (S. 2095/H.R. 5087) to make sure that everyday Americans don’t have access to weapons of war!

2. Needs of New Moms

No woman should be prevented from doing her job, whether she is pregnant or a new mom. Last week the Senate unanimously passed a resolution to allow babies on the Senate floor during votes to accommodate the needs of new mom Senator Tammy Duckworth - but not all women work in such supportive environments. In 1978 Congress passed the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), making it illegal to discriminate in all aspects of employment by whichexpanding the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include pregnancy discrimination. B ut 30 years later  pregnant women continue to face negative stereotypes and unfair treatment : Nearly 31,000 pregnancy discrimination charges were filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from 2010 to 2015. Call on your  Members of Congress  to co-sponsor the “ Pregnant Workers Fairness Act ” (S. 1101/H.R.2417). The U.S. must stop discrimination and promote economic security for pregnant women!

1. Protect Vulnerable Americans from Hunger

No one in America should go hungry, but lawmakers recently released a draft of the  2018 Farm Bill  that would decimate the most important anti-hunger program in the country. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP) protects millions from hunger and helps our elderly, single mothers with children, and veterans to make ends meet. Call your  Members of Congress  and tell them to protect SNAP. Everyone in America deserves to eat affordable nutritious food!

Sexual assault, equal pay, and gun laws: Civic action to-do list for 4-9-18

3. Sexual Assault Awareness Month

We all deserve to live lives free from sexual violence. In April we honor Sexual Assault Awareness Month and bring attention to the scourge of sexual assault on college campuses, in workplaces, and in our daily lives. One out of every six women are victims of attempted or completed rape – behind these staggering statistics are millions of lives that are never the same. Participate in this year’s theme “Embrace Your Voice” and learn more about how you can show support for survivors of sexual assault and raise public awareness. 

2. Equal Pay Day

In 2018, it should go without saying that women deserve equal pay for equal work. However, on Tuesday the country will observe Equal Pay Day, the date that marks how long it takes a woman to earn the same as a man did in the previous year. While Equal Pay Day tomorrow highlights pay inequality for all women, Black women, Native women, and Latinas will have to wait until August 7th, September 27th, and November 1st, to reach their respective Equal Pay Day. One of the best ways to ensure equal pay is to increase transparency and make sure that pay gaps are reported, but the Trump Administration blocked a data collection effort to do just that. Join a Twitter storm at 2:00 p.m. (EST) on Tuesday or sign a petition to demand the government take action to tackle pay discrimination. You can also text the word PLEDGE to 21333 on your cell phone to reach your state legislators and demand pay equity. 

1. A change in gun laws or a change in leadership!

Ninety-three Americans die each day from gun violence. Bound to public pressure, state and federal legislators held 120 town halls over the weekend to hear from their constituents who are demanding action. While typically Congress doesn’t pass controversial legislation in election years, this year we need to let Congress know there will be consequences if they don’t act to protect our lives. With elections in November, we have the power to demand action or vote them out of office. Call your Senators and Representatives and tell that if they want to keep their jobs they must support an assault weapons ban and support closing the “boyfriend loophole” so no abuser is able to buy a gun.

Harassment in the House, asylum for abuse survivors, and Town Hall for Our Lives: Civic action to-do list for 4-2-18

3. Sexual Harassment in Congress

If there is anything that should have been learned in the wake of #MeToo it’s that almost every woman has a sexual harassment story, and for congressional staffers it is no different. While 40 percent of female congressional employees believe sexual harassment is a problem in their workplace, male Senators are holding up a vote on a resolution that could help! Join all of the female Senators in demanding that their colleagues bring before the entire Senate legislation to prevent violence in the workplace and help survivors who seek justice.

2. Asylum Protections for Survivors

Asylum should be granted to survivors of domestic violence who are fleeing their home countries because of abuse they’ve suffered at the hands of their husbands. Under current law, asylum applicants who can show that their harm rises to the level of persecution are eligible for asylum. But Attorney General Jeff Sessions recently announced that he is considering abolishing this important protection. Denying asylum to women who faced unimaginable violence goes against long-settled U.S. policy and against our moral compass – we can do better! Listen to Aracely, a domestic violence asylum grantee, tell her harrowing story to understand the impact of this change in policy, and then click here to sign a petition calling on the Attorney General to uphold these critical protections for survivors.

1. Town Hall for Our Lives

The Parkland students ignited a movement to push for common sense gun laws, and it is up to each of us to keep up the momentum and demand action. Our politicians are on notice that they must do their jobs and pass life-saving legislation that will protect us all from gun violence. Now is the time to insist that your representative step up – attend a Town Hall for Our Lives on April 7th. These town halls are being organized by March for Our Lives and the Town Hall Project to enable each of us to confront our representative and demand lifesaving legislation.

Check to see if your representative is hosting a town hall on April 7thto discuss gun violence prevention policies that will save lives; if they aren’t, click here for next steps on how to create your own town hall. 

#Enough gun violence, a pathway to citizenship, and faith-based discrimination: Civic action to-do list for 3-26-18

3. #Enough

On Saturday, more than a million people came together, from around the country and the world, to demand that policy makers do their job and protect us all from daily gun violence and frequent mass shootings. JWI stood with tens of thousands of students to demand our nation’s leaders act to save lives! The message is simple – pass gun violence prevention legislation now if you want to stay in office! Some basic commonsense policies that would make a real difference:

1.  All firearms purchasers should have to go through a background check

2.  No perpetrator of intimate partner violence should have access to firearms

3.  No assault weapons or high capacity magazines should be sold in the United States

If your elected officials don’t agree, it’s time to vote them out of office. Make sure you are registered to vote at your current address and check here to see if you can request an absentee ballot to make voting even easier for the 2018 midterm elections!

2. Demand a DACA Fix

Due in large part to urgent demands from grassroots activists across America, last week President Trump signed into law an omnibus spending package that provides funding for much needed domestic priorities and incentivizes states to add domestic violence records to the background check system. While this funding is incredibly important, it is reprehensible that Congress has not yet found a pathway to citizenship for the 800,000 DACA recipients. For the next two weeks, with Congress in recess, visit a town hall meeting and demand that your Representative and Senators protect these young people from deportation.

1. Stand Up Against Discrimination

It is unconstitutional for health care providers to deny services based on their own religious beliefs. On Tuesday, JWI will submit a formal comment opposing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ proposed rule to do just that! HHS uses a deeply flawed interpretation of religious liberty to justify denying healthcare services because of a provider’s “moral or religious belief.” On Tuesday at noon EST, watch on Facebook as organizations participate in a comment delivery event and click here to submit your own comment to Secretary Azar

March for Our Lives, Dept. of Ed rollbacks, and VAWA reauthorization: Civic action to-do list for 3-12-18

Now, more than ever before, we need you, our grassroots activists, to join us in advocating for lifesaving legislation.  Click here  to learn how you can deepen your engagement in our critical work.

3. March for our Lives

Enough is enough – Congress must act now to pass laws to reduce gun violence. Our elected officials must vote on behalf of the majority of Americans who believe in common sense gun violence prevention legislation and not with the NRA. From banning assault weapons and high capacity magazines, to raising the age to purchase a rifle, to mandating universal backgrounds, to closing the boyfriend loophole there are many ways Congress can tackle gun violence.  Join JWI as we “March for our Lives” in Washington, D.C. this Saturday or join one of the over 800 events around the world to demand our elected officials treat gun violence as a public health crisis and act to protect our lives. 

2. Survivors’ rights at stake

All students deserve an education free from violence and harassment, but the Department of Education is planning to announce a proposed rule rolling back guidelines that help colleges and universities provide all students with equal protection. The rights of survivors of sexual assault, dating abuse, and stalking on college campuses are at risk. If you are a survivor, have a child in school, or just feel passionately about preventing the further victimization of survivors email [email protected] and JWI will walk you through the process on how to fight back!

1. VAWA Reauthorization

JWI is working with our partners on the 2018 reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to make sure there are no rollbacks to current law and that needed enhancements to support survivors are included. For nearly 25 years VAWA has been our nation’s single most effective tool in providing lifesaving programs and services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. On Tuesday, watch the Senate Judiciary Committee hold a hearing on VAWA and listen to testimony about its importance!

Remember - VAWA’s reauthorization is not assured, once it is introduced in Congress we will count on you to work with us in our advocacy efforts. 

Easy access to guns (no), armed educators (no), and paid sick leave (yes): Civic action to-do list for 3-12-18

Now, more than ever before, we need you, our grassroots activists, to join us in advocating for lifesaving legislation.  Click here  to learn how you can deepen your engagement in our critical work.

3. Congress Must Act!

We need action at the federal level to save lives from gun violence. This weekend  the Administration expressed support for a variety of policies, only some of which will be helpful in reducing gun violence. We support FixNICS, a bill that enforces existing laws mandating domestic violence records are uploaded to the national database, and Extreme Risk Protective Orders (ERPO) that allow for the removal of firearms from individuals deemed at risk of harming themselves or others. But we do not support arming teachers! The administration’s recommendation also does not go far enough - it does not increase the age at which someone can purchase a rifle, ban assault weapons, or mandate universal background checks for every gun purchase. Call your  Senators today and tell them to bring FixNICS to the floor for a vote as a first step in reducing gun violence.

2. Progress in the States

We all deserve to live in a world free from gun violence, and real progress is being made at the state level. Just last week, Florida raised the age to purchase a rifle from 18 to 21, mandated a three day waiting period for all gun purchases, and banned bump stocks. In  Oregon  a new law closes the ‘boyfriend loophole’ barring people convicted of dating violence and stalking from purchasing and possessing firearms – a loophole in federal law that still exists in most states. There is still a lot more to do!  Find out if your state legislature is still in session and call your state senator or representative and demand they pass gun violence prevention legislation.

1. Economic Security

Paid sick leave is essential to promote economic security, allowing workers to take time off for to care for themselves or a family member. Forty jurisdictions have laws mandating paid sick leave, but members of Congress are trying to override it through the Workflex in the 21 st  Century Act  (H.R. 4219). Use the hashtag #ProtectSickDays on social media Wednesday to stand up for paid sick days!

Guns still too easy, DREAMers at risk, and I-VAWA on the House floor: Civic action to-do list for 3/5/18

3. Congress MUST ACT

Every person has the right to live free from the fear of being gunned down in the next mass shooting - and yet we begin another week without a single piece of gun violence prevention legislation up for a vote in Congress. NO abuser should be able to purchase a gun, assault weapons MUST be banned, and gun owners deemed at risk of hurting themselves or others should have their firearms REMOVED. Call your senators and tell them that delaying commonsense gun violence prevention legislation is unacceptable.

2. March for DREAMers

Dreamers represent our best and brightest - our college and graduate school students, social workers, EMS professionals, and members of our military - but six months ago the Trump Administration put their lives in jeopardy. Each day that Congress doesn’t find a legislative solution for these young people brings fear and anxiety to the more than 800,000 DREAMers who are at risk of being deported from the country they call home. Follow the #LetMyPeopleStay hashtag on Instagram to see the Jewish community stand in solidarity with the immigrant community marching today for guaranteed protection for these young people.

1. International Women's Day

Worldwide, one in three women experiences physical or sexual abuse in her lifetime. The International Violence Against Women Act, a bill that recognizes that “violence against women and girls is embedded in cultural and societal norms” and that it will take a long-term effort to foster equality in societies around the globe, was introduced in the House of Representatives. Even though it is unlikely that I-VAWA will pass in this divided Congress, please let your representative know that the issue is important to you. On Thursday, March 8th, International Women’s Day, call your representative and tell them to co-sponsor H.R. 5034.

JWI Calls on Congress to Pass Legislation that Protect Survivors from Gun Violence

JWI Calls on Congress to Pass Legislation that Protect Survivors from Gun Violence

Washington, D.C. — Jewish Women International (JWI) has long supported gun violence prevention legislation – particularly when it intersects with the epidemic of domestic violence, dating abuse, and stalking. We are heartened by the interest in the Trump Administration to pass commonsense gun violence prevention legislation that updates our laws to prohibit domestic violence abusers from purchasing or possessing guns. Our 75,000 members call on all members of Congress to pass legislation that protects survivors from gun violence and to support other life-saving gun violence prevention legislation.

In 2016, our Interfaith Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence galvanized 500 clergy representing Christian, Muslim, and Jewish faiths to sign a letter of support for the Zero Tolerance for Domestic Abusers Act (H.R. 3207) and the Protecting Domestic Violence and Stalking Victims Act (S. 1539). Both bills would close loopholes that allow convicted abusers and stalkers to buy and own guns. Currently, federal law allows individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence who have not cohabited with their victim or who do not have a child with their victim, as well as individuals convicted of misdemeanor stalking, to purchase and possess firearms. Since physical abuse occurs before seventy to eighty percent of intimate partner murders, it is imperative that Congress prohibit these perpetrators from owning and possessing firearms.

We thank Representatives Dan Donovan and Debbie Dingell and Senator Amy Klobuchar for their steadfast work to close the ‘boyfriend loophole’ which will prevent all abusers from purchasing guns. We urge all members of Congress to join them in co-sponsoring H.R. 3207/S.1539 and to pass this commonsense piece of legislation.

Will YOUR Senators vote to keep abusers away from guns?

The Senate must act NOW to reduce gun violence in our country. It has been two weeks since Parkland, and not a single piece of gun legislation has come up for a vote in Congress. Even the FixNICS Act of 2017, a bill that enforces already existing law, is being delayed in the Senate. 

Call your Senators today and tell them to support S. 2135, the FixNICS Act of 2017.

Background: FixNICS creates new guidelines to enforce states’ responsibility to upload domestic violence records into the federal background check system and allows for money to be withheld from certain political appointees who neglect to upload the information. Passing FixNICS will save lives by increasing the submission of these records to the background check system (NICS).

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Tell your Senators: They must support FixNICS as a first step in combatting the epidemic of gun violence in this country.  

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Sample Phone Script:

“My name is [your name], and I am a concerned constituent from [your location and, if applicable, your organization]. I support S. 2135, the Fix NICS Act of 2017, a bill that would increase the submission of domestic violence records to the NICS background check database. Please urge [Senator] to demand a vote on S.2135. Thank you.”

Three first steps to tackle our nation's gun problem: Civic action to-do list for 2/26/18

In the wake of Parkland, your knowledge of and participation in the debate over gun control is essential! Over the next few months Congress will be considering a number of urgent gun violence prevention measures. We must create a safer country for every student and for our nation as a whole. Scroll down to learn more about some of the first steps we need to take to tackle this deadly issue.

3. Ensure that abusers cannot buy guns

Domestic abusers should never have access to firearms, but there are many gaps in our federal firearms laws and enforcement that allow domestic abusers to purchase and possess guns.

• Domestic violence perpetrators are able to purchase guns even after a background check is conducted because their convictions are not being uploaded into the system. The FIX NICS Act creates new guidelines to enforce states’ responsibility to upload domestic violence records into the federal background check system and allows for money to be withheld from certain political appointees who neglect to upload the information. 
• Domestic abusers are not allowed to possess firearms after a protective order is filed against them, but in most cities police don’t have the capacity to remove these weapons. Money needs to be allocated to law enforcement across the country so they can develop procedures to remove these weapons from dangerous individuals.
• Federal law needs to be changed so that stalkers and dating abusers are not able to buy firearms. Closing the “boyfriend loophole” would protect millions of survivors who don’t live with their abuser, aren’t married to their abuser, or don’t have a child with their abuser.

The Senate is set to vote on FIX NICS as early as today - call your Senators and tell them to vote YES on Fix NICs and also call for a vote on Sen. Klobuchar’s bill S. 1539, Protecting Domestic Violence and Stalking Victims Act. 

2. Firearm restrictions

Assault weapons are weapons of war. Unfortunately they are also weapons of choice for mass murderers. 

We need to make sure that no more assault weapons are produced and purchased in our country and reinstate the Federal Assault Weapons Ban! When the Federal Assault Weapons Ban of 1993 expired in 2004 the limit on assault weapons and high capacity magazines went away overnight. We need to ban the weapons of choice for mass shooters and restrict the number of rounds of ammunition in magazines. Bump stocks, a firearm accessory that increases the firing power of semi-automatic weapons, also need to be banned through federal regulation. Lastly, young adults should not be able to purchase any firearms – raising the age limit from 18 to 21 is a good first step in curbing the epidemic of gun violence in this country. Tell your Senators to support all of these policies by cosponsoring S. 2095 the Assault Weapons Ban of 2017, S. 1945 the Keep Americans Safe Act, and S. 1945 the Automatic Gunfire Prevention Act. 

1. Gun Violence Restraining Orders

Individuals at risk of hurting themselves or others should not have access to a gun. Current federal law bars individuals who have been committed involuntarily to a mental institution or have been found not guilty by reason of insanity from purchasing or possessing a firearm. While mental illness is often associated with mass shootings, research shows that only 4% of interpersonal gun violence is caused by those diagnosed with a mental illness. Anger and impulsivity, a history of trauma or abuse, stressful life events, and environmental factors are much more likely to cause an individual to act violently against others. One way to protect the individual from harming themselves or others is to remove the gun from the at-risk person. The Gun Violence Prevention Order Act of 2017 would allow a family member or law enforcement officer to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from an individual they believe to poses a harm to themselves or others. Call your Senators and Representative and tell them to cosponsor S. 1212 and H.R. 2598!

3-2-1: Three bills that can make a difference on gun violence

Our nation is grieving in the wake of last week's horrific school tragedy. Parkland, Florida was the site of the 18 th  school shooting since 2018 began. This is unconscionable: Our children deserve to attend school without fear and all our citizens deserve to live free from the gun violence that currently plagues our nation. While mass shootings have become commonplace, we cannot numb our grief and outrage – 273 school shootings since the Sandy Hook massacre is tragic and unacceptable - IT IS TIME TO ACT NOW AND HOLD OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS ACCOUNTABLE!

3. Fund gun violence research

Twenty-two years ago Congress passed a provision that bans all gun violence research funded by the federal government. This prohibition has dramatically limited the Center for Disease Control’s ability to examine the devastating impact of gun violence on the health and safety of all Americans. Call your  legislators  and tell them to support the bipartisan push to repeal the  Dicky Amendment  and allow government researchers the freedom to show Congress the real impact guns are having on public health.  

2. Close the "boyfriend loophole"

Current federal law allows convicted dating violence abusers and stalkers to own and purchase guns. While abusers who are married, live with their partners, or have a child together are barred from possessing firearms, dating violence perpetrators and stalkers are not. To close the “ boyfriend loophole ” tell your Senators  to cosponsor S. 1539 and your  Representative  to cosponsor H.R. 3207.

1. Ensure abusers cannot buy guns

While it is illegal for convicted domestic violence abusers to purchase guns, without an up-to-date background check system violent offenders slip through the cracks. A review of the national background check system shows that tens of thousands of domestic violence records were never uploaded to the system. A bipartisan group of Senators cosponsored the  FixNICS Act of 2017  to incentivize states and the military to update this database and make sure that these individuals are unable to purchase firearms. With fifty-four percent of mass shootings related to domestic and family violence it is clear that passing this legislation would save countless lives. Call your  Senators  today and tell them to demand a vote on FixNICS!

And for you... 

a link Ballotpedia.org to find a listing of your elected officials, their contact information, and their votes on key issues. Like us, if you feel passionate that we have to stanch this epidemic of violence, call them, every one of them, national and state, and let them know that in November, you will be voting on their re-election based in large part on their position, activism and leadership on gun violence prevention.

A week after Parkland: Tell your Senators to SAVE lives, not ENDANGER them!

The Senate will soon consider two bills on gun violence: One will result in deadly consequences, and one will save countless lives.

Contact your Senators NOW and urge them to support the protective S.2135 and stop the dangerous S.446.

In short:

The incredibly dangerous  Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act  is being attached to the very helpful  Fix NICS ( National Instant Criminal Background Check System) bill . Concealed Carry Reciprocity would guarantee that abusers can stalk their intimate partners across state lines while carrying a concealed weapon. Fix NICS, on the other hand, would ensure the FBI’s database is up to date so that domestic violence abusers do not pass background checks. While we want Fix NICS to become law, we can’t support it alongside Concealed Carry Reciprocity.

In detail:

The Fix NICS Act of 2017 (S. 2135) protects victims by dramatically improving the entry of domestic violence records into NICS. Victim advocates know all too well that very few domestic violence protection order records and equally few domestic violence misdemeanor records are entered into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). When these records are not entered into NICS, abusers can easily obtain illegal firearms by erroneously passing a background check. For the first time in more than a decade, Congress is considering a bipartisan, bicameral, noncontroversial bill that has support from across the political and idealogical spectrum.

S.446, in contrast, would make it terrifyingly easy for abusers to legally carry concealed firearms into other states when stalking their victims. S.446, the ‘Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017’ would undercut existing state and local protections for victims of domestic and dating violence - and replace those protections with the weakest gun laws in the country. It’s a race to the bottom. And survivors of domestic violence will be the losers.

“Concealed carry reciprocity (CCR)” is a complicated name for a law that would make it simple for abusers to threaten and harass - and kill - their intimate partners with firearms.Survivors often relocate to other states to escape their abusers, but S.446 would force every state to accept other states’ concealed carry permits, even if the out-of-state permit was issued to a domestic abuser who would be prohibited from obtaining such a permit in the travel state.  Contrary to the bill’s title, this is a clear violation of the Constitution’s recognition of states’ rights, and it is dangerous for victims of domestic violence.

Contact your Senators and urge them to SUPPORT the Fix NICS Act of 2017 (S.2135) and to OPPOSE CCR (S.446).

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Sample Scripts:

Phone script:

“My name is [your name], and I am a concerned constituent from [your location and, if applicable, your organization]. I oppose S.446, the ironically named ‘Constitutional Concealed Carry Act of 2017’, which imposes federally-mandated concealed carry reciprocity on my state. S.446 makes it harder for law enforcement to protect victims of domestic violence, puts victims of domestic violence and law enforcement officers at risk of gun violence, is a violation of the Constitution’s guarantee of states’ rights, and makes our communities less safe. In contrast, the Fix NICS Act of 2017, S.2135, will save lives by increasing the submission of domestic violence records to NICS. I urge Senator [Senator’s name] to vote in favor of the Fix NICS Act of 2017 to save lives and against concealed carry reciprocity, which will kill.”

Sample Email:

Dear Senator [Senator’s name],

My name is [your name], and I am a constituent from [your location and, if applicable, organization]. I strongly urge you to oppose S.446, which could have fatal consequences for victims and survivors of domestic violence. S.446, the federally-mandated concealed carry reciprocity bill, would undercut existing state and local protections for victims of domestic and dating violence -- and would replace those protections with the weakest gun laws in the country! Do you want to make it easier for domestic abusers to get guns and to terrorize, stalk, and kill their victims?

S.446 would force every state to accept other states’ concealed carry permits, even if the out-of-state concealed carry permit was issued to a domestic violence offender who would be prohibited from obtaining such a permit in the travel state. This is a clear violation of the Constitution’s recognition of states’ rights, and it is dangerous for victims of domestic violence.

In contrast, the bipartisan, non-contoversial the Fix NICS Act of 2017 (S.2135), will save lives by increasing the submission of domestic violence records into NICS and keep illegal firearms out of the hands of abusers. This bipartisan and bicameral bill is supported by the domestic violence community and organizations across the ideological spectrum. For all of these reasons, I urge you to OPPOSE S.446 and SUPPORT the Fix NICS Act of 2017.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Sample Tweet:

@[Legislator’s Twitter handle] Fed-mandated concealed carry reciprocity harms victims of DV & endangers law enforcement. Fix NICS Act saves lives and protects law enforcement #NoGuns4Abusers #NoS446 #FixNICS

Sample Facebook Post:

 As a constituent, I ask you to oppose federally-mandated concealed carry reciprocity (S.446) and support the Fix NICS Act of 2017 (S.2135).  Concealed carry makes it harder for law enforcement to protect victims of domestic violence, puts victims of domestic violence and law enforcement officers at risk of gun violence, is a violation of the Constitution’s guarantee of states’ rights, and makes our communities less safe. Fix NICS, in contrast, will protect victims and survivors from abusers with guns by increasing the submission of domestic violence records to NICS.

We are failing our nation by electing legislators who refuse to take action.

JWI Calls for Gun Violence Prevention Action in Wake of Florida Shooting

JWI is once again grieving over the senseless loss of lives and horrified that our government still has not taken needed steps to keep guns away from dangerous people. JWI CEO Lori Weinstein issues the following statement:

“We, as does the entire nation, are grieving alongside the students, teachers, families, and Broward County community. We are less than seven weeks into the new year and there have been 18 school shootings – averaging more than two each week. Not only have there been at least 273 school shootings nationwide since 2012’s Sandy Hook, but according to the New York Times , three of the ten deadliest mass shootings in modern U.S. history have occurred in the last five months.

The alleged shooter was clearly a deeply troubled young man and should not have owned an assault rifle. Yet, under current laws, he was able to legally obtain and an AR-15. Our nation needs comprehensive gun violence prevention legislation that includes additional resources for those who suffer from mental illness. Increased background checks and a ban on assault weapons will save lives. Enough. Enough. Enough. We are failing our nation by electing legislators who refuse to take action and responsibility. How many more children will die before those who have sworn to protect us will be brave enough to stand up and enact sensible gun laws?”

3-2-1: Bipartisan VAWA, hope for Dreamers, and where to spend $128 billion

3. Step 2 in #MeToo

One in three women in the U.S. experiences some form of physical violence by an intimate partner deserve to be heard and believed. The #MeToo movement has broken the silence of survivors of both domestic and workplace abuse, but as we saw just this past week,many still refuse to believe the women who come forward and speak truth to power. For nearly 25 years the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has been our nation’s single most effective tool in providing lifesaving programs and services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Call your legislators and tell them to fully fund a bipartisan VAWA in 2018!

2. Dreamers need us today

Every American deserves a chance to live, study, and work free from the fear of deportation. And yet, 800,000 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients have spent every day since September 5th afraid they will be sent back to a country that isn’t their home. These young people are members of our military, doctors in our hospitals, and teachers in our schools. They are part of the fabric that makes America great. Today, as the Senate debates their future, demand your Senators vote for a clean #DreamAct!

1. Domestic Spending

Substance abuse treatment programs, Veterans Administration hospitals and clinics, child care services, and many other programs need to be properly funded to meet the needs of the communities they serve. The austerity measures imposed over the last several years have made it nearly impossible for these programs to serve everyone who qualifies for the assistance. Last week, Congress passed a budget that increases funding for domestic programs by $128 billion, virtually overriding the Administration’s budget that was released today and advocates for restricting domestic spending even further. While the Administration’s budget may indicate White House priorities, Congress has the unique ability to decide where to allocate the money. Tell your Representative and Senators to fund child care assistance, community health centers, domestic violence shelters, or other programs important to you!

And for you... 

Enjoy the ray of sunshine that is figure skater Aimee Buchanan, who is representing Israel at the Olympics in PyeongChang. The 24-year-old smiled throughout her entire short program, inspiring commentators to remind us all that "The object of Olympics is to take part. That is the joy of sport."

3-2-1: Safe Teens, Family Leave, and Sexual Harassment

3. Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Children and young adults need a safe environment in which to thrive, but in the United States one in three teens experiences physical, emotional or verbal abuse in a relationship. Education and open communication are essential if we hope to combat this violence. Learn how to facilitate a  workshop  for youth in your community or use  JWI’s Shamor l’Amour  conversation cards to start a dialogue and raise awareness for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. You can also call your  Senators and Representative  and tell them to co-sponsor the  Real Education for Healthy Youth Act  to make sure that federally funded sexual health education programs are gender inclusive and  encourage healthy relationships .

2. FMLA Anniversary

Every parent deserves time off of work to care for a new child. Twenty-five years ago the  Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was signed into law to guarantee job security and provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave. Two decades later, however, only 56% of the workforce is covered by FMLA, and the lowest-wage workers rarely have the ability to take time off of work. To level this disparity, Congress must update and improve FMLA to include paid family leave for all employees. Join us for a social media  Thunderclap today at 1:00 p.m. to celebrate the success of FMLA and push for comprehensive paid family leave.

1. Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Employees should have the opportunity to speak out if they are victims of sexual harassment in the workplace. However, nearly  60 million Americans   have been required to sign away their right to discuss their harassment publicly or take their harasser to court as a condition of their employment. The  Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Harassment Act  would invalidate these mandatory arbitration clauses, “pulling back the veil of secrecy on bad behavior in the workplace.” Watch Samantha Bee’s  interview  with Gretchen Carlson and call your  Representatives  today to demand they support the bill!

And for you...  

Help the youngest victims of domestic abuse write their own happy endings: Please give generously  to the National Library Initiative this month, to help restock the shelves of JWI children’s libraries in domestic violence shelters across the U.S., and raise the funds to build 25 more libraries and reach our goal of 100 nationwide.

Maryland residents: Urge your legislators to protect stalking survivors!

Things we do every day - updating a Facebook status, tweeting, or using the GPS on our phones - can be misused by abusers to stalk, harass, surveil, and control stalking victims. Yet, in Maryland this type of stalking is not included in the definition of abuse and therefore isn’t grounds for a protective order.

SB 121 expands the definition of abuse in the domestic violence context to include abuse perpetrated through phone, email, computer, and camera. To protect victims, it is imperative that the law is updated to include these modern forms of stalking.

Email or call members of the Judicial Proceedings Committee in the State Senate and tell them to submit a favorable report on SB 121 .

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Sample Script: 

I’m calling to support SB 121 – Family Law, Domestic Violence, and the Definition of Abuse. Our current domestic violence laws are outdated, leaving thousands in Maryland unprotected. I urge Senator [name] to submit a favorable report on this bill and expand the definition of abuse to include stalking through phones, email, computers, and cameras.