Advocate for VAWA, stand against harassment in Congress, and get ready to vote: Civic action to-do list for 8-20-18

3. Learn how to advocate for VAWA

Gender-based violence impacts people from every walk of life, and yet the bill to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act in the House of Representatives only has Democratic co-sponsors. The Violence Against Women Act is the nation’s greatest response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and we must continue to push for the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act of 2018 (H.R. 6545) before it expires on September 30th. This bill provides modest yet critical enhancements to help support survivors and prevent the cycle of violence. For resources on the intricacies of the bill and how to ask your Representative to co-sponsor H.R. 6545, click here . 

2. Improve harassment procedures in Congress

Individuals who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace have suffered in silence for far too long. The National Women’s Law Center analyzed thousands of sexual harassment claims filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to better understand the breadth and depth of workplace harassment. It is time for employers and elected officials to reform policies to create healthy and safe workplaces. Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate must come together and agree on legislation to improve the sexual harassment procedures in Congress. Call your Senators and tell them to support the House policy that puts the needs of survivors above perpetrators.

1. Report for (civic) duty

Voting is a basic tenet of our democracy, and on November 6th it is up to each of us to vote like our rights depend on it. We have the opportunity to make our voices heard and elect people to all levels of government who stand up for our values. Make sure you are registered to vote at your current address, and all of your family and friends are as well. Click here to learn about the dates for early voting, deadlines to register to vote, and where to go vote. You can see who will be on your ballot and what initiatives you will vote for here. And, if you want to promote civil engagement, you can join the “When We All Vote” initiative to register voters and/or volunteer to turn out voters the weekend before Election Day at “The Last Weekend.”