As we move forward, the Census must be agile and flexible, committing to new ways of counting hard to reach populations. Since the Administration has been less than forthright in their management of the census thus far, we are calling on Congress to take an aggressive oversight role calling for transparency in methodology and timing – not truncating the census or using the COVID crisis to manipulate the census count. Please join with us, both in encouraging those you know to take the census, but also to advocate for the best count possible.

As a faith community we are compelled to speak out against hate in all forms. The act of loving one another is done by countering and resisting racism and discrimination in all forms. Let us show support for our Asian American and Pacific Island neighbors in this crucial moment. Our actions now, in this crisis, show us who we really are.

Contact your members of Congress today.

“Faith-based and community leaders continue to be valuable sources of comfort and support for their members and communities during times of distress, including the growing presence of COVID-19 in different parts of the country. As such, these leaders have the unique ability to address potential concerns, fears, and anxieties regarding COVID-19. Additionally, by reiterating simple hygienic precautions and practices, these leaders can broadly promote helpful information, managing fear and stigma, and restoring a sense of calm into the lives of those in their care."

The Southwest Conference has signed on to this letter.

Coalition Calls on Sheriffs to Use Emergency Powers to Release Pre-Trial Detainees

April 9, 2020

PHOENIX—Today, a broad coalition of criminal justice reform organizations and allies sent a letter to all county sheriffs urging them to use their emergency powers to release persons in their custody. The recent COVID-19 virus is spreading quickly in the United States and Arizona’s population is experiencing a rapidly growing rate of infections and deaths. The steps we take now can save lives tomorrow, next week and into the coming months.

Please join this sign on letter to include immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in all COVID-19 recovery plans - and keep families and communities together. It is imperative that Members of Congress and the administration hear that their constituents want to see meaningful solutions that support all of our neighbors.

An aggregated list of FREE resources, opportunities, and financial relief options available to artists of all disciplines.

From Erika Andiola, Chief Advocacy Officer, RAICES:

This is important. Families with children at Karnes Family Detention Center are at imminent danger of contracting COVID-19.

Last week, we obtained audio from two fathers detained with their children at Karnes, a detention center in Texas. The conditions they describe are terrifying — widespread desperation, a total lack of information, no instructions on how to wash hands and stay safe. Some children are sick with the flu, others are throwing up and have diarrhea.

There’s no soap, no protective equipment, and no way to maintain a safe, six-foot distance.

LISTEN TO THEIR VOICES

Today, the structure of American life is indeed changing as we respond to the double pandemic of poverty and COVID-19. There are record numbers joining the ranks of the unemployed; hospitals and morgues are overflowing while the streets are empty; and many of the workers who have been deemed essential and mandated to work are those being paid the lowest wages, with the least worker protections.

We see a health care system on the brink after decades of budget cuts, privatization, and a focus on profits over patients and public health. We see, in stark reality, the truth that 140 million people in America are either already poor or one health care crisis or missed paycheck away from poverty, nearly half of the U.S. population.

In times such as these, we cannot be silent anymore! We must take action together and become a “new and unsettling force in our complacent national life.”

The deliberate actions of elected officials and some in the news-media to scapegoat, blame, demean and deride them as harbingers of the virus are entirely without merit, immoral and dangerous.

Our actions now, in this crisis, show us who we really are. Just as you are doing your part to flatten the curve, practice safe hygiene, and protect those who are vulnerable among us, you can also make sure that our friends and neighbors are protected from harassing and violent language, physical attacks, and loss of business.

Take Action