The Witching Hour is HausWitch’s attempt to help our community stay accountable for their activism. We call representatives, senators and other government officials from around the Salem, MA area about things we care about and donate to local causes.
The next Hour is September 6th at 7pm at the shop. Can’t make it to The Witching Hour? Too far away? Thinking about starting your own accountability group? Two words: Do it! Email hello@hauswitch.com if you need guidance.
ATTENTION!
Salem Votes on Sept. 12 and Nov. 7, 2017 for Mayor, City Council, & the Sanctuary for Peace Ordinance.
Check your voting status: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx
FIND YOUR WARD: https://www.salem.com/sites/salemma/files/uploads/ward_precinct_map_2015_large.pdf
HOW TO HELP CHARLOTTESVILLE
Provide financial support for ongoing mental health care, trauma counseling, and living expenses for Black organizers as well as victims of violence, especially people of color right here.
1. Write down your emails for the Witching Hour Update Email
2. Take a moment to BREATHE
3. Call Ajit Pai FCC Chairman
+ 202-418-1000
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from [CITY, STATE, STREET].
I’m calling in opposition to the merger of Sinclair Broadcasting and Tribune Media. The merger will expand Sinclair's reach beyond its legal audience cap of 39% to a massive 72% of US households. The FCC should not bend rules or roll back regulations in order to grow Sinclair’s pro-Trump, right wing messaging. Thank you so much for your time.
[IF LEAVING A MESSAGE: Please leave full address to ensure call is tallied.]
4. Call and thank our senators
+1 202-224-2742 (Office of Edward J. Markey, one of our Senators)
+1 202-224-4543 (Office of Elizabeth Warren, one of our Senators)
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I'm a constituent from [CITY, STATE, STREET].
I'm calling to express my opposition to Sam Clovis's nomination to be USDA Under Secretary. It is unacceptable for the USDA's top scientist to be a climate change denier with no formal scientific training, and for the Trump administration to continue endorsing racism and bigotry by appointing a birther. I strongly urge Senator Edward J. Markey to reject Clovis's nomination. Thank you for your time and attention.
[IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied]
5. Call the Department of Homeland Security
+ 202-282-8495
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a citizen from [CITY, STATE, STREET]..
I'm calling to express my grave concern that the Countering Violent Extremism program canceled a grant to Life After Hate, and may redirect focus away from the threat of white supremacy. As we saw in Virginia, the threat of white supremacy and domestic terrorism is real and rising in this country, and I ask that the department maintain a robust focus on countering this threat. Thank you for your time and attention.
[IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied]
6. Call the Department of Health and Human Services (Tom Price)
+202-205-5445
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m calling from [CITY, STATE, STREET]..
I’d like to leave a message for Secretary Price. I’m calling to express my objection to any change in the contraceptive mandate in the Affordable Care Act. Adding more exemptions to the contraception mandate will erode access to preventative healthcare for millions of Americans. I ask the plan to publish this new rule be abandoned, or at the very least, allow for a period of public comment. Thank you for your hard work answering the phones.
7.Call the office of Judge Richard Moore of Charlottesville Circuit Court
+ 434–970–3766
* to urge him to dismiss an upcoming court case for which there is an August 30 hearing, disputing the ability of the City Council to remove the Robert E. Lee statue that white supremacists are defending. Here’s a sample script:
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a citizen from Salem, MA.
I’m leaving a message for Judge Moore regarding the upcoming Monument Fund hearing, scheduled for August 30. As someone concerned about community safety, I strongly urge you to join the City of Charlottesville in dismissing this case, which will continue to sow violence in the community. Thanks for your time and attention.
8. Choose two events and go to them before the next Witching Hour.
Find a buddy, or a few and carpool.
Find all links to Facebook Events in our Google Doc: http://bit.ly/WitchingHourDoc
Before the Moon on 09/6/17:
8/26/17
Operation Clean Path
8/26/17
19th Amendment Day Celebration
8/31/17
New Americans Voter Registration Drive
8/31/17
Mayoral Political Forum
9/6/17
Extraordinary Women for Kim Driscoll
9/14/17
Extreme Events and Climate Change: What We Know & What We Can Do
9/15/17
Boston Freedom Rally (Hempfest)
9/16/17
ACLU South Shore Action Meeting
Friendly Reminder:
Our Moon Meditation starts at 8pm. If you come to The Witching Hour to get political and then want to stay for the meditation please remember to buy your ticket ahead of time next time at stag.hauswitch.com/events. You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay in the shop…without a ticket ;).
Questions? Email hello@hauswitch.com.
