The Amp

Black History/Future Month provides the opportunity to tell an affirmative story about racial justice in the United States. Cite the values of Voice and Community.

• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda’s The Opportunity Survey: Understanding the Roots of Attitudes on Inequality and Ten Lessons for Talking About Race, Racism and Racial Justice; The Movement for Black Lives' A Vision for Black Lives; Color of Change's A Dangerous Distortion: Representations of Our Familes, By Race, in News and Opinion Media
• Hashtags: #BlackHistoryMonth; #BlackFutureMonth

On this day in 1960, four civil rights protesters started the first lunch counter sit-in in Greensboro, NC. Use this anniversary to talk about the importance of civic action and standing up for racial justice. Cite the values of Voice and Community.

• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda’s Ten Lessons for Talking About Race, Racism and Racial Justice and Improving Opportunity for Black Men and Boys - Messaging Guidance; Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee’s Sit-Ins in Greensboro
• Hashtag: #GreensboroSitIn; #greensborofour; #racialjustice

It’s also the annual World Hijab Day to “foster religious tolerance and understanding of the millions of Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab.” Use this hook to discuss how the Muslim Ban is an affront to the American values of Religious Tolerance, Community, and Equality.

• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda’s Messaging Advice on The Supreme Court's Muslim Ban Decision; World Hijab Day’s Graphics Package; #NoMuslimBanEver campaign’s Digital Action Toolkit on the Ruling; Muslim Advocates’ Muslim Ban Decision “Puts the Basic Rights of All Americans at Risk.; National Immigration Law Center's Muslim Ban 3-Year Anniversary; The International Refugee Assistance Project's IRAP Opposes New Immigration Restrictions Expanding the Muslim Ban; Leadership Conference on Human and Civil Rights' With Expansion of Muslim Ban, Trump Stokes More Fear to Curry Favor with Base; Church World Service's Expanded Muslim Ban is Discriminatory and Morally Reprehensible; Amnesty International USA's Efforts to Revive the Muslim Ban are Atrocious;
• Hashtags: #EmpoweredInHijab; #WorldHijabDay; #MuslimBanTurns3; #NoMuslimBanEver; #NoBanNoWall

Today is the Super Bowl. Besides the face-off between the 49ers and the Chiefs, the game attracts the nation’s attention with its influential commercials, half time show and political activism. There are also concerns this year about the portrayal of indigenous and Native Americans among Chiefs fans.  Use this event to raise your advocacy issues with audiences online. Cite the values of Voice, Equality, and Community.

• Messaging and communications tools: The Opportunity Agenda’s Pride vs. Prejudice: Put the Tomahawk Chop to Rest and The Case of the Cultural Influencers: Colin Kaepernick, Jimmy Kimmel, and #MeToo
• Hashtag: #NativeAppropriation;  #SuperBowl; #SuperBowlMiami; #SuperBowlLIV;

On this day in 1848, the United States and Mexico signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo that ended the Mexican–American War and established the border between the two countries. Connect this treaty to today's discussion about the border wall and its impact on border communities. Cite the values of Community and Voice.

• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda’s Talking Border Issues Amidst the Government Shutdown and Talking About Policing Issues: Border Communities; Southern Border Communities Coalition’s A Better Border
• Hashtag: #GuadalupeHidalgo

Today in the Iowa Caucuses, delegates will select their favorite nominees for the Democratic candidate to run for the President of the United States. It’s also when voters discuss the issues they care about. Use Iowa Caucuses as an opportunity to raise policy issues related to immigration, economic opportunity and criminal justice. Cites the values of Voice, Equality, and Community.

• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda’s Criminal Justice Reform Phrase Guide and Social Justice Phrase Guide
• Hashtags: #Iowa; #IowaCaucuses

Today is Transit Equity Day to "make public transit accessible and affordable to all, create good jobs by expanding our public transit systems, and protect our health and climate by using renewable energy to power our buses and trains." Organizers chose Feb. 4 because it is Rosa Parks' birthday and they want to honor her act of resistance on a city bus that helped catalyze the civil rights movement. 

• Take action: Register your activity here (even if you don’t know what it is yet) or join an action near you. 
• Messaging and communication tools: Labor for Sustainability’s Organizing Toolkit; Our Neighborhoods Our Future's Vision and Principles
• Hashtag: #TransitEquityDay

At 7:30pm EST, join MPower Change and other advocates for a webinar on The Muslim Ban: Expanded. The Muslim Ban has been in effect for 3 years, and Trump has just added 6 more countries to the list. Join Avideh Moussavian, Max Wolson, Ramla Sahid, and Linda Sarsour for a conversation on more information about what's going on with the Muslim Ban, and for next steps and what you can do. Join via Facebook here. 

At 9pm ET/ 6pm PT, President Trump will address Congress and the nation in his State of the Union. Cite the values of Community and Voice when discussing Trump’s actions on immigration and anti-poverty programs.

• Take action: Several advocacy groups are digital responses to the speech: Use MomsRising & Americans for Tax Fairness' 2020 SOTU Mega Toolkit. If you'd like to talk in real time about responses and amplify others, join the Slack channel. To be added, contact Andrea Haverdink andrea@americansfortaxfairness.org
• Messaging and communication tools:The Opportunity Agenda’s Talking About the Muslim Ban, Trump v. Hawaii; Americans for Tax Fairness' 2020 SOTU Toolkit; Children Defense Fund's Suggested Tweets and Graphics; Americans for Tax Fairness ' fact sheet on the economy and taxes is here (google doc) and SOTU toolkit; Immigration Hub's 2020 SOTU Toplines; Value our Families' #SOTU tweetstorm on Family-based visas
• Hashtags: #StateOfOurUnion; #SOTU; #CBPPSOTU; #ImmigrantSOTU

At 12pm EST, The Center for American Progress and MomsRising, with the support and contributions of many groups, are organizing a #ProtectKids tweetstorm. This week, the Oversight Committee will be conducting an in-depth, two-day series of hearings to assess the detrimental impact of the Trump administrative regulatory actions around SNAP (cat-el), fair housing, the poverty line, and mercury standards (MATS). Join the online conversation and cite the values of Economic Security and Community.

• Messaging and communication tools: The Center for American Progress and MomsRising's #ProtectKidsToolkit: Feb. 2020 House Hearings; The Opportunity Agenda's Talking About Poverty & Economic Opportunity Today: Three Core Pillars and Talking About Economic Justice; Children's Defense Fund's The State of America's Children® 2020 and graphics
• Hashtag: #ProtectKids plus #HandsOffSNAP and #RedefiningPoverty

On this day in 1993, President Bill Clinton signed into law the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) that requires most employers to provide job-protected and unpaid leave for qualified medical and family reasons to their employees. The law was an important step for worker rights but today advocates are pushing for paid family and medical leave for all workers. Cite the values of Economic Security and Community when discussing this anniversary.

• Take action: Join the FMLA Anniversary tweet up by using these resources.
• Messaging and communication tools: Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda’s Public Opinion About Paid Family and Medical Leave; Family Values at Work’s Resources and Toolkit; Paid Leave for the U.S.’s Employer Trends Report; Paid Family Leave: Why It Matters and Paid Family Leave: Messages That Resonate; Work Family Strategy Council’s Resources; New America’s How Congress could finally get it right on paid leave
• Hashtags: #PaidLeaveForAll and #IncludeMe

Today would have been Trayvon Martin’s 25th birthday. His death in 2012 and the acquittal of his killer in 2013 launched the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Discuss Trayvon citing the values of Community and Equality.

• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda's Create Fair and Effective Policing Practices; Opportunity for Black Men and Boys, and Trayvon Martin Story viewing guides; Paramount and BET’s Trayvon Martin Story online video series; Black Lives Matter's #TalkAboutTrayvon - A Toolkit for White People
• Hashtags: #TrayvonMartin; #TalkAboutTrayvon; #BlackLivesMatter

Today at 1pm EST/10am PST, join Moms Rising's #FoodFri on Twitter for an important and much-needed conversation on how we can protect our kids’ health and well-being against the Trump Administration’s proposed policies that will have detrimental effects on food access, housing, the environment and more. In the chat, cite the values of Economic Security and Community.

• Messaging and communication  tools: The Center for American Progress and MomsRising's #ProtectKidsToolkit: Feb. 2020 House Hearings; The Opportunity Agenda's Talking About Poverty & Economic Opportunity Today: Three Core Pillars and Talking About Economic Justice; Children's Defense Fund's The State of America's Children® 2020 and graphics
• Hashtag: #FoodFri

Today at noon EST, the National Immigration Law Center, SEIU and the Immigration Hub invite you to a webinar on our recent poll conducted by the Global Strategy Group that centers on immigration and the economy, and surveys general election voters in battleground.  The poll looked at messages to counter economic arguments against immigrants and respond to worksite raids, among other related questions. The findings are helpful to rebute Republican arguments coming in 2020. Check out the Webinar Recording; Immigration and the Economy Deck; Short Memo and Hub 2018 Case Studies.

Tonight at 8pm EST is the 8th Democratic debate. Use it as an opportunity to raise policy issues related to immigration, economic opportunity, and criminal justice. Cite the values of Voice, Equality, and Community.

• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda’s Criminal Justice Reform Phrase Guide and Social Justice Phrase Guide
• Hashtag: #DemDebate

On this day, only seven years ago, Mississippi officially certified the 13th Amendment, becoming the last state to approve the abolition of slavery and involuntary servitude. The amendment makes punishment for a crime as the only exception, which today is often discussed in the criminal justice reform debate (i.e. see Ava Devernay’s documentary, “13th”). Use this anniversary to talk about the continued need for racial justice in the U.S., especially in our criminal justice system. Cite the values of Redemption and Community.

• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda’s Transforming the System: A New Sensibility; Criminal Justice Reform Phrase Guide; Ten Lessons for Talking About Race, Racism and Racial Justice and Rejecting Bigotry, Demanding Action; Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights' 10 Actions That You Can Take to Stop White Supremacy and Stand Up for Civil and Human Rights
• Hashtag: #13thAmendment

On this day in 1887, U.S. President Grover Cleveland signed the Dawes Act into law, imposing private land ownership on American Indians. This was intended to break up tribes as communal units and threaten tribal sovereignty. Use this anniversary to advocate for racial and economic justice for Native Americans. Cite the values of Voice and Economic Opportunity.

• Messaging and communication tools: Partnership with Native Americans’ The True Impact of the Dawes Act of 1887; Indian Country Today’s Dawes Act Signed Into Law to 'Civilize' Indians; National Congress of American Indians’ Tribal Nations and the United States: An Introduction; U.S. Department of Arts and Culture's #HonorNativeLand: A Guide and Call for Acknowledgement; Reclaiming Native Truths’ Changing the Narrative about Native Americans
• Hashtag: #DawesAct

At 8pm EST, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences begins its ceremony to give Oscars for 2019 films. Use these films to discuss a range of values from Community and Voice to Equality.

• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda’s The Case of the Cultural Influencers and AndAction’s Pop Culture Works 
• Hashtags: #oscars; #oscars2020

Today, President Trump will release his 2021 budget, even though he recently told a crowed of his donors: “Who the hell cares about the budget?”Advocates are anticipating proposals to make very big cuts to human needs programs which Congress has rejected these in the past. Coalition on Human Needs (CHN) and partners assert that his plans matter, because" the Trump Administration has aggressively sought to carry them out through administrative rule-making and moving or refusing to spend money despite Congressional intent."

• Take action: Join CHN's webinar on Thursday, Feb. 13. Register here. 
• Messaging and communication tools: Center on Budget and Policy Priority's Five Things to Look for in the President’s 2021 Budget and Non-Defense Programs Face Tight Funding in 2021; The Opportunity Agenda's Talking About Poverty & Economic Opportunity Today: Three Core Pillars
• Hashtag: #HandsoffSNAP

Today is the deadline to support Families and Friends of Louisiana's Incarcerated Children's (FFLIC) 4th annual “Stand in Love” campaign for Valentine's Day. FFLIC is asking for help in creating valentine’s cards with a simple message like "We are thinking of you” for youth in Louisiana prisons. Gina wants to top last year’s 1,000 cards. Send cards to FFLIC, 1307 Oretha C. Haley Blvd #304, New Orleans, LA 70113. You can also make a video of support on social media using the hashtags: #standinlove2020, #letkidsbekids, #lovebeyondbars, 

Each year, the president of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) presents the State of Indian Nations around the time that coincides with the U.S. president's State of the Union. NCAI President Jefferson Keel will “outline the goals of tribal leaders, the opportunities for success and advancement of Native peoples, and priorities to advance the nation-to-nation relationship with the United States.” A member of Congress is invited each year to deliver a congressional response.

• Messaging and communication tools: National Congress of American Indians’ Tribal Nations and the United States: An Introduction; Webinar recording: Exploring U.S. Census and Message Perceptions of Rural American Indian Residents and Reclaiming Native Truths’ Changing the Narrative about Native Americans
• Hashtag: #SOIN2020

Today in the New Hampshire Primary, voters will select their nominee for the Democratic candidate to run for the President of the United States. It’s also when voters discuss the issues they care about. Use the primary as an opportunity to raise policy issues related to immigration, economic opportunity and criminal justice. Cites the values of Voice, Equality, and Community.

• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda’s Criminal Justice Reform Phrase Guide and Social Justice Phrase Guide; New American Economy's Immigrants and the economy in New Hampshire; New Hampshire Public Radio's Stranglehold podcast
• Hashtags: #NHprimary

On this day in 1978, Native American activists launched The Longest Walk, a 3,200-mile spiritual walk across the country to support tribal sovereignty and challenge anti-Indian legislation that limited water rights. When discussing this anniversary, cite the values of Voice and Economic Opportunity.

• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda’s We Are All Related; Equal Justice Initiative's Native American Activism; Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights’ American Indians and Alaska Natives in the 2020 Census; National Congress of American Indians’ Tribal Nations and the United States: An Introduction; 
• Reclaiming Native Truths’ Changing the Narrative about Native Americans
• Hashtag: #TheLongestWalk

Today at 1pm PST/4pm EST, RAICES is hosting a webinar about the Migrant Justice Platform: how you can change the conversation about immigration and help push for the most progressive and radical change to immigration policy. Just like advocates did in Iowa with the #DontLookAway campaign, they want to continue to organize around this platform from now until November. But they need you. Register here to participate. 

On this day in 1968, African American sanitation workers went on strike in Memphis, Tennessee for better pay and safer working conditions. The strikers would create the iconic image with their “I am a man,” posters. During the strike, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. traveled to Memphis, where he was assassinated. Discuss this anniversary by citing the values of Voice, Economic Security, and Equality.

• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda’s Talking About Unions and Economic Security; Center for Popular Democracy’s Why Labor and the Movement for Racial Justice Should Work Together
• Hashtag: #Memphis1968

Today at 2pm EST, the Coalition on Human Needs is leading a webinar explaining the president’s budget (and why it matters). If this year’s proposal one is similar to past ones, there will be very big cuts proposed for human needs programs.  Congress has rejected these in the past.  But his plans matter, because the Trump administration has aggressively sought to carry them out through administrative rule-making and moving or refusing to spend money despite Congressional intent. In this webinar, you’ll hear from experts about what the Trump budget would do and how it would affect people across America now and into the future. Register here.

Also at 2pm EST, National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, AAPI Data, APIA Vote and Asian American Journalists Association will be participating in the AAPI Decision 2020 Twitter Town Hall to discuss issues important to AAPI communities with several presidential campaigns -- Mike Bloomberg, Bernie Sanders, Andrew Yang, with more to be announced. Join the conversation at #AAPI2020.

At noon EST, Georgia Detention Watch and its partners are holding a press conference and ceremony to honor the life of Pedro Arriago-Santoya and others who have died in ICE prisons. Mr. Arriago-Santoya died in ICE custody in July of 2019, becoming the fifth person to die in ICE immigration detention in the state of Georgia in the last three years.  He was incarcerated at the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia, where a history of medical neglect and use of solitary confinement have contributed to immeasurable suffering and several deaths. 

Today at 10am PST/1pm EST, RAICES is hosting a webinar about the Migrant Justice Platform: how you can change the conversation about immigration and help push for the most progressive and radical change to immigration policy. Just like advocates did in Iowa with the #DontLookAway campaign, they want to continue to organize around this platform from now until November. But they need you. Register here to participate. 

At 4pm CST in Brownsville, TX , Witness at the Border and partners will hold a Rally to Restore Asylum as part of its President's Day weekend of activism. The goal is to challenge cruel immigration policies and create a memorial to victims of those policies. See more below.

February 14th marks the beginning of this year’s #ToImmigrantsWithLove celebration, an online and in-person letter-writing campaign via Fwd.US to show "positivity and support for all immigrants across the United States." This year, the campaign invites you to participate by submitting artwork that showcases your love and support for immigrant communities before the deadline of Friday, February 28, 2020. Further details here. The Opportunity Agenda recommends citing values like Community, Voice, Equality and/or Economic Security where possible.

• Messaging and communication tools: FWD.US' #ToImmigrantsWithLove 2020 Social Toolkit; The Opportunity Agenda's Quick Tips for Talking Immigration Issues and 5 Key Facts: Online Discussion of Immigration in The Trump Era
• Hashtag: #ToImmigrantsWithLove

For it's #RGVLove campaign, Equal Voice Network, Rio Grand Valley (RGV) are asking people what they love about living in the border region. They're asking residents to share photos of something that is beautiful and quintessentially a part of living in the RGV and share it this Valentine's Day with the #RGVLove hashtag. Equal Voice Network will reshare the photos the entire week after. The Opportunity Agenda encourages participants to cite the values of Voice, Community, and Economic Security. 

• Take action: Support this campaign by resharing social media posts tagged with #RGVLove i.e. Instagram; TikTok; Twitter; and Facebook
• Messaging tools: The Opportunity Agenda's 5 Tips for Talking About Border Communities Without Talking about a Wall and Replacing the Dominant Narrative Around the Border
• Hashtag: #RGVLove

Families and Friends of Louisiana's Incarcerated Children (FFLIC), have been organizing their 4th annual “Stand in Love” campaign for Valentine's Day. They're asking friends from all over to "show support our youth in Louisiana who are locked in prison away from family and friends on this annual day of love." In your messages, be sure to reference the values of Redemption and Community.   

• Take action: You can show support on social media by posting and/or resharing posts with the hashtags below.
• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda's Foster an Environment for Respecting Children’s Rights and FFLIC's Education Toolkit: Knowledge and Tools to Help Parents Advocate for Children 
• Hashtags: #standinlove2020; #letkidsbekids; #lovebeyondbars

Advocates for progressive tax policy are sharing #TaxValentines on social media. Share your own . Please consider sharing with a note about why you love taxes and the hashtag #IHeartTaxes. Cite the values of Economic Security and Community. 

• Messaging tools: The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy valentines; The Opportunity Agenda’s Quick Tips for Talking About Poverty and Taxes; Lightbox Collaborative's "I Love Taxes!"; Topos' Taxlandia; Institute for Policy Studies' Where Your 2018 Tax Dollar Was Spent
• Hashtags: #TaxValentines; #IHeartTaxes

In Brownsville, TX, Witness at the Border and supporters are organizing a series of rallies and actions for President's Day weekend: Love, Not Hate/Amor, No Odio: Witness at the Border to Restore Asylum. They have four full days of speakers, musicians, as well as a march along the border, visits to the tent courts and the Brownsville airport. The goal is to challenge cruel immigration policies and create a memorial to victims of those policies. Cite the values of Community and Economic Security when discussing these actions. 

• Take action: Support the event and share social media posts throughout the weekend.
• Messaging tools: The Opportunity Agenda's 5 Tips for Talking About Border Communities and Replacing the Dominant Narrative Around the Border
• Hashtags: #WitnessAtTheBorder; #EndMPP; #EndPACR; #EndHARP; #EndACA; #SaveAsylum

Today in New York City, Cosecha is holding a march and direct action, demanding #NoBusinessWithICE. They will be targeting a company that profits at the expense of immigrant lives. They demand that private companies stop being complicit in the violence against immigrant communities and sign the pledge to say #NoBusinessWithICE. Supporters are encouraged to prepare for the action by signing up to attend a non-violent direct action training.

It’s the anniversary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which Barack Obama signed into law in 2009. As a response to the Great Recession, the act provided relief for those effected by the economic downturn and an investment in infrastructure, education, health, and renewable energy. In talking about this anniversary, cite the values of Economic Security and Community.

• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda’s Economic Recovery and Equal Opportunity in the Public Discourse and Ensuring Equal Opportunity in Our Nation’s Economic Recovery Efforts
• Hashtag: #RecoveryAct

Today is the birthday of two influential African-American writers/activists: Toni Morrison and Audre Lorde. They were born a few years apart and throughout their careers they explored intersectional issues of race, gender and sexuality. Morrison passed away last year. She won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1993. Use their birthdays to raise the values of Voice and Equality.

• Messaging and communication tools: Fast Company's Black Twitter makes the case for Lorde-Morrison Day in honor of two literary giants; The Opportunity Agenda’s Ten Tips for Putting Intersectionality into Practice; Colorlines' Ten Quotes to Celebrate Audre Lorde's Birthday and Flashback Photos to Celebrate Toni Morrison's Birthday; AndAction’s Pop Culture Works 
• Hashtags: #ToniMorrison; #AudreLorde

At 1pm, EST, join the #TrumpBudget - #BullysBudget tweetstorm to discuss who would gain and lose, the priorities of this administration and how the budget doesn't address America's needs. Cite the values of Community and Economic Security. 

• Messaging and communication tools: Coalition on Human Needs' social media toolkit; Center on Budget and Policy Priorities’ President Trump’s 2021 Budget Would Widen Country’s Divisions and Trump’s Budget Threatens States and Their Residents; Center for American Progress’ Trump’s Newest Budget Would Take Food Away From Working Families; Americans for Tax Fairness’ Trump’s Groundhog Day Budget: Once Again Tax Cuts for the Rich Paid for Slashing Service for  the Rest of Us; CLASP’s Trump’s Budget Doubles Down on Harm to People with Low Incomes, Communities of Color, and Immigrants; Coalition for Human Needs’ Trump budget offers hardship now and a bleaker future; Congressional Progressive Caucus Center’s Explainer of Trump’s 2021 Budget; 
• Hashtag: #TrumpBudget; #BullysBudget 

Also at 1pm EST /10am PST, advocates are organizing a Digital Advocacy Day for The New Way Forward Act. This legislation would center humanity and compassion in our immigration system, rolling back harsh immigration laws which disproportionately lead to the targeting, jailing, and destruction of families of color. These unjust laws have enabled many of Trump’s abuses. Discuss the Act by citing the values of Voice, Community, Family Unity, and Economic Security. 

• Messaging and communication tools: Immigrant Legal Resource Center's NWF Digital Advocacy Day - Digital Toolkit; The Opportunity Agenda's Talking About Due Process and Racial Profiling and 5 Key Facts: Online Discussion of Immigration in The Trump Era
• Hashtag: #NewWayForwardAct

Day of Remembrance: On this day in 1942, the War Relocation Authority was established to relocate Japanese-Americans to internment camps. Today, activists refer to the internment as a shameful precedent for the Trump administration's Muslim travel ban. Discuss the significance of this anniversary by emphasizing the values of Community and Voice.

• Messaging and communication tools: Japanese American Citizens League's Power of Words Handbook: Understanding Euphemisms and Preferred Terminology; Densho's Learning Center; American Public Media’ Order 9066 podcast
• Hashtags: #DayofRemebrance; #NoMuslimBanEver

At 2pm EST, the Protecting Immigrant Families Campaign is holding webinar to discuss Teach-In strategies about "public charge"/"wealth test", review available resources to support your event, share ideas, and get your questions answered before the National Teach-In Day on Feb. 24 (see below). Register here

At 3 pm EST, American Immigration Lawyers Association, along with our partners at the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) and Human Rights First, will host a  #JudicialIndependence Twitterstorm to call for immigration court reform. They invite you to join them  as we shed light on the dysfunction in the court system and call on Congress to protect judicial independence through the establishment of an independent immigration court. Cite the values of Voice, Community, and Economic Security. 

• Messaging and communication tools: American Immigration Lawyers Association's resources and Twitterstorm Toolkit; The Opportunity Agenda's Tips for Talking Due Process & Immigration and 5 Key Facts: Online Discussion of Immigration in The Trump Era
• Hashtag: #JudicialIndependence

Tonight at 9pm EST is the 9th Democratic debate, this time in Las Vegas. Use it as an opportunity to raise policy issues related to immigration, economic opportunity, and criminal justice. Cite the values of Voice, Equality, and Community.

• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda’s Criminal Justice Reform Phrase Guide and Social Justice Phrase Guide; New American Economy's Immigrants and the economy in Nevada
• Hashtag: #DemDebate

World Day for Social Justice was established by the United Nations through the International Labor Organization (ILO) to “guarantee fair outcomes for all through employment, social protection, social dialogue, and fundamental principles and rights at work.” The theme for this year is “Closing the Inequalities Gap to Achieve Social Justice”. Cite the values of Community and Economic Security when talking about this day.

• Messaging and communication tools: United Nation’s World Day for Social Justice; The Opportunity Agenda’s Talking about the Importance of Unions and Economic Security;  
• Hashtags: #SocialJustice; #ILO100; #DecentWork 

Today in Las Vegas, Amnesty International USA will be holding a Presidential Candidate Forum on immigration issues, with particular attention on asylum and U.S. southern border policies. 

• Take action: Submit a question for the candidates here and watch live online [info coming soon]
• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda's Five Questions to ask when Crafting Messages about Refugees in the Current Climate; 4 Tips to Keep the Border Conversation on What Really Matters and The Importance of Maintaining our Identity as a Nation That Welcomes Refugees
• Hashtag: #AmnestyForum

The Opportunity Agenda has officially rebranded its Immigration Research Consortium to Narrative Research Lab. One of the first resources we’re excited to announce is our new online digital library. To help orient users, our first webinar of the year, on Friday, February 21st from 2 – 3pm ET, when we will introduce the NRL’s new digital library, as well as a provide a refresher to the NRL’s features more generally. Register here. 

Today is the implementation date Trump's Muslim ban expansion. Advocates are planning protests and actions around the country (stay tuned for details). Discuss the No Ban Act which is headed to the full House of Representatives for a vote. Cite the values of Equality, Voice, Economic Security, and Community. 

• Take action: [stay tuned for information on actions planned for this day]
• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda’s Talking About the Muslim Ban, Trump v. Hawaii; The International Refugee Assistance Project's IRAP Opposes New Immigration Restrictions Expanding the Muslim Ban; Leadership Conference on Human and Civil Rights' With Expansion of Muslim Ban, Trump Stokes More Fear to Curry Favor with Base; Church World Service's Expanded Muslim Ban is Discriminatory and Morally Reprehensible; Amnesty International USA's Efforts to Revive the Muslim Ban are Atrocious; 
• Hashtags:  #NoBanAct ; and #RepealtheBan

On this day in 1933, singer, songwriter, pianist, and activist Nina Simone was born. Throughout her career, Simone fearlessly spoke out against injustice. Use the anniversary of Simone’s birth as the opportunity to talk about the example she provided for artists to be activists and cultural influencers. Cite the values of Voice and Equality.

• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda’s The Case of the Cultural Influencers and AndAction’s Pop Culture Works 
• Hashtag: #NinaSimone

On this day in 1965, Malcolm X was assassinated in Harlem, New York. A new Netflix documentary questions the criminal investigation following his death. Discuss the anniversary of his death and the legacy of Malcolm X's activism by citing the values of Voice, Equality, and Community. 

• Messaging and communication tools: New York Times' Who Really Killed Malcolm X?; The Opportunity Agenda's Ten Lessons for Talking About Race, Racism and Racial Justice
• Hashtag: #MalcolmX

Today in the Nevada Primary, voters will select their nominee for the Democratic candidate to run for the President of the United States. It’s also when voters discuss the issues they care about. Use the primary as an opportunity to raise policy issues related to immigration, economic opportunity and criminal justice. Cites the values of Voice, Equality, and Community.

• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda’s Criminal Justice Reform Phrase Guide and Social Justice Phrase Guide; New American Economy's Immigrants and the economy in Nevada
• Hashtags: #NVprimary

Tonight at 8pm EST, The NAACP Image Awards will "celebrate the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts, as well as those individuals or groups who promote social justice through their creative endeavors." The event will provide a prime time opportunity for your organization to discuss social justice with online audiences. Cite the values of Voice, Community, and Equality. 

• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda's Ten Tips for Putting Intersectionality into Practice; Ten Lessons for Talking About Race, Racism and Racial Justice and The Case of the Cultural Influencers: Colin Kaepernick, Jimmy Kimmel, and #MeToo
• Hashtags: #Feb22 #ImageAwards

On this day in 1868, W. E. B. Du Bois was born. He was a sociologist, historian, Pan-Africanist, author, and editor, was one of the co-founders of the NAACP in 1909 and the leader of the Niagara Movement. Discuss his birthday as another example of working for racial justice. Cite the values of Equality and Voice.

• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda’s Ten Lessons for Talking About Race, Racism, and Racial Justice and Zinn Education Project’s Teach Reconstruction Campaign
• Hashtags: #RacialJustice #TeachReconstruction

Today in the birthplace of the Black Panther movement, Oakland, CA will host the 3rd annual Black Joy Parade to celebrate the black experience past, present and future. Even if you're not in the area, use this event to discuss the unique contributions of African Americans and what it means to live in community that's "creative, open, present, and free." Cite the values of Community, Economic Security, and Equality. 

• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda's Ten Lessons for Talking About Race, Racism and Racial Justice
• Hashtag: #BlackJoyParade

On Feb. 24, the Protecting Immigrant Families Campaign calls on all of its members and allies to hold a #ProtectFamilies “teach-in” about public charge, dispel misinformation, and reach out to critical groups to spread the facts about the new rule. Please join partners all across the country on this day of action, so that we can together reduce the harm of this new regulation. They write, "You could hold a community workshop, join a radio call-in show, have a promotora outreach day, host a brown-bag lunch for nonprofit colleagues, distribute flyers to local merchants serving immigrant families, present at your church or to a local school, or make a social media push." Discuss public charge by citing the values of Economic Security, Family Unity, and Community. 

• Messaging and communication tools: #ProtectFamilies Teach-In Toolkit; The Opportunity Agenda’s Talking About Poverty & Economic Opportunity Today: Three Core Pillars; National Immigration Law Center's Advocates Urge Families to Fight Fear with Facts as Public Charge Implementation Date Announced and Supreme Court Ruling Allows Trump Administration to Implement Anti-Immigrant Regulation While Challenges Are Heard; Migration Policy Institute’s Millions Will Feel Chilling Effects of U.S. Public-Charge Rule That Is Also Likely to Reshape Legal Immigration; Center on Budget and Policy Priorities’ Immigrants Contribute Greatly to U.S. Economy, Despite Administration’s “Public Charge” Rule Rationale; Kaiser Family Foundation’s Changes to “Public Charge” Inadmissibility Rule: Implications for Health and Health Coverage; National Immigration Law Center’s Three Things You Should Know about Trump’s Racially-Motivated Immigration Wealth Test; 
• Hashtag: #ProtectFamilies 

On this day in 1870 (150 years ago), Hiram Revels was sworn in as senator from Mississippi, becoming the first African American to serve in the U.S. Senate. Revels is one of only 10 African Americans ever to have served in the United States Senate. Discuss this anniversary with the values of Equality and Voice.

• Messaging and communication tools: Eric Foner's There Have Been 10 Black Senators Since Emancipation; The Opportunity Agenda’s Ten Lessons for Talking About Race, Racism and Racial Justice and Zinn Education Project’s Teach Reconstruction Campaign
• Hashtags: #RacialJustice; #TeachReconstruction

Tonight at 9pm EST in Charleston, SC will host the 10th Democratic debate. Use it as an opportunity to raise policy issues related to immigration, economic opportunity, and criminal justice. Cite the values of Voice, Equality, and Community.

• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda’s Criminal Justice Reform Phrase Guide and Social Justice Phrase Guide
• Hashtag: #DemDebate

On this day, eight years ago, Trayvon Martin was shot and killed in Florida by a neighborhood watch volunteer. After the acquittal of his killer in 2013, activists launched the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Discuss Trayvon citing the values of Community and Equality.Discuss this anniversary citing the values of Community and Equality.

• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda's Create Fair and Effective Policing Practices; Opportunity for Black Men and Boys, and Trayvon Martin Story viewing guides; Paramount and BET’s Trayvon Martin Story online video series; Black Lives Matter's #TalkAboutTrayvon - A Toolkit for White People
• Hashtags: #TalkAboutTrayvon; #TrayvonMartinStory

On Feb. 27, 1973, members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) began their occupation of Wounded Knee, site of the 1890 massacre, in South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Reservation. The occupation lasted 71 days and called attention to living conditions and mistreatment from federal and local agencies. Use this anniversary to talk about the values of Economic Security and Voice for Native American communities.

• Messaging and communication tools: Native America Today’s AIM Occupation of Wounded Knee Begins; National Congress of American Indians’ Tribal Nations and the United States: An Introduction; U.S. Department of Arts and Culture's #HonorNativeLand: A Guide and Call for Acknowledgement; Reclaiming Native Truths’ Changing the Narrative about Native Americans
• Hashtag: #WoundedKnee73

For Freedoms, Sankofa and arts institutions in Los Angeles will present The For Freedoms Congress, "an engaging series of artist-led programs and workshops that build upon Los Angeles' historic role as the birthplace and driver of important artistic-lead cultural movements over the decades." The Congress, which promises to be the "Largest Congress of Creatives in America’s History," will include 4 public Town Hall programs. 

• Hashtags: #FreedomCon; #FFCon

Today in the South Carolina Primary, voters will select their nominee for the Democratic candidate to run for the President of the United States. It’s also when voters discuss the issues they care about. Use the primary as an opportunity to raise policy issues related to immigration, economic opportunity and criminal justice. Cites the values of Voice, Equality, and Community.

• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda’s Criminal Justice Reform Phrase Guide and Social Justice Phrase Guide; New American Economy's Immigrants and the economy in South Carolina
• Hashtags: #SCprimary

On Feb. 29, 1968, the special "Kerner Commission" released its investigation findings on the 1967 uprisings in several U.S. cities after police actions. Its most famous passage reads: "Our nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white — separate and unequal." The Haas Institute is hosting a conference exploring race, segregation, and inequality, Feb. 27- March 1, 50 years after the release of the report. Join the discussion online with the hashtags below and cite the values of Voice, Equality, and Community.

• Messaging and communication tools: The Opportunity Agenda's Ten Lessons for Talking About Race, Racism and Racial Justice; The Haas Institute's 50 years later, nation faces same racial divisions and Race & Inequality in America: The Kerner Commission at 50 conference; The Eisenhower Foundation's Healing Our Divided Society Investing in America Fifty Years after the Kerner Report (PDF of introduction) 
• Hashtags: #Kerner50 and #2americas