Posted on March 10, 2022
Grantee Highlight: The Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence is working to make our communities safer
Note from the CREDO team: This March, the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence is among three amazing groups that will receive a share of our monthly grant. Funding this month from CREDO members will help EFSGV advocate for effective gun violence prevention policies that save lives.
Read this important blog post from [name and title] below, then click here to visit CREDODonations.com to cast your vote to help determine how we distribute our monthly grant to this organization and our other amazing grantees this March.
Gun violence in America
Gun violence in America is a public health crisis. Solving the problem will require public health-centered solutions focused on the conditions that create gun violence. That’s what the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence (EFSGV) works toward every single day: advancing evidence-based solutions to save lives and make communities safer.
As EFSGV strives to make gun violence rare and abnormal, we do so from a strong, mission-driven foundation. EFSGV was founded in 1978 in the wake of the civil rights movement and other nonviolent movements of the 1960s. Our first president, Mike Beard, interned for John F. Kennedy and marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His understanding of how gun violence destroys lives and communities was shaped by watching both leaders struck down by assassins’ bullets. His dream was an America where families would be free from gun violence – one where we settle our differences peacefully and democratically.
Advocating for change
Decades later, EFSGV remains driven by that same purpose. We have made real progress in tackling the epidemic of gun violence by helping to pass more than a dozen new state laws in the last two years. Additionally, Our executive director, Josh Horwitz, testified before Congress about the life-saving impact of extreme risk protection order laws, convincing even pro-gun lawmakers like Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) to acknowledge the positive nature of these laws. We have also faced the problem of armed insurrection head on by issuing a new report with recommendations for states and localities fighting extremism.
EFSGV is committed to centering racial equity in our work. Gun violence and societal inequities are inherently connected. We have drawn attention to the linkage between permissive gun laws and racist violence that undermines the community trust necessary to reduce gun violence and sought policy changes to disarm hate. Only by achieving equity in the gun violence prevention movement will we see lasting change that saves lives and creates safer communities. One such invaluable resource that will lead to effective and equitable policies is our new racial equity impact assessment tool, which helps gun violence prevention groups place impacted communities and their lived experience front and center in their work.
While advocating for change, EFSGV has also stood strongly against efforts that would make communities less safe by undoing the progress we have made. With two dozen co-signers, EFSGV led an effort to file an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in NYSPA v. Bruen, arguing against efforts to weaken firearm regulations in public spaces. As states seek to impose dangerous “stand your ground” laws, EFSGV has been fighting back against the deadly impact of such legislation that disproportionately impacts communities of color.
You can help
While we have achieved so much progress, many challenges lie ahead. That’s where you come in. With additional resources, EFSGV will be better able to provide support for lawmakers and local partners in states where pro-gun advocates are making a concerted push to expand the rights of gun owners at the expense of community safety. While the public’s attention is often focused on Congress and the White House, in truth many of these battles are being waged locally, often out of the headlines. With your help, EFSGV can continue to provide a counterbalance to these groups at the state and local level and help defend our right to live in safe communities and prevent future victimization from gun violence.
EFSGV is hardly alone in the fight for gun violence prevention. But many of our peer organizations look to us for our unique public health perspective, and with your help our support of the greater gun violence prevention movement will be even greater.
You have the power to make our movement stronger. Join us.
Posted on March 8, 2022
Grantee Highlight: When We All Vote is fighting for equal access to the ballot box
Note from the CREDO team: This March, When We All Vote is among three amazing groups that will receive a share of our monthly grant. Funding from the generous support of CREDO members will help the group change the culture around voting, increase voter participation, and close the race and age voting gap ahead of the 2022 election.
Read this important blog post written by Stephanie L. Young, Executive Director of When We All Vote and then click here to visit CREDODonations.com to cast your vote to help determine how we distribute our monthly grant to this organization and our other amazing grantees this March.
When We All Vote is a leading national, nonpartisan initiative on a mission to change the culture around voting and increase participation in each and every election by helping to close the race and age gap. Created by Michelle Obama, When We All Vote brings together individuals, institutions, brands, and organizations to register new voters across the country and advance civic education for voters of every age to build an informed and engaged electorate. We empower our supporters and volunteers to take action through voting, advocating for their rights, and holding their elected officials accountable.
In 2020, When We All Vote ran a robust, multifaceted campaign and reached more than 100 million people to educate them about the voting process and get them registered and ready to vote. The initiative also led in voter education, registration, and volunteer engagement. As a result, over 512,000 people checked their voter registration or newly registered, and nearly 500 media, corporate, and nonprofit partners joined our efforts.
Following unprecedented voter turnout in 2020, especially among young people and communities of color, over 500 voter suppression bills aimed at these voters have now been introduced in state legislatures across the country and dozens have already become law. These new laws – including strict voter ID rules, restrictions on Sunday voting, and polling place consolidation – will disproportionately harm voters of color. As we look ahead to the midterm elections, voters will have to navigate disinformation campaigns and a barrage of new hurdles to voting that threaten to reverse momentum towards a more inclusive and participatory democracy.
When We All Vote remains committed to changing the culture around voting, countering attacks on voting rights, increasing voter participation, and closing the race and age voting gap by doubling down on voter registration, education, and turnout heading into the 2022 midterm elections.
In 2021, we launched our Advocacy & Campaigns program to educate and mobilize our community to take more than 20,000 actions via our civic engagement tools in support of federal voting rights legislation. While we will continue these efforts, we will focus the majority of our work on building national energy and momentum around the midterms with innovative and tested strategies to reach voters where they are and inspire them to get registered and out to vote.
In today’s climate, we know people want to engage— we give them the tools and resources to do so efficiently, effectively, and collectively. We have developed a tested strategy with proven results. This year, we will continue to leverage this model and our existing infrastructure to build our national movement towards civic education and engagement.
We’re helping to bring even more people into the voting process because our country is strongest when everyone has a say. It is our responsibility to protect our democracy, and every vote matters.
Learn more and join the fight to protect our freedom to vote.
Posted on March 3, 2022
Our February grantees thank you for your support
Each month, CREDO members vote on how we distribute funding to three incredible nonprofits. Those small actions add up – with one click, you can help fund groups working for civil rights, climate justice and women’s rights. In February, CREDO members voted to distribute our monthly donation to Innocence Project, Sunrise Movement and Women for Women International.
These donations are made possible by CREDO customers and the revenue they generate by using our services. The distribution depends entirely on the votes of CREDO members like you. And for that, our February grant recipients thank you.
Innocence Project
$37,592
“I want to say many thanks to the many people who are responsible for helping to make my dream of freedom a reality.” – Eddie Lee Howard, Innocence Project Exoneree and Survivor of 26 Years on Mississippi Death Row
To learn more, visit innocenceproject.org.
Sunrise Movement
$33,026
“Thank you for your support of our movement to win the Green New Deal. It’s because of you that in less than three years, our movement has grown to more than ten thousand volunteers in 350 local hubs in all fifty states plus DC and Puerto Rico.” – Varshini Prakash, Executive Director, Sunrise Movement
To learn more, visit sunrisemovement.org.
Women for Women International
$29,382
“Thank you for supporting the power of women! CREDO members like you make WfWI’s work possible — CREDO Grants have helped thousands of women in conflict zones unleash their true potential and transform our world.” – Laurie Adams, Chief Executive Officer of Women for Women International
To learn more, visit womenforwomen.org.
Now check out the three groups we are funding in March, and cast your vote to help distribute our donations.
CREDO members who use our products are the reason why we are able to make these donations each month. Learn more about CREDO Mobile, the carrier with a conscience.
Posted on March 3, 2022
How to safely scan a QR code with your smartphone
If you’ve been to a restaurant lately, you’ve probably scanned a funky-looking symbol to pull up a menu on your smartphone. Those symbols — known as QR codes — have been the go-to, no-contact menu option during the pandemic, and they’re popping up everywhere for coupons, deals and more.
A QR code even made an appearance during a recent Super Bowl commercial. However, some QR codes can be dangerous. The FBI recently warned that cybercriminals could use QR codes to steal money and personal information from unsuspecting people. The good news is many QR codes are safe. In this week’s tip, we’ll show you how to scan a QR code safely to help avoid being tricked.
In its January announcement, the FBI warned that smartphone users could open themselves up to a cyberattack by scanning a malicious QR code, saying:
Cybercriminals tamper with both digital and physical QR codes to replace legitimate codes with malicious codes. A victim scans what they think to be a legitimate code but the tampered code directs victims to a malicious site, which prompts them to enter login and financial information.
Luckily, many QR codes are perfectly safe, but you should use caution and some commonsense before pulling out your smartphone to start scanning.
Here are some tips to stay safe when scanning a QR code:
- Don’t download a QR scanner app, which could increase your risk of downloading malware. All you need to scan a QR code is the built-in camera app on your phone.
- Likewise, don’t download apps from a QR code scan.
- Only scan QR codes from trusted sources. If you’re at a restaurant, you’re probably safe. If there’s a QR code sticker by an ATM or gas station that looks suspicious, you’ll want to steer clear.
- Make sure the QR code hasn’t been tampered with or that a sticker hasn’t been placed over the top of another code.
- Double-check the URL (the internet address in your browser) of the website you visit after scanning the code. Malicious sites are built to look legitimate, but the URL will likely look suspicious.
- Don’t enter financial information on a site navigated through a QR code — and be very careful entering login and password credentials, too. It’s always a good practice to verify that the website you are using is legitimate and secure before entering your personal information.
- There is never a need to scan a QR code in an email, especially when a link will do. If a company sends you an email saying you must scan a QR code because of a payment failure, call the company to verify (and not the one included in the email).
- Lastly, trust your gut. If the QR code or the site you visit seems fishy, it probably is.
Posted on February 28, 2022
Vote for Earthjustice, Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence and When We All Vote this March
Every month, CREDO members vote to distribute our monthly donation to three incredible progressive causes – and every vote makes a difference. This March, you can support climate justice, gun violence prevention and voting rights by voting to fund Earthjustice, Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence and When We All Vote.
Earthjustice
Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to stand up to polluters, advance clean energy, protect public health, and fight for justice for people and the planet.
Funding from the CREDO community will help Earthjustice take on the most consequential legal fights of our time, moving urgently to zero emissions and 100% clean energy to address the climate crisis and ensure a healthy environment for all.
Educational Fund to End Gun Violence
EFSGV employs a public health and equity approach to create solutions to curb the nation’s gun violence epidemic. We educate policymakers about gun violence prevention solutions and advocate for them to be enacted to save lives.
Generous funding from CREDO members will help EFSGV advocate for effective gun violence prevention policies that save lives.
When We All Vote
Since 2018, When We All Vote has brought together individuals, institutions, brands, and organizations to register new voters across the country, advance civic education for voters of every age, and build an informed and engaged electorate for generations to come.
Funding from CREDO members will help WWAV ahead of the 2022 Midterm Elections. With direct attacks on our democracy, WWAV remains committed to changing the culture around voting, increasing voter participation, and closing the race and age voting gap.
Your vote this month will determine how we divide our monthly donation among these three progressive groups. Be sure to cast your vote to support one, two or all three by March 31.
CREDO members who use our products and services everyday are the reason we are able to make these donations each month. Learn more about CREDO Mobile and join our movement.
Posted on February 28, 2022
We’ve Been Fighting for Women’s Rights Since 1985
This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the incredible progress and victories that women have made throughout history — while recognizing the fight for greater gender equality continues every single day.
Today, women still earn 78 cents for every dollar a man makes. For women of color, it’s even less. The attacks on reproductive freedom have heightened, threatening access to essential care for millions of people. Gender-based violence, here and abroad, persists with widespread consequences.
Fighting for women’s rights has been part of CREDO’s core mission since our founding in 1985.
Through our donations program, our members have helped us give over $10 million to organizations working to promote women’s rights. Groups like National Domestic Violence Hotline, Women for Women International, NARAL Pro-Choice America, Supermajority and UltraViolet — and we’re proud to be among Planned Parenthood’s largest corporate donors.
To all our customers and members, thank you for helping us continue the fight for equality, violence prevention, abortion rights and so much more to support women this month and every month.
Now, if you’d like to help us fund three more incredible groups this month, please visit CREDODonations.com to learn more and vote for one, two or all three organizations on our March donations ballot!
Posted on February 24, 2022
How to Support Black-Owned Businesses in the Solar Industry this Black History Month (and every month)
CREDO note: The following blog post by David Lafferty has been republished with permission from our friends at EcoWatch. Please take a moment to read this important piece, then consider supporting these incredible companies to help combat the climate crisis and racial injustice.
We’ll admit it — the solar energy industry is an imperfect one. Though it has enjoyed considerable expansion as we transition into the era of clean energy, challenges and growing pains will persist as solar matures. For an industry that champions equity, independence and social and environmental responsibility, solar still has room to improve — especially in the areas of inclusion and the effort to elevate minorities in a field made up mostly of white men.
According to Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, “the $30 billion solar and storage industry is filled with tremendous opportunities, but our future success depends on our ability to expand our reach and welcome more diverse businesses to the industry.” The SEIA backed this statement with a 2019 study, showing that only 7.6% of the solar workforce is Black or African American.
As we enter Black History Month — a time dedicated to honoring the triumphs, struggles and contributions of Black people throughout U.S. history — we’re reflecting on ways that we can enrich our industry by elevating and empowering Black-owned businesses in our communities.
Supporting Black-owned businesses in solar is not only a means of combating racial injustice, but environmental injustices as well. As we all know, environmental injustice has a greater impact on low-income communities and communities of color. Let’s take a look at some of the leading Black-owned solar companies you can support.
Black-Owned Solar and Energy Businesses to Support
Here are some of the top Black-owned businesses in the solar industry today:
Aurora Solar
Aurora Solar is one of the biggest names in solar that most of our readers have never heard of. Why’s that? Aurora Solar specializes in solar engineering software that is a staple of nearly every solar company these days. If you’ve gotten a proposal from a solar company, chances are it was drawn up using Aurora. The design software is used and trusted by some of the best solar companies out there including, the likes of SunPower, Momentum Solar, Sunpro, Blue Raven Solar and more.
Co-founded by Samuel Adeyemo, we anticipate that Aurora will be a fixture in the design of solar systems for decades to come.
WeSolar
WeSolar’s mission is to bring under-resourced communities affordable access to local community solar and to assist commercial properties with energy efficiency. We chose to highlight WeSolar for its understanding of the importance of community solar in a more equitable energy future.
Community solar programs, also known as “shared solar,” help to address both physical and financial barriers to the benefits of going solar. For example, many low-income homeowners will not be able to afford the upfront cost of a residential solar panel system, and due to credit barriers or other challenges may not even be eligible to get a loan to finance a system. Others may not have homes large enough to warrant installing rooftop solar.
In most cases, community solar involves multiple customers, individuals, businesses or nonprofits sharing the investment in an off-site solar array through a subscription model. The energy generated by this off-site array is shared by the community subscribers.
Community solar helps more families gain access to affordable clean energy, increasing community resilience and lowering the strain placed on outdated infrastructure struggling to provide for a growing population. WeSolar, founded by Kristal Hansley, is helping lead the charge toward community solar in Baltimore and elsewhere.
Uncharted Power
Not quite a solar provider like some other names on this list, Uncharted Power is a power access company, meaning it specializes in smart and sustainable infrastructure development. Essentially, Uncharted Power connects already existing power sources with applications like sensors and information communication technology (ITC) throughout cities.
Uncharted’s founder and CEO, Jessica Matthews, explains that challenges to affordable energy access don’t result from how much energy exists within cities, but instead how that energy is wired and distributed. Matthews believes that energy industries currently focus too much on products and not enough on improving existing infrastructure to be more efficient, sensible and well-planned.
Uncharted Power’s business model is designed for cities and municipalities looking to modernize their electrical grids. In smaller cities, Uncharted Power takes the lead on decentralizing the energy grid, lessening the burden required by public infrastructure to distribute power throughout the nation.
Red Dipper
Founded in 2009 by Doug Parish, Red Dipper Inc. specializes in electrical contracting focusing on smart city assets. Similar to Uncharted Power, Red Dipper understands that issues of energy equity are not solved simply by making and selling more solar panels. Rather, Red Dipper incorporates solar into its holistic approach to provide clean energy supplies and solutions to its clients.
A few project highlights include providing power to the Golden State Warrior’s Chase Arena, the 19th Street BART Station in Oakland, and the San Francisco Unified School District. If you’re reading this from the Bay Area, chances are Red Dipper can help you clean up your energy sources while streamlining your efficiency.
Earth Wind and Solar Energy
Illinois-based Earth Wind and Solar Energy (EWSE) carries the mission of advocating for sustainability in all peoples’ lives and making renewable energy affordable for everyone. In a world where low-income groups are priced out of the biggest benefits of solar energy (which come with system ownership), EWSE understands that reducing environmental degradation and energy inequity begins with education and outreach within its community.
Co-founded by Riana Caravette, an African-American woman, choosing EWSE means supporting an installer that prioritizes community health over making sales. With over 14 years of experience, EWSE provides experience, knowledge and expertise in solar and renewable energy throughout Northern Illinois.
And Many, Many More
Though we’ve chosen to highlight five of our favorite black-owned businesses in solar and the energy space, there is a growing number of impressive companies to support. We encourage you to explore SEIA’s Diverse Suppliers Database to find more.
Why Supporting Black-Owned Businesses in Solar Matters
Despite the encouraging growth of solar energy, Black families and business owners still face disproportionate numbers of challenges in cleaning up the energy sources in their communities. Here are a few of the biggest hurdles many minority communities face:
- Lack of access to the necessary capital: Solar energy systems require a large upfront investment to maximize long-term value. For most lower-income households, purchasing a solar energy system upfront is out of the question.
- Poor existing infrastructure: The existing infrastructure in low-income communities is far more fragile, costly and impactful. For example, in southern Louisiana, lower-income areas are far more vulnerable to the impacts of oil spills, prolonged power outages (priority restorations go to higher-income areas) and extreme weather, which drives up energy costs due to constant restoration efforts.
- Climate change will have a disproportionate impact on low-income communities: The worst effects of climate change will be felt by low-income communities, primarily those of color. Some impacts we’re already seeing include areas being more vulnerable to flooding or fires, extreme heat or poor air and water quality.
By choosing a Black-owned solar company, you’re helping to support the demographic that needs the benefits of clean energy most. Lower costs of electricity, access to clean energy and energy independence should not be limited by income bracket, credit score or race. With both public and private support, proactive policy, and improved education, the solar industry can provide a more equitable energy future for all.
Posted on February 17, 2022
Upgrade your video calls: How to use your smartphone as a webcam
Video calls aren’t going away anytime soon, especially with more remote and hybrid work schedules, along with uncertainty about the pandemic. Yet, brand new HD webcams can cost a pretty penny, so how can you upgrade your webcam without breaking the bank?
If your smartphone is relatively new — say, you got it in the last few years — your phone’s camera likely has a higher resolution than your computer’s built-in webcam. It’s a quick and easy switch, and it will improve your overall experience. Here’s how to get started.
Video call with only your phone
This is probably the easiest way to use your phone as a webcam. Just launch the app of your preferred video call platform — Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and other major video conferencing software have apps for both Android and iOS — and your phone is automatically transformed into a webcam with your front-facing (“selfie”) camera.
If you choose this option, or really any of the options below, you may want to purchase an inexpensive tripod and mount so you can free up your hands on your call and stabilize your camera. This tripod from Manfrotto would do the trick.
Alternatively, if you want to take your video quality to the next level and use your rear-facing, higher resolution camera, you may want to consider a dedicated app for your video call needs.
Picking the right webcam app
Webcam apps on your phone allow you to transform your smartphone into a dedicated, high quality webcam. The app will interface with your PC or Mac via Wifi or cable and allow the signal from your phone to transmit straight through to your preferred video conferencing app.
However, choosing the right app can be tricky to ensure it works both with your smartphone (iPhone or Android) and your computer (PC or Mac). Many apps have free versions, but you will probably have to pay for the “pro” versions to enable high quality video, remove ads or limitations or access other features. Here are some popular options to consider, depending on your setup:
- EpocCam: Works on iPhone only, available for Mac or PC
- Droidcam: Works on iPhone and Android, available for PC (or Linux)
- Camo: Works on iPhone and Android, available for both Mac and PC
- iVCam: Works on iPhone and Android, available for PC only
Each app will require corresponding software to be installed on your computer, which should walk you through the installation process, connectivity and use with your favorite video software.
How to look your best
Now that you’ve set up your smartphone as a webcam, there are a couple more steps you can take to make you look your best over your video calls.
- Keep your phone stable. As we mentioned above, a small tripod to hold and stabilize your phone will be key.
- Raise your phone. If you have a small tripod, prop it up on a couple books or boxes to ensure the camera isn’t looking up at you. It’s best if your smartphone is sitting just above your eye level.
- Improve your lighting with a ring light. Here are some suggestions from Wirecutter.
- Invest in a microphone. For work, school or pleasure, your headphones, Airpods or your phone’s built-in microphone should be fine, but if you’re planning to stream or record professionally, an external microphone will really improve your setup. Here are some more recommendations for USB microphones from the New York Times.
Posted on February 16, 2022
Freedom For All Americans is fighting LGBTQ discrimination, with funding from CREDO members
Despite significant victories for equality in recent years, LGBTQ Americans continue to face discrimination in many parts of our country.
Recent grantee Freedom for All Americans is trying to change that. FFAA is the bipartisan campaign to secure full nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people nationwide. They are closer than ever to getting this done, by passing the Equality Act, legislation Congress is considering right now.
In June 2021, CREDO members voted to distribute $47,655 to help FFAA run highly individualized education and lobbying campaigns targeting conservative senators in 11 states, to provide both personal and public pressure and achieve the 60 senate votes needed to pass the Equality Act.
Here are some recent victories and highlights from Freedom for All Americans, thanks in part to funding from CREDO members:
FFAA has been working all-out to demonstrate broad, nonpartisan public support for federal LGBTQ nondiscrimination protection, as well as on organizing constituents and surrounding persuadable center-right senators (whose votes will be needed to pass such legislation) with media and constituent voices making the case for why such federal protections are needed and how they grow out of our shared American values.
Over the course of 2021, FFAA has succeeded in organizing more than 180 meetings of constituents with senators and/or their staffers, or individuals close to these senators, in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia.
FAAEF has also engaged consultants in 10 states and worked with partners to identify key individuals, leadership of organizations, businesses or associations who have relationships with those they were trying to reach. This included outreach to GOP party officials in North Carolina; members of a West Virginia senator’s family; former Pennsylvania elected officials; municipal leaders in Indiana; state legislative leadership in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah and West Virginia; Chamber of Commerce leaders in Nebraska; and the head of the Ohio Business Roundtable.
As part of this work, FFAA has also engaged key constituencies, building a national veterans list with 6 organizational signers and more than 500 veterans supporting nondiscrimination protections from all key states supporting nondiscrimination protections. In Alaska, Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia the group released faith leaders lists with key leaders, bishops and clergy leaders included. In Florida, the campaign released a list of more than 20 businesses supporting nondiscrimination protections—including almost all of the major league sports teams (notably World Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Lightning). Currently, FFAA is engaging service providers in statements across the country.
The group has added new stories to its Faces of Freedom unbranded story bank, which now has 500 stories/storytellers, with stories from every state in the U.S. making a powerful case for federal protections.
Two of its most recent storytellers are featured below:
More than 175 media pieces growing out of our work have been tracked in 2021. Key recent highlights include:
- Alaskans throw support behind federal LGBTQ protection: This news piece came as a result of an editorial board meeting with the Juneau Empire, featuring GOP electeds, faith leaders, and leaders of direct service organizations who signed on to this open letter to their Senators.
- Guest Opinion: Toomey must act to secure equal rights for LGBTQ Americans: This Op-Ed came from a pastor at Mount Calvary Lutheran in the conservative region of Erie, PA.
- Local View: It’s time to protect all: An Op-Ed from a transgender Nebraska Veteran.
- It’s time to honor all veterans by finally passing federal protections for transgender Americans: A piece from a North Carolina Veteran in Military Times.
- LGBTQ military veterans deserve equal protections under the law: A piece from a Navy veteran
While the Equality Act has not yet been brought for a vote, the numbers above illustrate how FFAA has moved the needle toward successful passage of the bill by lifting up community voices and demonstrating powerful, diverse support—including from conservatives, religious leaders, and businesses.
If you’d like to learn more or get involved with Freedom for All Americans’ important work, please visit their website, or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Posted on February 16, 2022
The Brennan Center for Justice is defending our democracy, thanks to CREDO members
American democracy faces unprecedented attacks. Our partners at the Brennan Center for Justice believe the best way to defend our democracy is to strengthen it. The organization works to craft and advance a transformative reform agenda — solutions that aim to make our democracy work for all.
In July 2021, CREDO members voted to distribute $58,710 to support the Brennan Center in its advocacy for real democracy reform, fight against voter suppression tactics, and work for a fair justice system — through in-depth research, top-notch litigation, and bold solutions. In total, CREDO has donated nearly $400,000 to support the group’s important democracy work.
Here are some recent victories and new projects of the Brennan Center, thanks to funding from CREDO members:
Victory against partisan gerrymandering
Recently in Ohio, the state supreme court struck down the Ohio Redistricting Commission’s new legislative maps after a challenge by community groups and voters represented by the Brennan Center and Reed Smith. The commissions’ deeply partisan maps favored Republicans in violation of the state constitution.
Voting Laws Roundup in the news
The group’s Voting Rights Roundup has been used by media outlets and other organizations to track the disturbing number of new legislation proposed (and enacted) that would make voting more difficult to accomplish, especially for communities historically disenfranchised from the vote.
As of December 2021, the group’s Roundup noted that 19 states have enacted 34 laws that will negatively impact voting, including laws that criminalize such actions as passing water to voters waiting in long lines, or providing information on options for mail-in voting. The Roundups will continue into 2022 and will now track legislation that threatens the integrity of the electoral process.
New voting rights projects
Since receiving the grant, the Brennan Center’s main priority – passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act – suffered the setback of a frustrating and disappointing Senate vote. While the organization will continue to fight for federal legislative action, its work to fight back against voter suppression in the states, including through litigation when necessary, continues.
The group has also launched a new program focused on the courts, particularly state courts and state constitutions — which are now even more critical to ensuring civil, social, and voting rights in the wake of both a conservative turn in the highest court, and continued attacks on democratic processes.
If you’d like to learn more or get involved with the Brennan Center’s important work, please visit their website, or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
