Posted on April 12, 2019
Victory: House passes Violence Against Women Act
Activism works! Thanks in part to CREDO members who recently generated more than 144,000 petition signatures, the House of Representatives passed the Violence Against Women Act after years of obstruction by Donald Trump’s Republican minions in Congress.
Congress first passed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in 1994 and reauthorized it three times with bipartisan support. But Trump Republicans are not really interested in protecting women. In 2013, they tried to play games around reauthorization because they opposed protections for LGBTQ people, immigrants, and Native Americans. But with massive pressure from CREDO members and our allies, Democratic champions gained the bipartisan support they needed to pass VAWA.
We unleashed the same grassroots pressure to get this latest version of VAWA approved in the House of Representatives. Rep. Sheila Jackon Lee’s VAWA legislation improves on previous versions and would:
- Bar evictions of survivors based on the actions of their abusers.
- Prohibit people with dating violence or stalking convictions from possessing firearms.
- Improve access to federal crimes databases for Native American women and affirm tribal criminal jurisdiction in cases where the assailant is not a member of the tribe.
- Strengthen protections against online harassment.
- Expand protections for LGBTQ survivors.
The legislation now moves to the Senate, which is why we need to keep up the fight. CREDO and our allies will be mobilizing again in the coming weeks to make sure Mitch McConnell and Republican leaders pass the reauthorization legislation. Survivors can’t wait any longer for Congress to do the right thing.
Posted on April 11, 2019
Victory: Maryland passes clean energy jobs legislation
Victory! Both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly recently passed – by veto-proof margins – a landmark clean energy and jobs bill that will put the state on a path to 100% renewable energy by 2040.
More than 1,000 CREDO activists signed a petition and helped make this victory possible by joining a coalition effort led by state and local organizations in Maryland.
Once enacted, the Clean Energy Jobs Act will:
- Require Maryland to ensure that 50% of its electricity is sourced from renewable energy by 2030, extending the state’s current mandate of 25 percent by 2020.
- Fund small, minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses in clean energy.
- Provide millions of dollars to workforce development programs, creating thousands of jobs and making the state a national leader in renewable energy.
- Cut carbon emissions equivalent to taking 1.7 million cars off the road each year.
- Generate hundreds of millions of dollars in annual economic benefits to the state.
As our allies at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network put it, this victory “was made possible by an immense grassroots push in the final weeks of session.” Many thanks to our CREDO members in Maryland and our environmental allies on the ground who are fighting climate change in Maryland.
Posted on April 11, 2019
Victory: Congress votes to end U.S. involvement in Yemen
Victory! Thanks to hundreds of thousands of CREDO activists and allies who raised their voices to fight back against the war in Yemen and helped bring an end to this horrible humanitarian crisis, Congress voted to end U.S. involvement in Yemen.
With massive U.S. support, Saudi Arabia waged war in Yemen for more than three years, resulting in around 50,000 direct casualties of violence and more than 113,000 children – 130 a day – dying of malnutrition and preventable disease. The United States provided the Saudis with weapons and logistical and intelligence support and helped refuel coalition jets as Saudi Arabians dropped bombs on Yemeni civilians under the guise of confronting Iran, which has limited ties to Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
While Donald Trump could still veto the resolution – as he remains dangerously cozy with the Saudi regime – this action by both houses of Congress sends a clear message that Trump’s warmongering is unacceptable, and the responsibility for the atrocities and heart-wrenching death toll occurring in Yemen fall squarely on Trump himself.
Posted on April 5, 2019
CREDO Tips: Why your apps are tracking your location and how to limit them
If you’re like most Americans, you reach for your phone within the first hour of waking up. And that impulse to check your phone will continue throughout the day. Americans spend about over four hours on their smartphones, with 90 percent of that time on apps.
And those apps know you. In fact, they might know details about your life that even you can’t recall. For example, do you remember where you were at 6:53 p.m. on Thursday, March 7? Your cell phone does.
And it’s happy to share that info with as many as 100 companies or more.
Cell phone app companies sell your location data to advertisers and other organizations
The buying and selling of location-based advertising are estimated to have brought in over $21 billion in 2018.
It might be uncomfortable to think that your cell phone behavior is being sold, but it also provides one of the most appreciated aspects of a digitally connected life – convenience. Selling that data is often how your phone is able to ping you about the best bowl of clam chowder in town when you’re near the restaurant that serves it.
Can your cell phone data identify who you are?
Location data is generally thought to be anonymous and not tied to any one person. And, to be fair, the location data apps collect is not tied to a person’s name or phone number. However, a New York Times article illustrated how location data can easily be used to identify individuals by anyone who has access to the raw data. That would likely be employees of the company and potentially hackers if those companies are comprised.
What sort of information can be obtained from reviewing your location data files?
There is a startling amount of information contained in your phone’s location files. For example, if you visited a therapist, your phone would have the date, time, and location of your visit. Frequent a marijuana dispensary? Yup, your phone contains that information too.
To get a great perspective on what your phone knows about you, check out Google Maps’ new feature called Timeline. Google says Timeline allows you to “rediscover the places you’ve been and the routes you’ve traveled in your timeline.” Theoretically, your Timeline is only visible to you, and you can delete places, days, or your history. But a quick glimpse shows you that Google Maps has an intimate understanding of where you go, what you do, and what’s important to you.
You can turn location services off on both iPhone and Android devices, but it’s not always a straightforward process. Moreover, turning location services off can impede the performance of the app you are using.
How to limit location tracking
When you download an app, it usually asks for permission to access certain data or features on your phone. It might request access to your camera, contacts, microphone, location, or any other number of things. If it doesn’t make sense for the app to require that information, select “deny.” Many apps, particularly game apps, will download and function just fine without those permissions. However, some apps will not function properly unless you grant them full permission.
To check app permissions for apps that you’ve already downloaded, do the following:
iPhone:
- Open Settings
- Select Privacy
- Select Location Services
You can then choose to grant location tracking always, when you are using the app, or never.
Android:
- Select Settings
- Select Apps
- Tap the three dots on the upper right-hand corner of your screen
- Select App Permissions
- Select Location
- Deselect the apps you wish to rescind location tracking permissions from
The case for going with the location data flow
Cell phone apps make life’s chores and tasks effortless. Google maps not only provides directions but also alerts you to traffic conditions, searches for faster routes, and suggests where to stop for a bite to eat or a much-needed pit stop. Countless apps alert you to sales at shops you may be near or even provide coupons for the grocery store you happen to be shopping at. Those are real-time benefits you experience because of location tracking.
Ultimately, you need to determine what your priority is: convenience or privacy. As the old saying goes, you can’t always have your cake and eat it too. And so it is with cell phone apps’ location data, privacy, and convenience.
Posted on April 1, 2019
Watch now: Planned Parenthood President thanks CREDO members
On Feb. 26, Dr. Leana Wen, Planned Parenthood’s new president, joined us at the CREDO office for a special interview to talk with CREDO Action Co-Director Heidi Hess about the fight for reproductive rights in the Trump era.
During her visit, Dr. Wen took a moment to thank CREDO members for their activism and support of Planned Parenthood and reproductive rights. As one of Planned Parenthood’s largest corporate donors, CREDO has given nearly $3.5 million to the organization, which has only been possible because of the incredible loyalty of our members who use our products and services every day.
Please take a moment to watch this short video of Dr. Wen’s visit.
Recap: Interview with Planned Parenthood President Dr. Leana Wen
#TBT to our live Q&A with Planned Parenthood President Dr. Leana Wen. Keep checking our Facebook page to hear about more events like this!
Posted by CREDO Mobile on Thursday, March 28, 2019
Posted on April 1, 2019
Center for Biological Diversity, the National LGBTQ Task Force and Restaurant Opportunities Center thank CREDO members for their support
Each month, CREDO members vote on how we distribute funding to three incredible organizations. Those small actions add up – with one click, they help fund groups fighting for our environment, standing up for LGBTQ rights and the rights of workers and better wages. In March, over 51,000 CREDO members voted to distribute our monthly donation to the Center for Biological Diversity, the National LGBTQ Task Force and Restaurant Opportunities Center United.
These donations are made possible by CREDO customers and the revenue they generate by using our products and services. The distribution depends entirely on the votes of CREDO members like you. And for that, our March grant recipients thank you.
Center for Biological Diversity
“Thank you for your continued financial support of the Center for Biological Diversity and our work. Together, we continue to make a difference in defense of the planet.” To learn more, visit biologicaldiversity.org.
National LGBTQ Task Force
“Thank you for your support and partnership! CREDO members help the National LGBTQ Task Force build a future where everyone is free to be themselves. We are working hard to make sure all LGBTQ people and their families are counted on the 2020 census.” To learn more, visit thetaskforce.org.
Restaurant Opportunities Center United
“We deeply appreciate your support and solidarity! Generous CREDO members like you are so important in helping ROC United to transform the restaurant industry into a source of opportunity for all the people who cook, prepare and serve our food.” To learn more, visit rocunited.org.
Now check out the three groups we are funding in April, 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 and CREDO Energy and join our movement.
Posted on April 1, 2019
Vote to fund the Economic Policy Institute, Free Press Action Fund and the National Domestic Workers Alliance this April
Every month, CREDO members vote to distribute our monthly donation among three great progressive organizations. This April, you can help groups fighting for economic justice, net neutrality and workers’ rights by casting your vote for Economic Policy Institute, Free Press Action Fund and the National Domestic Workers Alliance.
Economic Policy Institute
The Economic Policy Institute brings the voices of working people to the table in the fight for economic justice. The organization produces research to help the progressive movement raise workers’ wages and protect critical services for working families.
Funding from CREDO members will help EPI quickly respond to critical policy debates with honest research and analysis that supports the progressive movement and restores worker power in today’s economy.
Free Press Action Fund
Free Press Action Fund fights for net neutrality, safe online spaces, racial justice and trustworthy local journalism.
Funding from CREDO members will help Free Press Action restore real net neutrality protections by working to pass the Save the Internet Act, challenging the FCC in court and organizing communities to fight for people’s digital civil rights.
National Domestic Workers Alliance
The National Domestic Workers Alliance is the leading voice for respect, dignity and rights for domestic workers across the United States. Its movement is led by women working as nannies, house cleaners and care workers, many of whom are women of color and immigrants.
CREDO funding will help NDWA fight for the rights of domestic workers across the country – including passing a National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights for the first time in history.
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 April 30.
CREDO members who use our products and services everyday are the reason why we are able to make these donations each month. Learn more about CREDO Mobile and CREDO Energy and join our movement
Posted on March 28, 2019
New Video: Interview with Working Families Party National Director Maurice Mitchell
On March 28, we were honored to host Working Families Party National Director Maurice Mitchell at CREDO headquarters for a special interview with CREDO Action Campaign Director Nicole Regalado, where they discussed harnessing grassroots political power to reclaim our democracy, transform our economy and save our planet.
If you missed the original broadcast, you can watch the recording of the event below, on our Facebook page or on YouTube.
WATCH LIVE: Interview with Working Families Party National Director Maurice Mitchell
Please join us for a special live interview with Working Families Party National Director Maurice Mitchell and CREDO’s Nicole Regalado who will discuss harnessing grassroots political power to reclaim our democracy, transform our economy and save our planet.
—via act.tv
Posted by CREDO Mobile on Thursday, March 28, 2019
Posted on March 26, 2019
Tuesday Tip: How to Stop Auto-Updates on an Android Cell Phone
We’ve all been there. In the midst of a discussion, you state a fact that your friend doubts. For example, you tell your friend that two U.S. presidents have been impeached. But your friend insists that number is three. Your debate won’t last long. In a matter of seconds, you both think the exact same thing: Google it. Welcome to 21st-century personal communication!
So you grab your phone and just as you swipe the screen, you see the dreaded “auto-updates in progress.” You won’t be Googling anything.
Your phone is stuck in cellular limbo. It’s undergoing the tedious-but-necessary process of updating its software. A process that can take up to an hour. Not exactly a short amount of time when you need your phone.
Why Updating your Phone’s Operating System and Apps is Important
Auto-updates can be a real nuisance, but updating your software is important. Software developers release new updates to fix problems – often security issues – and add new features. If you don’t update your software, you leave yourself vulnerable to cyber attacks and malfunctioning apps.
The question then isn’t if you should update your cell phone apps and software, the question is how and when.
How to Stop Auto-Updates on Android Phones
In order to stop auto-updates and control when and how your cell phone updates, you must first turn off auto-updates.
If you’re on an Android phone, you’re probably running the latest operating system (OS) called Pie. These instructions to stop auto-updates assume that is the case. Even if you aren’t running Pie, the steps outlined here can be used as a general guide to help you turn off auto updates.
Updating your auto-update settings can also be phone specific, but again, these instructions will provide a basic framework from which to start with.
How to Stop your Phone from Auto-Updating its OS:
- Swipe down from the top edge of your screen to reveal the quick settings menu.
- Tap the cog (also called ‘gear’) icon, which is usually in the upper right corner.
- Tap “Software Update” from the list of options.
- Deselect “Download updates automatically”.
- Make sure all options are deselected.
How to Stop your Google Play Store Apps from Auto-Updating:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- On the upper left side of the screen, tap the menu icon.
- Tap “Settings”.
- Tap “Auto-update apps”.
- Tap “Don’t auto-update apps”.
- Tap “Done”.
How to Manually Update Cell Phone Apps and Software
Now that you’ve turned off auto updates, you’ll want to make sure that you schedule a time to update your apps and software.
How to Manually Update your phone’s OS
- Swipe down from the top edge of your screen to reveal the quick settings menu.
- Tap the cog (also called ‘gear’) icon, which is usually in the upper right corner.
- Tap “Software Update” from the list of options.
- Tap “Manually update software”.
Your phone will now update to the latest version of the OS.
Tip: Restart your phone to ensure all updates are activated.
How to Manually Update Apps from the Google Play Store
- Open the Play Store app
- Tap the Menu icon
- Select “My apps and games”
- Apps with an update available are labeled “Update.”
- Tap “Update All” to update all apps.
- For individual apps, find the specific app you want to update and tap Update.
When to Update your Cell Phone’s Apps and Software
You can decide the best time to update your software. Some things to consider are data usage and convenience.
Save data – Update your apps when you’re connected to WiFi
If data use is a concern of yours, you can set your phone to only update when you’re connected to WiFi. This will ensure you don’t dip into your data plan to update your apps and software. It will also help speed up the updating process.
To only allow your phone to update when you’re connected to WiFi:
- Swipe down from the top edge of your screen to reveal the quick settings menu
- Tap the cog (also called ‘gear’) icon, which is usually in the upper right corner
- Tap “Software Update”
- Toggle “Auto download over WiFi” to On
To only allow apps to update when you are connected to WiFi:
- Open the Google Play Store app
- On the upper left side of the screen, tap the menu icon
- Select “Settings”
- Select Auto-update apps
- Select “Over WiFi only”
- Tap “Done”
Tip: In some cases, you may need to restart your device to update an app.
Make it Convenient
Choosing when to update also means that you can do so when it is most convenient for you. We recommend choosing a time when you won’t need your phone for about an hour. You’ll also need a few minutes extra to restart your phone after the update.
How to Schedule Auto-Updates on your Phone
When programming your phone to run automatic updates at a specified time, we recommend choosing a time when you won’t need your phone for about an hour.
- Swipe down from the top edge of your screen to reveal the quick settings menu
- Tap the cog (also called ‘gear’) icon, which is usually in the upper right corner
- Tap “Scheduled update”
- Toggle “Scheduled software updates” to On
- Select the time you would like your phone to run its auto updates.
Tip: Restart your phone to ensure all updates are activated.
Posted on March 15, 2019
Victory: FOX News will not host Democratic presidential debate
Victory! After more than 56,000 CREDO activists and allies signed the petition to demand that Democrats not legitimize hate-spewing FOX News with a presidential debate, the Democratic National Committee announced that it would not partner with FOX to host any primary debates.
FOX is a vile, hate-spewing, misogynist dumpster fire of an organization that sparks violence and serves as Donald Trump’s personal propaganda network while masquerading as a news company. Hosts and guests on Fox News offer a steady stream of racist rhetoric and paranoid conspiracy theories to keep Trump’s approval ratings high among his Republican base. The network has always stood for far-right extremism, but with Trump in power, the network is pumping up the hate and fear to new heights.
There was never any reason whatsoever to host a Democratic debate on FOX News, and we’re glad to see the DNC come to its senses. Activism works – so thank you for everything that you do to hold those in power accountable.
