Six Policies and Petitions to Support Right Now

Many Americans want to know how they can support the anti-police-brutality protests taking place across the country. It’s important to know that there isn’t only one way to do so.

Some feel called to put their bodies on the front lines and directly confront the racist overpolicing that landed us in this mess in the first place. Others who may have a degree of economic privilege are opening their wallets and giving to activist groups, whether it be donating money or supplies like water, snacks and masks.

Those who are unable to contribute in that manner can still make an impact—and while quarantined too. (No, it doesn’t involve posting black squares on Instagram or asking black friends how to fix racism—please don’t do that.) Simply adding your name to a petition or voting for progressive policies and candidates in upcoming elections makes your voice heard and, best of all, costs nothing. We hope you’ll take the time to support the initiatives below.

1. Support the passage of the HR40 Bill, also known as the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans

From slavery to the Black Wall Street massacre in 1921 to the redlining of neighborhoods in the 1960s to the job discrimination and over-incarceration of today, black Americans have been robbed of generations of wealth. By not providing reparations for these heinous human rights violations, the United State is perpetuating that original harm. The key organizations that you can support here are the ACLU, Human Rights Watch and the NAACP.

2. Agitate for criminal justice reform in your community

If you haven’t watched 13th by Ava DuVernay, then update your quarantine Netflix queue right now. America’s prison-industrial complex is basically a state-sanctioned continuation of slavery, another means of keeping black and brown populations oppressed. By ending mandatory minimums, advocating for pretrial reformand fair labor practices for prisoners, you can help mitigate the negative impacts of over-incarceration in your community. The key orgs to support are the Marshall Project, Chicago Community Bond Fund and Community Justice Exchange National Bail Fund Network.

3. Educate yourself on voter suppression and how it disproportionately impacts people of color

Our president, a liar, has recently been extremely outspoken against mail-in ballots and early voting, tweeting that they could lead to increased voter fraud. Why does he hate the idea of Americans voting early or voting by mail so much, you might ask? Perhaps it’s because that’s how many black people, who are by majority Democrats, cast their votes. Black voters are more likely to take advantage of early voting, according to the ACLU. In 2008, 54 percent of African American voters in Florida, a key swing state, cast their ballots early. By blocking early voting, our government would effectively disenfranchise countless Americans. Be vocal in your support not only for early and mail-in voting, but also for removing barriers to voter registration and removing voter ID requirements. And don’t forget to register to vote yourself! Important organizations to back in this area are the ACLU and Stacey Abram’s Fair Fight.

4. Go to Color of Change and sign the various petitions being circulated in the wake of the protests

Color of Change is a racial justice organization that leads campaigns in support of black Americans. (Read an essay we published on criminal justice by its founder here.) The group’s petition calling for the three officers who stood by and witnessed George Floyd’s death to be arrested and charged was a success—the officers are now in police custody, charged with aiding and abetting murder. Color of Change is also pushing for the firing of the officers involved in the murder of Breonna Taylor and for the resignation of the Georgia district attorneys who failed to properly respond to the murder of Ahmaud Arbery.

5. Go to Change.org and sign petitions advocating for the end to deadly force in policing

Change.org is a platform used to start campaigns and mobilize supporters. It currently features a petition calling for justice for Tony McDade, a transgender black man shot to death by police in Tallahassee last week. Not many details have been released about his death, but what’s clear is that he didn’t deserve to be killed. The main purpose of this petition is awareness-raising; the murders of trans people of color rarely get attention, so don’t forget to share after you sign. Three other current petitions aim to end police violence: by banning the use of rubber bullets, banning the use of tear gas and prosecuting officers who kill unarmed civilians.

6. Sign and circulate this Black Lives Matter petition calling for the defunding of the police

Deadly and unnecessary force in policing must end now. The overmilitarization and disproportionate funding of police departments and our communities is a country-wide problem. According to the ACLU, 1.7 million students are in schools with cops, but no counselors. Three million students are in schools with cops but no nurses. Ten million students are in schools with cops and no social workers. Change starts with divesting from law enforcement and reinvesting in our communities. Petition your leaders to allocate a greater percentage of local budgets towards efforts that have been proven to reduce the need for law enforcement—such as education and youth programming, mental health services, community development and safe and affordable housing. By redirecting funds to public services, we can make our communities safer while decreasing police presence. Local groups are leading the charge here, such as local Black Lives Matter chapters, LA Community Action Network and Justice LA. Take time to learn about specific items on the ballot and the budget allocations affecting your community.

Regardless of how you choose to protest, whether it’s in front of your local police department, the mayor’s house or in front of your laptop, you must make yourself heard at a moment like this. Silence is no longer an option. Silence is complicity, and too many Americans have been quiet for too long. Even in a pandemic, there are countless ways to show up, do the work and save black lives.