Golden fights, moments and globes: January 2nd- 9th 2018

This is it, Teen Resisters! Our first list of 2018. Welcome. We're glad you're back. 2017 was a crazy year, and a lot of it was discouraging, but it was also the first full year of full on resistance, and we took a bully head on. We're ready to do the same in 2018, and we hope you are too (easily and accessibly, of course). So let's jump in. 
PS: Reminder that the TEENS RESIST PLAYLIST is up and is full of bops.

What went down

URGENT:
Sexual Predators, Harassment and Assault: Whoa, this is a hot-button topic. Actors and actresses at the 2018 Golden Globes wore black to stand up to sexual harassment and predatory behavior in the industry. Now we ask, what next? Particularly for male allies, wearing black isn't enough to truly combat a predatory culture. Similarly, there seems to be a trend on social media asking people to repost a single picture on their story saying they’re against rape. Its amazing to see that in this generation, most teens have strong political opinions, and Teens Resist is all about that and acting on them. This is what you can do:

• NUMBER ONE: Fight this in your everyday life. This one's for you male allies-- but also for anyone else that wants to make a change. We are all responsible for checking ourselves all the damn time. That means calling people out for saying damaging things, standing up to offensive "humor" (there is never a time, but especially not now for rape jokes), making sure to ensure that people only have to say "no" once in every sort of situation- because that stuff does affect things in the long run. Support women everywhere. Believe people when they tell you stories and be open to listening. Try to be an upstander at school and on public transportation. Put your money where your mouth is. And oh yeah, never harass someone or make them uncomfortable. If they say you're making them uncomfortable, stop. If they say no, stop. 
• Join the RISE movement (risenow.us). RISE is dedicated to working with multiple state legislatures and U.S. Congress to implement a sexual assault survivors’ bill of rights. By joining the movement, you can choose to help with research, accounting, fundraising, planning/ hosting an event, writing, etc. 
• Add your name to TIME'S UP's Letter of Solidarity by donating to their Legal Defense Fund. TIME'S UP was created by a fierce band of Hollywood women and addresses the systemic inequality and injustice in the workplace that have kept underrepresented groups from reaching their full potential. By partnerning with different advocates, they hope to change the face of corporate boardrooms and the C-suite. You can go to their website (timesupnow.com) to view their letter, but you can also follow their instagram @timesupnow 
• Check out the Sexual Violence Center! They have tons of helpful PSAs that will give you information about simple strategies you can use every day to help prevent sexual violence. 
• CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES! Go to the Teens Resist “Must-Haves” list and call the United States Capitol to be redirected to your senator or rep via your zip code. Use the “Basic Script” on the same tab and be sure to tell them to protect the right to fight workplace sexual harassment and create more legislation to protect women.

RISE founder Amanda Nguyen speaking at the 2017 Women's March

Net Neutrality: Wow. A lot has happened with Net Neutrality since we last spoke. Over 30 senators are now officially supporting legislation to reverse the FCC's decision on Net Neutrality. Which means: your calls worked! But there's still more to do. For a sure senate vote, we need 51 senators supporting it. 
What you can do: If you're new to Net Neutrality or want to continue acting out, use our guide from last month to help. It has everything (everything) you need!!

courtesy of Vice

Sessions' Marijuana Criminalization: Attorney General Jeff Sessions "took steps to further criminalize marijuana use" this week, according the the ACLU. People prosecuted for use of marijuana, a minor drug, have the potential to be jailed and mistreated for this small crime. Additionally, pot crimes disproportionally affect people of color. According to the ACLU, "Black people and white people use marijuana at similar rates but Black people are four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession." The organization's Jesselyn McCurdy explains that "marijuana criminalization negatively affects eligibility for public housing and student financial aid, employment opportunities, child custody decisions, and immigration status... Yesterday's decision further entrenches our country in racially biased, fiscally irresponsible, and morally wrong drug policy." 
What you can do: Sign this petition (LESS THAN 1 MINUTE) to tell Sessions that you're opposed to this: click here.
Call your reps (take that to mean Representatives or Republicans...)! 
Script: Hi, my name is _______ and I'm calling from _____. I'm calling to ask you to staunchly oppose the steps taken to further criminalize marijuana use. Criminalizing marijuana can be incredibly destructive to people's lives, especially people of color, the main victims of discriminatory legislation like this. Please do all you can to ensure this doesn't happen. Thank you.
Number: 202-244-3121

Clean DREAM Act: The push for a clean DREAM Act has continued. DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is an imperative program that protects undocumented immigrants who were brought here as children (under 16). Known as Dreamers, these people (some of whom are now in their 20s and have children) are able to get jobs and financial aid for college as well as live without fear of being deported. These children had no say over whether they were brought here or not and they have grown up in America and contribute immensely to our society. All of the benefits DACA provides will be no more if, come March, DACA is repealed. But good news! A Dream Act of 2017 is in the works. A bipartisan bill, it will work to make sure that DACA recipients have an easy path to citizenship, and in the meantime, won't live in fear of deportation. We need to be pushing this bill right now-- time is running out.
What you can do: Are you a NYC student free tomorrow evening? Good news! There's a rally at Chuck Schumer's Midtown office (near the Grand Central Stop) from 5:30 to 7:30 for a clean DREAM Act. Click here for more info.
There's things to do from everywhere, however: 
- Call your reps! FWD (dreamers.fwd.us/daca-ending-call) provides a great way to call your senators in support of the Dream Act. Not a fan of their script? Check out ours via the Must-Have List.

Puppy Vid of Week: ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezsxd16BtI4
xoxoxo,
​tr