Welcome to Dispatch #39! In this Action & Resources issue we’ll be sharing the story of Corita Kent, an artist-activist & nun who used her art to bridge pop culture and politics, three calls-to-action to participate in now, five content pieces worth consuming, a new program from aspiring writers, new resources, and more!
Scroll down to find an interview our good friend Michael Mezz from Better Future Media recently conducted with Rob Hopkins, co-founder of the Transition Network, about the need to cultivate radical imagination when tackling the climate crisis. He reminds us that “one of the most important gifts we can give our imagination is to fill it with stories of the incredible things happening around the world.” To us the same goes for all social movements, not just the climate movement. We’ve often written about the need to not only learn about what's wrong, but also who is taking action today and imagining a better tomorrow so that we can both resist and build something better for all of us. This is the work that makes civic education, independent journalism, and artists so critical in movement building. Check out the interview, and more, below!
PS: For our Advocate-level and up members ($10/mo+), please keep an eye on out for a follow-up email with our first Quarterly Content Vote to help us choose topics we will cover in our Deep Dives over the next few months!
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Easy Actions to Take
⏱~3min | (Worldwide) Write government officials and demand Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Ávila be released from Israeli custody
Why: Israel took two humanitarians — a Swedish-Spanish-Palestinian and a Brazilian — from international waters in the Greek SAR zone to occupied Palestine and are reportedly being tortured while in Israeli custody. The other 173 crew were released to Greece. Demand Spain, Sweden, Brazil, Greece and the European Parliament act now. Organized by Global Sumud Flotilla
⏱~3min | (Worldwide) Send accuracy complaints to 6 media outlets who have misrepresented Israel’s bombing of Lebanon and ceasire fire violations
Why: Western headlines call Israeli strikes on Lebanon 'amid' or 'despite' a ceasefire. Lebanon, the UN and Al Jazeera call them what they are: violations. Demand accurate, agentive language because these headlines shape how the world perceives Israel’s actions. Organized by Newscord
⏱~3min | (US only) Oppose the ICE and CBP Budget Reconciliation Funding Bill
Why: The Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security committees have released the proposed text of the Republican budget reconciliation bill. It provides $38.2 billion for ICE, $26 billion for CBP, and $1 billion for “security” related features of Trump’s ballroom. The committees may do markups on the text to make changes during the week of May 11th before it goes to the full Senate for a vote. Organized by 5Calls
