Take Action Against Trump
Over the past two weeks, we’ve heard concerns from many of our members about how the upcoming Trump presidency threatens their ability to live and work safely; concerns about the disturbing rise in hate crimes since the election; and energy but uncertainty about how to take action. We want to assure all of our members that your union is here for you as a strong advocate — if you experience or witness discrimination, if you feel threatened or unsafe, or if you are worried about your or your family’s future, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
We are also strongly dedicated to taking meaningful action to advocate for progressive and lasting protections of our members’ rights. In the upcoming weeks, there are a number of ways you can join us in taking action:
- On Wednesday, our Political and Racial Justice Working Groups convened a joint meeting to discuss building a mobilization plan. Some of the key issues discussed include: immigration, hate crimes, LGBTQ+ rights, Native American sovereignty & treaties, reproductive rights, climate & science policy, mass incarceration, voting rights, and more. We’ll meet again to continue planning on Wednesday, November 30 from 10:30-11:30am in Research Commons Red C — please join us! Call-ins welcome. Contact uaw4121@uaw4121.org for more information.
- Sign on to this letter, urging President Cauce to make the University of Washington a sanctuary campus.
- Sign on to our pledge to take action.
- Join us for the Black Lives Matter rally and march on Black Friday (11/25) beginning at Westlake Park. If you’re out of town and can’t make it in Seattle, demonstrations will also be held in Portland and New York. We also encourage you to boycott shopping on Black Friday, or to shop only at local POC businesses.
Celebrating Trans Activism in Washington
Thursday night, members of our Trans Equity Working Group joined other trans activists and allies in the region for the 2016 Gender Justice Awards. The Trans Equity Working Group was a finalist for the Mobilization Award, in recognition of all of the amazing work they’ve done over the past year to advocate for trans-inclusive health care, bathroom equity, and a trans-inclusive labor movement. Please join us in congratulating the Trans Equity Working Group! If you’re interested in getting involved, email trans-equity@uaw4121.org.
Sunday 11/20 was also Trans Day of Remembrance. Last year, our Trans Equity Working Group sent out this letter, which we encourage you to revisit or read for the first time. Finally, Gender Justice League, Q-Law Legal Foundation, and the King County Bar Association will be holding a legal clinic on Wednesday 11/30 for anyone in need of support with name and/or gender marker changes.
In Solidarity,
Theresa Aliwarga
Douglas Avella-Castro
Andrea Canini
Anthony Castanza
Ying-Yu Chen
Monica Cortes Viharo
Kristen Garofali
Arshiya Hoseyni Chime
Katya Kolesova
Dylan Mayer
Elizabeth Mills
Chelsea Pagan
David Parsons
Michelle Pham
Shua Sanchez
Viral Shah
Sam Sumpter
Arash Tarkhan
Judy Twedt