Sexual assault, equal pay, and gun laws: Civic action to-do list for 4-9-18

3. Sexual Assault Awareness Month

We all deserve to live lives free from sexual violence. In April we honor Sexual Assault Awareness Month and bring attention to the scourge of sexual assault on college campuses, in workplaces, and in our daily lives. One out of every six women are victims of attempted or completed rape – behind these staggering statistics are millions of lives that are never the same. Participate in this year’s theme “Embrace Your Voice” and learn more about how you can show support for survivors of sexual assault and raise public awareness. 

2. Equal Pay Day

In 2018, it should go without saying that women deserve equal pay for equal work. However, on Tuesday the country will observe Equal Pay Day, the date that marks how long it takes a woman to earn the same as a man did in the previous year. While Equal Pay Day tomorrow highlights pay inequality for all women, Black women, Native women, and Latinas will have to wait until August 7th, September 27th, and November 1st, to reach their respective Equal Pay Day. One of the best ways to ensure equal pay is to increase transparency and make sure that pay gaps are reported, but the Trump Administration blocked a data collection effort to do just that. Join a Twitter storm at 2:00 p.m. (EST) on Tuesday or sign a petition to demand the government take action to tackle pay discrimination. You can also text the word PLEDGE to 21333 on your cell phone to reach your state legislators and demand pay equity. 

1. A change in gun laws or a change in leadership!

Ninety-three Americans die each day from gun violence. Bound to public pressure, state and federal legislators held 120 town halls over the weekend to hear from their constituents who are demanding action. While typically Congress doesn’t pass controversial legislation in election years, this year we need to let Congress know there will be consequences if they don’t act to protect our lives. With elections in November, we have the power to demand action or vote them out of office. Call your Senators and Representatives and tell that if they want to keep their jobs they must support an assault weapons ban and support closing the “boyfriend loophole” so no abuser is able to buy a gun.