Balancing Taking Action & Your Mental Health

Good Morning, Dear Community, 

There are so many ways you can participate in today’s shutdown that it might feel overwhelming. Your nervous system might even feel like it’s in a shutdown of its own, so we thought we’d share something you could do today and still protect your mental health. 

It only takes about five minutes of your time. 

First off, will you pause and take a deep breath with us? In through your nose, slow and strong, sigh it out through your mouth. 

You got this. 

Stop scrolling, take a break from social media, and visit whosmyrep.org to enter your ZIP code and see the representatives in your area. 

This morning, we’re reaching out to Senator Padilla here in California. We’re going to use the contact form listed on his website, and we’re including this text. 

Here’s the letter we’re sending. Feel free to read/use our letter in its entirety or to create your own:

Hi [Representative/Office],

My name is [your name], and I'm a constituent from [city, state, zip code]. I am writing to urge [Representative Name] to use all available procedures to move us toward defunding the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE).

The recent violent actions by masked ICE agents are only the latest documentation of a longstanding truth:

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency does NOT aim to serve or protect the American people.

This agency has been able to act with impunity, emboldened by the current administration to terrorize American cities, kill United States Citizens, and kidnap innocent children. They have ignored communities exercising their First Amendment rights. They have targeted, harmed, and killed community members who have come together to protect one another. They have celebrated the fear and terror they are spreading in our neighborhoods.

As a constituent of [Representative Name] and a United States Citizen, I demand real oversight, accountability, and enforcement for both the agents on the ground and the leaders giving them their orders. DHS, CBP, ICE, and all government agencies and leaders are NOT above the law.

I expect [Representative Name] to vote NO on any bill that continues this harmful, lawless, and taxpayer-funded terror, and to do everything in their power to accurately represent the demands of the communities being harmed.

[You can add a personal note here.] 

Thank you,

[Your Name]

Remember, there’s no one way to help, and everyone is needed. 

Take care of yourselves out there!