For this edition of the Resistance Roundup, we’re once again shining the light on the elected officials who are stepping up to lead and keep our communities safe and healthy. Why? Because through their leadership we will get through this pandemic and heal our communities.

Here’s what a few of our alumni and other #PeopleLikeUs in office have done recently:

We speak up against wrongdoing: U.S. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was among many leaders and organizations (including NAL), calling for authorities to take action to correct systemic violence in light of the murder of Ahmaud Arbery.

Others in our network demanding justice for Ahmaud Arbery include Georgia State Representative and NAL National Policy Advisor Bee Nguyen, Georgia State Representative Sam Park, Arizona State Representative Isela Blanc, and Samelys Lopez.

Representative Bee Nguyen recently went on CNN to discuss Georgia re-opening some businesses in the state.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero expressed concern over Arizona Governor Doug Ducey’s recent decision to open retail stores, hair salons, dine-in restaurants, and other businesses despite the state’s growing number of coronavirus cases.

New York State Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz is looking out for undocumented immigrants in her community and making sure DACA recipients know they need to renew their status. “I think if we are going to call ourselves a sanctuary city, we have to wear the pants and protect immigrants the way they deserve,” she said.

Jessica González-Rojas is continuing to meet the needs of her community during the COVID-19 pandemic by spearheading a phone banking effort to check in on residents in Queens, New York, and offer help to those who need it.

U.S. Congresswoman Grace Meng highlighted the impact that COVID-19 is having on Filipino Americans on National Nurses Day, as they disproportionately represent many of the nurses on the frontlines of this pandemic.

U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar called out the devastating impact coronavirus is having on our communities and the root causes behind so much of the pain, highlighting the need for a democracy of, by, and for the people.

Philadelphia City Councilmembers Helen Gym, Kendra Brooks, and Jamie Gauthier introduced a package of six bills to protect both renters and landlords, with the goal of preventing a coronavirus-induced wave of homelessness.

ICYMI:

From moving all of our trainings online to calling out white nationalism, inequity, and far-right extremism (e.g., denouncing the recent armed protest at the Michigan capitol), it has been a busy time at NAL.

Here are a couple highlights:

We recently wrapped up our four-day Boss Ladies training with IGNITE National to prepare young women of color to serve as campaign staff on races across the country. Close to 100 women joined us via Zoom and committed to shake up politics as usual. We can’t wait to see what they do next!

Our founder and president Sayu Bhojwani discussed the impact that Trump’s new immigration policies will have on our communities during interviews with WNYC and WBAI Radio.

One of the things this pandemic has taught us is that we need more people who have been close to the pain to serve in positions of power. They are the ones who will fight for resources, shine a light on racism, and champion policies that create a more just, inclusive democracy. We’re committed to training more of these leaders our democracy needs.

That’s why on Tuesday, we participated in #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving to help those impacted by coronavirus. We were blown away by the amazing support of the NAL Network and are so grateful for everyone’s ongoing work and belief in our movement. It was a joy to see so many of you during our first-ever virtual NAL happy hour! Thank you for your support on Tuesday and for always standing with #PeopleLikeUs!

Remember: Although we are physically distant, we are stronger together and always just a call, message, or post away. We’re in this together.

Stay healthy and safe!

The NAL Team