Monday, June 15th 2020  

#OURPOWER is in our numbers. In just ONE week, you drove nearly 15,000 calls to defund the police and stand with the Black Lives Matter movement. Youth lobbyists also lobbied with 40+ members of congress to fund community-based violence intervention programs. Stay plugged in to Our Power with this newsletter!

We're still fighting. 

Your social feeds might be returning to normal. Don't let it. 

For the last two weeks, we have taken every opportunity to educate ourselves and join the fight in the streets or digitally to stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Our organizers, State Directors, volunteers, and city leads are still handing out water bottles and masks at protests across the country. We're still organizing digital phonebanks to call our supporters and get them to join. We're still demanding change from our elected officials. 

The fight goes on, even if your Twitter timeline is ignoring the growing number of people who are protesting. We're still here, and if you want to join us, click some of the links below. 

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🚨 Direct Actions 

• This guide has everything you need to know to support the Black Lives Matter movement
• Send a pre-written letter to your government officials and council members demanding the reallocation of the police budget towards social services
• Practice self care with this guide for Black organizers.
• As always, pay attention to your community organization's local actions.

📅 Upcoming Events

• TODAY June 15th @7:00PM EST- MFOL Texas is hosting an Our Power: Power Hour- two hours of trainings, musical guests, and thrilling guest speakers! RSVP HERE.
• Tuesday June 16th @7PM EST- MFOL Georgia is hosting a phonebank demanding justice for Jayvis Benjamin. We will be making calls demanding his resignation of the Chief of the Avondale Estates Police Department and immediate indictment for his murder. RSVP HERE. 
• Wednesday June 17th @4PM EST Phonebank with MFOL Philly before they vote on next year's budget. Lets make sure violence intervention programs are funded. RSVP HERE.
• Tuesday June 30th PowerUp+: Every Voice is Heard. What does it mean to build an inclusive movement? How do you be an ally? What can you do to make sure that you're centering the voices of impacted communities and building a safe space for people of all backgrounds? How can we uplift leaders of color in activism? You'll walk away with a better understanding of privilege and how it can affect movements. RSVP HERE.

COVID-19 Resources

As a reminder, all chapter activities in-person are still suspended until further notice. During this strange time, it’s important to create networks of mutual support. Here’s some resources that grassroots organizers have compiled.

• Resources for Students
• Demands from grassroots organizers
• MFOL mental health resources

If you have any feedback or would like to recommend someone for the spotlight, just reply to this email or your Regional Organizing Director.