So you just got home from the protest, now what?
There are other ways to get involved with a movement that go beyond just going to a protest to show your solidarity. Under the current presidential administration, when law enforcement officials are arresting and killing protesters in broad daylight, it’s crucial to not take your foot off the gas and continue to put pressure on your representatives to further the message.
No matter your cause, whether it be ICE Out, BLM, the Gaza genocide, or No Kings it’s important to have your voice heard.
One big way to get involved is to stay informed.
Know what’s happening around you, local events, organizations, or grassroots movements. Keep up to date with your local news, whether it be The Collegian, Stocktonia, or The Record. It’s important to get factual stories and not spread misinformation.
It’s also important to know your rights. Make sure others around you do too. The Immigrant Legal Resource Center gives resources on how to order red cards and has a downloadable document available so you can make your own. Having a couple on your person to hand out or use when needed is a helpful way to aid your community.
Another way to help in Stockton and the ongoing ICE issue is by calling and reporting sightings of agents to the Valley Watch Network, (559) 206-0151. Be as precise on the location as possible and give as much information as you can.
Attending non-protest events is also a good way to show your support to your cause. The recent event by the Dreamer’s Center, where members of the campus community wrote letters to the detainees at the Stockton ICE detention center is one of many events that you can attend to show support.
Be sure to keep up with events that are happening on campus and in town to see what you can do to help.
Calling or emailing your representative is another good way to get your message through.
5 Calls is a non profit that helps you get connected with your representative to tell them about whatever issue you are having. The organization gives you the number to call and a script to follow to make it as easy as possible.
For example, 5 Calls has a guide on how to call to keep ICE out of your DMV data, and another one to help stop ICE from building camps in our state. These calls take less than 10 minutes to do each.
To find your representative you can also go to www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative to look up your congressmen. Stockton resides in District 9, and our representative is Josh Harder, and you can call him at (202) 225-4540.
California’s U.S. Senators are Alex Padilla, (202) 224-3553 and Adam Schiff, (202) 224-3841.
The most important way to help support your movement is by voting.
You have until 15 days before an election to register to vote, and the upcoming deadline is May 18 for the June primary election. You can double check that you are registered to vote, or sign up at https://registertovote.ca.gov. To register in person you can do so at the library, the DMV or the U.S. post office. Make sure you stay informed on elections and what is up on the ballot.
Your vote does matter and it is important to make sure it is heard.
