The Work of Freedom is Not Finished - Action Alert, June 22, 2026

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"It is our greatest inheritance, the story of America at its best, because it reflects a basic faith in the decency of our fellow citizens, and the possibility that despite all of our differences, we can see each other and understand one another and make common cause together." -- Barack Obama, June 18, 2026

At last week's opening of the Obama Presidential Center, both Barack and Michelle offered soaring reminders of the long struggle to perfect our far from perfect union - and a powerful call to action. If you've not yet seen both speeches, do yourself a favor and watch. Important fuel for the fight ahead.

Voting Rights Under New Threats

Despite a week in which the Trump administration's head-spinning losses multiplied -- from the deeply unpopular cage fight, the Kennedy Center re-renaming, the absurd comedy of the reflecting pool's algae, and the already unraveling Iran "peace deal" -- it increasingly seems this president is no longer concerned about his plunging popularity with voters and is simply intent on consolidating his power. As this recent overview of state elections since Trump took office indicates, there is every reason to have hope for a strong blue wave in November. These same facts are not lost on the current occupant of the White House and his allies, who are moving in several ways to undermine the midterm elections.

We can win back both the House and Senate in November, but only if we protect all Americans' right to vote. Action items for this week:

Protect National Vote-by-Mail. At the President's direction, the US Postal Service has issued new, national rules for absentee and mail-in ballots. This likely illegal new rule would create confusion and practical barriers for eligible voters using mail ballots. While formal legal challenges work their way through the courts, take advantage of the required public comment period and tell the USPS NO.
Don't Let Rick Scott Sell the SAVE Act. Despite the Senate's proven unwillingness to pass the unpopular SAVE Act, Trump has once again demanded they reconsider. Our Senator Rick Scott is urging a yes vote (scroll down to the video). Email or call both Senators Scott and Moody and oppose this deeply un-democratic legislation.
Join the JAX Juneteenth Rally for Voting Rights. Monday, June 22 at 5 pm, City Hall. Sponsored by Northside Coalition, NAACP, Black Lives Matter, & JCAC.

Protect Our Privacy - and More

When you're calling our Members of Congress this week, several other important issues deserve your attention. Now is the perfect time to contribute your voice to the ongoing battle to reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. As detailed in this excellent Brennan Center overview, Section 702 of FISA permits the NSA to target the communications of almost any foreigner abroad without an individualized court order. This surveillance of foreign nationals inevitably also gathers up the phone calls, emails, and texts of Americans. Though Congress and the FISA courts have tried to limit the government's access to the US side of these communications, the government has often violated those limits. Past abuses include exploring the communications of Black Lives Matter protesters, journalists, political commentators, and US Government officials.

For over a decade, there's been strong bipartisan support for making the government get a warrant before accessing Americans’ communications collected under Section 702. The House has passed such a measure twice. When polled, 76% of Americans favor this reform.

Despite pressure from Trump to vote for reauthorization of the bill without these needed safeguards, enough House Republicans opposed the measure last week that FISA has now lapsed. As House and Senate continue to debate FISA reauthorization, click here to send Indivisible's prepared letter to Senators Moody & Scott urging them to protect Americans' civil liberties, or write your own and while you're at it, remind our Senators to also oppose the nominations of

Todd Blanche for Attorney General (5 Calls script)
Bill Pulte as even temporary Director of National Intelligence (5 Calls)

Shine a Light on This Sneak Attack

In his continuing efforts to implement Project 2025's assault on the normal functioning of government, Russell Vought's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed a new rule to regulate all federal grants that would fundamentally change how research is funded in America. While this would affect federal support across all kinds of topic areas -- from defense to NASA to housing and education -- it could potentially be most destructive to health care research by stripping away the independence that has protected science from becoming a political tool. Read more about this dangerous new rule and how to effectively challenge it. Then take advantage of the Public Comment period (now to July 13). If you or a family member have ever benefited from a new drug, a clinical trial, a novel treatment, share your story now.

More Local Action This Week

Tuesday, June 23 - School Board Forum. 6-7:30 PM, 3503 N. Pearl St, JAX. Hear the priorities and views of the candidates running for Duval School Board in Districts 2,4, and 6. RSVP here .
Thursday, June 25 - Florida Legislative Briefing. Equal Ground is sponsoring this nonpartisan review of how new laws and decisions will impact the lives of ordinary Floridians - especially Black and other underrepresented communities. RSVP here.
Saturday, June 27 - Celebrate 250 Years of American Struggle. For 250 years, generations of heroes have fought to make this country live up to its ideals. Workers fought for dignity. Women fought for equality. Civil rights leaders fought for justice. Immigrants fought for opportunity. LGBTQ+ communities fought for the freedom to live openly and authentically. As we celebrate 250 years of this fight for freedom, we know very well the work is not finished. Join us at 9:30 a.m. at the St. Johns Town Center (in front of Wells Fargo} as we demand people over profit, democracy over oligarchy, and an America that works for all of us. RSVP here.

We Said No to ICE Recruitment Here!

BAM members joined other activist groups outside the Prime Osborne Convention Center last week to protest a two-day job fair sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security. It's sad that in the richest country in the world, people can't find jobs that offer a living wage without resorting to options that force them to turn on their neighbors. Thanks to everyone who came out, marched, chanted, and sang out!

RAISE HOTLINE: 1-888-600-5762

Have you recently seen, interacted with, been detained, or know someone impacted by ICE? Call the hotline. Alert local Legal Observers and connect detainees with assistance and resources. Email us to learn more about how you can help!