What does Taking Informed Action mean to you

What does Taking Informed Action mean to you?

Taking Informed Action To use knowledge, skills, and perspectives to inquire about problems involved in public issues; � To deliberate with other people about how to define and address issues; � To take constructive, independent, and collaborative action through democratic strategies and procedures; � To utilize a variety of tools and innovative formats to promote action; � To reflect on these actions. �

Former CCHS students Taking Informed Action Examples

� Kathy R (2007) decided that the book Enrique’s Journey was important for people to read regarding immigration and economic conditions; collaborated with the teacher; wrote a grant proposal to the CCEF; was granted the money to purchase copies for all ICL and Native Spanish classes. The books were purchased the following year.

� California Dream Act AB 130 & AB 131 – Mitzi B. (2011) – organized a special assembly; special guest was undocumented student accepted into Harvard. Offered the names and addresses of elected officials urging a phone and writing campaign to pass legislation that helped undocumented students receive financial aid for college.

Taking Informed Action cont. � Voter Registration and Phone Banking – Voter Registration Foundation (non-profit) - Nick G. (2013) – organized phone banking sessions during lunch time for all students to participate and earn service learning credit.

Taking Informed Action cont. � California Death Penalty Moratorium – Proposition 34 - Erin H. (2012) - organized a structured academic discussion & presentation; included guest lawyer discussing the current laws and issues of the death penalty.

Taking Informed Action cont. � Environmental Racism – Erica W. (2010); organized a lecture/presentation and website for two social studies courses on how state and city policy affects the allocation of resources throughout communities of color.

Taking Informed Action cont. � American Red Cross – Policy on Gay Donors - Lauren C. (2010) - Urged members of Congress to lift the FDA restrictions on gay blood donors; included an online petition and letter to National Red Cross Headquarters.

Taking Informed Action cont. � Islamophobia – In response to 36 bills or amendments in 16 states designed to vilify Islamic religious practices - Sarah M. & Salina E. (2013) – made a documentary about Muslim stereotypes and organized a lecture on ways to combat negative images for several government courses and the Conflict Resolution course; provided resources to help support anti-Muslim legislation.

Taking Informed Action cont. � California AB-953 – Cesar P. (2014) urged state legislators and Gov. Jerry Brown to pass and sign the Racial Profiling law that requires police officers to collect racial data of individuals stopped; organized a panel discussion of police officers to discuss racial profiling; offered eligible voters resources for further inquiry and action on racial issues in law enforcement, including an online petition.

Taking Informed Action cont. � Ballona Wetlands Restoration Project – Andrew S. (2011)- volunteered with the Ballona Wetlands State Coastal Conservancy; started a CCHS student club and organized an awareness campaign; encouraged other students and community members to volunteer; and began a letter writing campaign urging city officials for greater funding.

Taking Informed Action cont. � Soccer Restrictions at CC Parks – Jose C. (2009) – arranged a meeting with the Parks & Recreation director to discuss the purposes of the restrictions for adult soccer activities; presented a multimedia presentation on restrictions and findings; collected letters from the community in support of lifting the restrictions; letters sent to City Council members.

Taking Informed Action cont. � Mineral Mining in the Congo – US Department of Labor - Afreen P. (2011) – organized a boycott of international companies that supported child labor in mining companies. Developed an informational website and offered links to sign online petitions to Congress.

30 Possible Actions � � � � � Write for a public audience. Present your ideas to a public forum. Use social media to circulate a message. Share ideas at an Open Mic event. Create a PSA and post-it. Share information from a survey, oral history, interview, etc. Create a wiki page. Create a webinar. Write a perform a soapbox speech. Exhibit learning to community members. Create a blog. Create an online resource on a topic. Participate in phone banking Volunteer for a political campaign. Create and distribute a leaflet. Organize a civics fair. Organize a fundraiser for a specific cause. � � � � Participate in a community meeting. Create a Twitter or Facebook campaign. Call an elected official to discuss an issue. Create a petition. Create an idea for legislation and present it to an elected official. Organize a boycott. Create a “kickstarter” to address a community need. Write a letter to an elected official. Participate or lead a voter registration campaign. Organize a flash mob with a specific message. Start a service organization in the community. Begin a new club on campus. Organize a town hall event with elected representatives and students.