Julie
@mellendamerell.bsky.social
Pro-abortion and pro-keeping all the books on the shelves for everyone. Mom to 2 grown-ups, spouse to another. Grand-something to 2 small humans, 1 dog, 1 cat. @aocchecklist volunteer
From the short linked passage: "History repeats when fear outweighs compassion. Learning from the past means choosing empathy over exclusion, safety over walls, and humanity over indifference."
The lessons of history remind us of the need to act with the same urgency and compassion now.
"From the Archives" ⤵️
"From the Archives" ⤵️
For 115 years, USCRI has documented injustice and defended the rights of people forced to flee. To mark our anniversary, we’re revisiting our archives, pairing historic reporting with present-day reflections on why these lessons still matter.
Learn more at https://bit.ly/4k4OLE2
Learn more at https://bit.ly/4k4OLE2
January 30, 2026 at 9:47 AM
From the short linked passage: "History repeats when fear outweighs compassion. Learning from the past means choosing empathy over exclusion, safety over walls, and humanity over indifference."
Want to do something? Lots of resources in this list: democracyforward.org/blog/support...
Support On-The-Ground Efforts in Minnesota
As events in Minnesota continue to unfold, violence against civilians grows, and yet another U.S. citizen was shot and killed by a federal agent, we are sharing a collection of resources and tools…
democracyforward.org
January 29, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Want to do something? Lots of resources in this list: democracyforward.org/blog/support...
Good news. People stepping in for each other.
When the simple act of leaving home no longer feels safe or reasonable, these local institutions in Minnesota are providing mutual aid to make sure people stay fed ⤵️
As DHS and ICE continue to target immigrant communities in Minneapolis and St. Paul, local institutions are stepping in to feed and assist those in need. Here is a list of organizations helping their neighbors in the Twin Cities. ⬇️
January 28, 2026 at 11:09 AM
Good news. People stepping in for each other.
I know the news is heavy. We can resist with joy.
Joy builds connection—and connection is harder to erode than outrage is to exhaust. Please join us in being uplifted by the Inspiring Message by #AoCChecklist Can-Do-Ologist Marissa Bracke. https://americansofconscience.com/joy-as-resistance-stay-engaged-without-burning-out/
January 26, 2026 at 1:59 PM
I know the news is heavy. We can resist with joy.
The Feb. 3 NY elections are special elections in NY Assembly Districts 36 and 74 and Senate Districts 47 and 61. You can use Ballotpedia for upcoming election info, though for more detail use Vote411. ballotpedia.org/Elections_ca...
January 23, 2026 at 8:05 PM
The Feb. 3 NY elections are special elections in NY Assembly Districts 36 and 74 and Senate Districts 47 and 61. You can use Ballotpedia for upcoming election info, though for more detail use Vote411. ballotpedia.org/Elections_ca...
#AoCChecklist is one reason I’m hopeful—it offers answers to the questions about what we can do and what difference it can make. Just like each of us should wear a hat in this bitter cold, each of us should do something about this other bitter chill—so much injustice!--in the air.
In his Letter to a Birmingham Jail, Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" With the latest #AoCChecklist, we commit to taking action together for justice. https://americansofconscience.com/01-23-2026/
January 23, 2026 at 6:29 PM
#AoCChecklist is one reason I’m hopeful—it offers answers to the questions about what we can do and what difference it can make. Just like each of us should wear a hat in this bitter cold, each of us should do something about this other bitter chill—so much injustice!--in the air.
Have you made your daily contact with your reps to defund ICE?
January 22, 2026 at 10:10 AM
Have you made your daily contact with your reps to defund ICE?
Why is anyone talking seriously about the Board of Peace? Like, it’s not and couldn’t be realistic, right?
January 19, 2026 at 1:38 PM
Why is anyone talking seriously about the Board of Peace? Like, it’s not and couldn’t be realistic, right?
This seems like a no-brainer. I mean, yes, do this every day if you haven’t already or do it once, but do it.
Action: Demand that Congress Stop ICE Expansion. Your voice matters. Contacts and script in Action 3 of #AoCChecklist: #action3/#action3" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">https://americansofconscience.com/01-10-2026/#action3
January 16, 2026 at 1:06 AM
This seems like a no-brainer. I mean, yes, do this every day if you haven’t already or do it once, but do it.
One thing I like about #AoCChecklist scripts is that I can easily use them to make the message my own OR copy/paste. The more I do these, the more confident I have become in messaging my reps. I use the phone or their online contact form, sometimes both. Every drop in the bucket matters.
Action: Demand that ICE agents unmask now. #AoCChecklist is all about helping you keep your resolution to act for democracy. Contacts and script included here: #action2/#action2" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">https://americansofconscience.com/01-10-2026/#action2
January 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM
One thing I like about #AoCChecklist scripts is that I can easily use them to make the message my own OR copy/paste. The more I do these, the more confident I have become in messaging my reps. I use the phone or their online contact form, sometimes both. Every drop in the bucket matters.
You can do this no matter the side of the aisle your reps take.
Yes, you can do something! TIME SENSITIVE: Insist on congressional oversight of military action in Venezuela. Contact and script in Action 1 PLUS you can add your name by Tue, Jan 13, to a letter from #AoCChecklist to House and Senate leaders. #action1/#action1" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">https://americansofconscience.com/01-10-2026/#action1
January 13, 2026 at 12:26 AM
You can do this no matter the side of the aisle your reps take.
Not sure what to say when you call a rep? Not sure how to find your reps’ contact info? You can find that here ⬇️
We're back at "it"! What's "it," you ask? Creating a stronger democracy, a thriving planet, and equality for all - one well-researched action at a time... taken by YOU. Guess you're back at "it" too! Look for a new Checklist this Friday ✅
January 7, 2026 at 7:55 PM
Not sure what to say when you call a rep? Not sure how to find your reps’ contact info? You can find that here ⬇️
If you are a person who has been saying, “Nah, I don’t call my reps,” now’s a good time to change that. And if you really, really think that saying something on the phone is something you can’t do, all your reps have online contact forms. Any way you contact a rep is part of the record. Be a number.
January 7, 2026 at 7:51 PM
If you are a person who has been saying, “Nah, I don’t call my reps,” now’s a good time to change that. And if you really, really think that saying something on the phone is something you can’t do, all your reps have online contact forms. Any way you contact a rep is part of the record. Be a number.
Food justice, cimate justice=every justice
@civileats.com calls out the critical connection between race, food, poverty, and equity by sharing stories that highlight these issues. Learn more about food justice⤵
As we enter 2026, take a look back at how farmers and advocates across the country are still finding ways to feed their communities, support the next generation of producers, and teach sustainable agriculture to urban farmers.
January 5, 2026 at 11:02 AM
Food justice, cimate justice=every justice
⬇️💜
We all deserve policies which:
⚕️ensure access to health care
💲support a living wage for those who provide care
🎓protect the programs that support children’s futures
⚕️ensure access to health care
💲support a living wage for those who provide care
🎓protect the programs that support children’s futures
"By making huge cuts to health care, undermining protections for care workers, and attacking early education programs, the Trump administration is pushing forward a series of regressive policies that, one by one, fulfill its true agenda."
January 4, 2026 at 9:27 AM
⬇️💜
I follow here, on Threads (I like here better than there), and Instagram. Of the three, Bluesky is my favorite. But you can follow #AoCChecklist on whichever platform works for you.
☑️We take action
💌We write letters of gratitude
🎉We celebrate good news
We're Americans of Conscience Checklist!
Follow and share @aocchecklist here, on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, to build the #AoCChecklist community. https://americansofconscience.com/about/
💌We write letters of gratitude
🎉We celebrate good news
We're Americans of Conscience Checklist!
Follow and share @aocchecklist here, on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, to build the #AoCChecklist community. https://americansofconscience.com/about/
December 4, 2025 at 1:54 PM
I follow here, on Threads (I like here better than there), and Instagram. Of the three, Bluesky is my favorite. But you can follow #AoCChecklist on whichever platform works for you.
Important elections here. If we had ranked choice voting, we wouldn’t have to have runoff votes, though. If you’re in TN, get yourself to the polls today, please.
Thank YOU for being a voter in local and state elections. Use Vote411 to find out if you have a ballot in any of these upcoming elections. https://www.vote411.org/
Dec 2 FL, GA, IA, ME, MS, NJ, RI, SC, TN
Dec 9 FL, GA, IA, NB, NM, OK
Dec 13 TX
Dec 16 GA, KY
Dec 20 TX
Dec 23 SC
Dec 30 CA, IA
Dec 2 FL, GA, IA, ME, MS, NJ, RI, SC, TN
Dec 9 FL, GA, IA, NB, NM, OK
Dec 13 TX
Dec 16 GA, KY
Dec 20 TX
Dec 23 SC
Dec 30 CA, IA
December 2, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Important elections here. If we had ranked choice voting, we wouldn’t have to have runoff votes, though. If you’re in TN, get yourself to the polls today, please.
Good news is proof of progress.
🎉#GoodNews to celebrate in every checklist🎉
We celebrate with The Lac Du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa as they regain rightful control of two acres of their land #goodnews#goodnews" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">https://americansofconscience.com/11-21-2025/#goodnews
We celebrate with The Lac Du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa as they regain rightful control of two acres of their land #goodnews#goodnews" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">https://americansofconscience.com/11-21-2025/#goodnews
November 28, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Good news is proof of progress.
Have you seen this?!
Read this to better understand the significance of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). ⬇️
An incredibly important read from our friend @seemiaroll.bsky.social
"Obtaining an education is one of the best ways to help disabled people secure a stable income—and by weakening the IDEA, the Trump administration is trying to take those opportunities away."
"Obtaining an education is one of the best ways to help disabled people secure a stable income—and by weakening the IDEA, the Trump administration is trying to take those opportunities away."
November 28, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Have you seen this?!
National Day of Mourning and, really, every day could/should be this
Today - a day of remembrance and reflection, and a protest of racism and oppression against Indigenous people
National Day of Mourning grieves the genocide of Indigenous people and the theft of Native land. It’s a day of remembrance and reflection, and a protest of racism and oppression against Indigenous people. Illustration by https://soniartist.wixsite.com/soniartist
November 28, 2025 at 10:52 AM
National Day of Mourning and, really, every day could/should be this
🦋 this ⬇️
"Gratitude is so much more than a polite 'thank you.' It is the thread that connects us in a deep relationship, simultaneously physical and spiritual, as our bodies are fed and spirits nourished by the sense of belonging, which is the most vital of foods." - Robin Wall Kimmerer, "Serviceberries"
November 28, 2025 at 10:50 AM
🦋 this ⬇️
I have much to be grateful for. Today, I’m thankful I have these actions on my plate.
We know you're an expert at multi-tasking for kindness, equity and justice, so set that timer and open the #AoCChecklist to cook up some action! https://americansofconscience.com/11-21-2025/
November 26, 2025 at 3:59 PM
I have much to be grateful for. Today, I’m thankful I have these actions on my plate.
I have much to be grateful for. Today, I’m thankful I have these actions on my plate.
We know you're an expert at multi-tasking for kindness, equity and justice, so set that timer and open the #AoCChecklist to cook up some action! https://americansofconscience.com/11-21-2025/
November 26, 2025 at 3:58 PM
I have much to be grateful for. Today, I’m thankful I have these actions on my plate.
There are many ways to step up for the people & the planet. This is one of the tools I like. Years of following & taking actions with #AoCChecklist has helped me become a person who regularly contacts my state & federal reps, by phone or contact form, when I see something that matters. I don’t wait.
We don’t take corporate or political funding—never have, never will. Americans of Conscience Checklist exists because our readers step up to support it. If your budget allows, please consider becoming one of 50 new patrons this month at $10/month. https://americansofconscience.com/support/
November 23, 2025 at 6:47 PM
There are many ways to step up for the people & the planet. This is one of the tools I like. Years of following & taking actions with #AoCChecklist has helped me become a person who regularly contacts my state & federal reps, by phone or contact form, when I see something that matters. I don’t wait.
The day is young. I’ll have most of today’s done by the end of the day. I check off all these actions on the actual Checklist, and I know I helped add to the over 52,000 actions taken in 2025. All around us, people are doing something. Click on the AoCC graphic to access the newest #AoCChecklist.
November 21, 2025 at 4:07 PM
The day is young. I’ll have most of today’s done by the end of the day. I check off all these actions on the actual Checklist, and I know I helped add to the over 52,000 actions taken in 2025. All around us, people are doing something. Click on the AoCC graphic to access the newest #AoCChecklist.