EMPOWER
When Injustice Becomes Law – Resistance Becomes Duty
Here is a sample of some non-profit organizations in Rhode Island that are fighting back to save our democracy, ensure environmental justice, demand reproductive freedom and save national public radio. Let us know of other organizations who are standing up to the Trump Administration and we will add them to our list. Please donate to those organizations who are fighting the good fight.
American Civil Liberties Rhode Island
Since Trump’s second Inauguration, the A.C.L.U. has filed cases to block executive orders ending birthright citizenship, defunding gender-affirming health care, and more. If the Administration defies a judge’s order to fully reinstate government funds frozen by executive order, Anthony Romero, the A.C.L.U.’s executive director, says, we will have arrived at a constitutional crisis. “We’re at the Rubicon,” Romero says. “Whether we’ve crossed it remains to be seen.” The New Yorker Feb. 14, 2025
https://www.riaclu.org/
Common Cause of Rhode Island
Common Cause ensures that our federal, state, and local governments are transparent and accessible to the public. We are dedicated to creating an open and honest democracy that is accountable to the people. That is why we champion strong government transparency, open meetings, freedom of information, and ethics laws. These important reforms create meaningful opportunities for participation in and access to government.
Conservation Law Foundation
Trump signed an executive order Monday directing the United States to again withdraw from the landmark Paris climate agreement aimed at global cooperation on climate change. Trump declared an energy emergency via executive order amid a promise to “drill, baby, drill”. Trump promised to eliminate what he incorrectly calls Biden’s “electric vehicle mandate.” Nation 1/27/25
Conservation Law Foundation fights for a healthy and thriving Rhode Island powered by low-cost, local clean energy, with air free from contamination… a Rhode Island with waters you can swim in, fish, and drink from without worry… and a Rhode Island with a flourishing ocean untainted by pollution where fish are bountiful and our shorelines resilient to climate damage.
Horizon Health Partners
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – DIAL 988
If you or someone you know are experiencing emotional distress, thoughts of suicide, or a mental health or substance use crisis, help is always available.
Jamestown Fire Department: COAST
The Jamestown Fire Department has announced a new service, which is available to all Jamestown residents. Through our Community Outreach And Support Team (COAST) we will be offering rides to Jamestown residents to go to medical appointments in Jamestown, North Kingstown, East Greenwich, Narragansett, and South Kingstown in the West Bay, and Portsmouth, Middletown, and Newport on Aquidneck Island. At least 48 hours’ notice must be given for a ride to an appointment. Should a resident who has been medically discharged from South County or Newport Hospitals need a ride home, we can provide that also. In all cases, residents must be ambulatory (able to get in and out of vehicles without assistance) and receive medical clearance from the hospital.
All COAST services are free of charge. Call (401) 423-5904 to be registered and scheduled.
Planned Parenthood of Southern New England
Trump’s labor nominee once worked at Planned Parenthood, risking further GOP ire, former Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer told the Senate committee considering her nomination that it was a “brief, part-time job” and that she doesn’t “personally” support abortion.
“This brief, part-time job from over three decades has no bearing on my support for implementing President Trump’s pro-life agenda. … During my time in the House I had a 100% pro-life voting record,” Chavez-DeRemer wrote in the questionnaire. “I personally do not support abortion, and if confirmed, I would not use my position as Secretary to facilitate abortion access in Labor Department programs. My job will be to implement President Trump’s agenda.” NBC News 2/12/25
Rhode Island National Public Radio
President Trump’s new head of the Federal Communications Commission has ordered an investigation of NPR and PBS, with an eye toward unraveling federal funding for all public broadcasting.
“I am concerned that NPR and PBS broadcasts could be violating federal law by airing commercials,” Chairman Brendan Carr wrote on Wednesday to the presidents and chief executives of NPR and PBS, Katherine Maher and Paula A. Kerger, respectively. “In particular, it is possible that NPR and PBS member stations are broadcasting underwriting announcements that cross the line into prohibited commercial advertisements.” NPR Jan. 30, 2025