These issues are what we focus on at all levels of government. 

1. Health Care Access
   Women’s Reproductive Rights
   Medicare
   Affordable Care Act
   Addiction Epidemic
   Compromised Food Supply
   
   
2. Environmental Stewardship
   Climate Change
   Sea Level Rise
   Chesapeake Bay Health
   Renewable Energy
   Corporate Agriculture
   
   
3. Fair Representation & Elections
   Redistricting Reform
   Voting Rights & Access
   "Get out the Vote” Efforts
   
   
4. Public Education & Civic Engagement
   Freedom of Speech & Press
   School Funding & Performance Measures
   Art & Humanities Funding
   Civic & Science Literacy
   
   
5. Diversity & Equal Dignity
   Muslim Ban/Registry
   Black Lives Matter
   LGBTQ
   Border Wall
   
   
6. Economic Justice
   Living Wage
   Unions
   Social Safety Net
   Community Safety & Revitalization
   
   
7. #NotNormal
   Peculiar Trump Behavior
   Corrupt/Unqualified Cabinet Members
   Hostility Toward the Press
   Twitter Rants
   Empowering the Alt Right
   Conflict of Interest

Suggested actions this week

1. BREATHE: As mentioned above, drop everything and read this piece by therapist Robin Chancer. If you are feeling hopeless and exhausted, you are not alone. Here are some excellent tips for a healthy, sustainable resistance.
   
   
2. LAUGH: Watch Samantha Bee’s hilarious yet inspiring interview with Elizabeth Warren, who acknowledges how tough it is to keep resisting but somehow makes us all feel so much better about it.
   
   
3. CONTACT: Our sources in DC have spoken directly with Senator Kaine and Senator Warner and the continuing fight against Obamacare repeal. They both have said that CALLS are important. This week, call both Senators to let them know the fight to save affordable healthcare is not over and to urge a bipartisan effort.
   
   
4. JOIN: Now that you’ve met our core issue group leaders, please consider joining the group for the issue you feel most passionate about. Let us know you are interested by emailing us at motherboard757@gmail.com.
   
   
5. VOLUNTEER: With just over 100 days until Election Day, we're getting busy! Just last Saturday in Portsmouth, 2000 postcards were written by Motherboard members and other volunteers for three different candidates. The effort was so successful, they are planning another event! Since last month’s Motherboard meeting focused on the upcoming elections, two Facebook pages have been created for volunteers to sign up for phone banking and canvassing opportunities. Here are the links:
   
   HR House Districts Phone Banking Facebook Group
   
   HR House Districts Canvassing Facebook Group

In light of Trump’s recent tweet-storms against the media, including disgusting personal attacks against MSNBC hosts and a video in which he seemed to advocate violence against CNN, our free and independent press seems more endangered than ever. There are even reports of journalists receiving threats of physical harm, and as a result some news outlets are increasing staff security. This is definitely not normal.There is no better time to support groups that advocate for a free press and protect and defend journalists. One such group is the Committee to Protect Journalists, an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes press freedom worldwide and defends the right of journalists to report the news without fear of reprisal. PUT $7 HERE.