“FCNL’s work in this field continues now with a focus on missing and murdered indigenous women. . .The long arc of history bends toward justice, but only when people of each generation stand on it." - Ruth Flower, former FCNL legislative director, 2019
Dear Ingrid,
Ruth Flower, longtime Quaker advocate for Native concerns, reminds us that people have the power to bend the arc of history toward justice. This May, as we recognize the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls, stand with us in faith to bend the arc of history.
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With stay-at-home orders in place for many states and tribes, domestic violence rates are increasing. This is especially devastating for Indian Country. Data collected before the pandemic showed 84 percent of Native women reported experiencing violence in their lifetimes. This crisis gives new urgency for Congress to act.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has created a dangerous situation for those sheltering at home with an abuser,” writes Kerri Colfer, FCNL’s advocate for Native American policy. “This problem is especially pronounced in Indian Country, where housing is limited and often overcrowded. Due to limited funding, many shelters and victim services programs are struggling to stay open.”
The largest COVID-19 stimulus package, the CARES Act (H.R. 748), did include funding for domestic violence programs. It did not, however, fund programs authorized under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), including essential tribal victim services. This oversight could endanger Native women who already experience high rates of domestic violence.
As Friends, we call on Congress to include funding for victim services for tribes in the next COVID-19 stimulus package. Furthermore, legislators should give tribes maximum flexibility and discretion in using the funding.
Please act using the accompanying call script, letter template, and/or this email form. When you write your letter or email, please add a personal note of 2‐4 sentences letting your member know why you are concerned. Then, call the U.S. Congress at 202‐224‐3121 to be connected to your representative's and senators’ offices. Leave a message if they do not pick up or if you are calling after office hours.
This month and until the pandemic disruptions are resolved, we will send Letter Writing prompts only by email. Although not gathered in person, we ask Friends to continue sending letters and emails and calling elected officials using the materials we provide. Please consider sharing this call to action with your community list-servs and in organizing virtual gatherings for collective advocacy. To learn how to lobby Congress from home with FCNL, read our new guide on virtual lobbying or fill out this form indicating your interest and a staff member will reach out to you soon.
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Ever faithfully onwards,
Bobby Trice Program Assistant |
P.S. To learn more about how COVID-19 is impacting Indian Country, watch FCNL’s Virtual Lobby Training on VAWA and tune in to Thursdays with Friends: Episode 3 featuring Diane Randall and Kerri Colfer.
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