Action and Advocacy

At Haven Berkeley, we believe that faith calls us to action. As a community committed to justice, we seek to support and uplift marginalized voices, advocate for human rights, and stand in solidarity with those fighting for equity and dignity. Below are some current ways to get involved. If you have additional resources or causes you’d like to see included, let us know—we will update this page as we continue to learn and grow together.

Calls to Action

📜 State-Level: AB89 - Advocate for Inclusive Sports Policies: Click the link for clear instructions on how to comment. This Bill, the "Protect Girls’ Sports Act," would ban transgender girls from participating in high school sports.  AB89 is part of a nationwide, coordinated effort to sow fear and insecurity about transgender people and chip away at hard-fought civil rights protections. We believe that all students — regardless of gender identity — should have access to equitable opportunities in sports. Join us in advocating for policies that protect inclusivity and fairness in athletics.

📜 Federal-Level: HR28 - Support Fair Practices in Education: Lambda Legal’s form makes it super easy to message your senators. If you have friends in other states, encourage them to do the same.  H.R. 28, a bill that would rewrite Title IX — the national law protecting students against sex discrimination — to categorically ban transgender and intersex girls and women from participating in all types of sports at every level in federally funded schools and universities. Title IX ensures equal access to educational opportunities for all students. Help up promote fair practices that uphold protections against discrimination in schools.

🛂 Advocate for Equal Access to Identification: Everyone deserves equal access to identification documents that accurately reflect their identity. Join us in promoting policies that ensure fairness and dignity for all individuals seeking passports and other government-issues IDs. Take action now to protect trans rights and fight against this discriminatory practice! Click this link to tell the State Department to stop attacking transgender Americans and ensure everyone has access to accurate passports.

Support Local IHSS Workers

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) workers play a vital role in caring for vulnerable members of our community. We stand for fair wages and improved working conditions to ensure they can continue providing essential care.

✍️ Sign the petition to advocate for fair wages and better working conditions. You can also check a box if you’re willing to:

✅ Write a letter to the editor, or

✅ Show up at a Board of Supervisors meeting when needed.

Interested in helping? Sign the petition for your county:

Alameda County: bit.ly/AlamedaCoalition

Santa Clara County: bit.ly/SantaClaraCoalition

Protect Medicaid: Call on Congress to Reject Cuts: Medicaid provides essential healthcare to millions of Americans, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Proposed budget cuts threaten access to vital services and undermine the health and well-being of our communities. Caring Across Generations is urging everyone to call their members of Congress and demand they reject any cuts to Medicaid. Your voice can make a difference in ensuring healthcare access for those who need it most. Click this link to be connected with your members of Congress and tell them to oppose Medicaid cuts.

📬 PenPals for Trans People in Prison

Write letters. Build connections. Offer support.

Many incarcerated trans individuals experience extreme isolation. You can help by joining a penpal program designed to connect with and uplift them. [Learn more and sign up here.]

✉️ Using Haven’s P.O. Box?

Address your letters as follows:

Your Name

C/O Haven Berkeley Faith Community

PO Box 390750

Mountain View, CA 94039

Events and Initiatives

Leah has been connecting with the InterFaith Movement for Human Integrity, a well-established Bay Area organization that has been advocating for immigrant rights and providing holistic sanctuary for over 15 years. If you’re interested in exploring ways Haven can be involved in this work, reach out to Leah! We’ll be scheduling a preliminary Zoom gathering to discuss opportunities and pray together.

Columbia University student and organizer Mahmoud Khalil was recently arrested and detained by ICE, seemingly in retaliation for his activism against injustice. He has since been transferred to a Louisiana ICE facility, far from his home and pregnant wife. This action sets a dangerous precedent for the suppression of free speech and the targeting of activists. Demand that the Department of Homeland Security release Mahmoud Khalil and that Columbia reverse its policy of permitting ICE agents on campus. Click this link to send a letter to DHS and Columbia University demanding Mahmoud’s release and protection for all student activists.

Bioneers is a movement that brings together activists, innovators, and visionaries working at the intersection of social and environmental justice.

📅 2024 Bioneers Conference

🗓 Dates: March 28–30, 2024

📍 Location: Berkeley, CA

Join this inspiring event to connect with change-makers and explore solutions for a just and sustainable future. [Learn more and get involved here.]

NOTE: If you have budgetary issues, please contact Bioneers for financial assistance prior to registering!

Resources

Allyship & Advocacy Toolkit:

A Resource for Navigating Anti-Trans Legislation: Created by parents, this toolkit helps you understand and respond to harmful policies, including anti-trans sports bans and other restrictive laws. (You can access it by clicking this link or the image above.)

📞 Want to take action but not sure where to start? The 5 Calls app makes it easy to contact your representatives on key issues. It provides phone numbers, scripts, and even tracks your impact.

📌 Quick Tip: Save your representatives’ names in your phone for fast access. (Recommendation from Ginny: Put their first and last name in the first name field and “Politician” in the last name field.)

[Download the 5 Calls app here.]

Community Advocacy Resource: Living Advocacy Google Doc

Looking for additional ways to get involved? Explore our Community Advocacy Hub, where members share initiatives, resources, and actions that align with their passions and values.

Disclaimer: This document is community-driven and does not necessarily reflect Haven Berkeley’s official positions.

Stay Updated

Get real-time updates from trusted advocacy sources:

• Chop Wood Carry Water — A daily action guide for justice-minded individuals.

• Erin in the Morning — In-depth coverage of trans rights, legislation, and community updates.

Do you know of an important issue that aligns with Haven Berkeley’s mission? Have updates on an existing campaign? We’d love to hear from you! Use the form below to share advocacy initiatives, updates, or resources that could be included on this page.

Please note: All submissions will be reviewed to ensure they align with our mission and comply with our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status before being added to the page.

Haven Berkeley is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to nonpartisan advocacy and public education. The initiatives featured on this page reflect issues aligned with our mission but do not constitute endorsements or opposition to any political candidates, parties, or legislation.