The latest reports estimate this year’s Pentagon budget topline will be close to one TRILLION dollars. About half of that astronomical amount is slated to go straight to contractors, just like it has in years past. It’s meant BILLIONS for companies owned by Elon Musk — and there are BILLIONS yet to be made. Right now, U.S. tax dollars help fund the SpaceX’s Starlink and Starshield satellites Musk created — and he’s turned those profits into the kind of enormous political and social power that include a role in the Trump administration. We all pay a steep price: In just the past year alone Elon Musk has used Starlink to disrupt Ukraine's military communications, leveraged Twitter to undermine democratic discourse across the globe, and created the America Pac, a political action committee where he and his cronies plowed unlimited amounts of money toward Donald Trump and MAGA Republican candidates. Next, Musk may very well be “regulating” the very governmental agencies who award lucrative government contracts to his companies It reeks of corruption — but we’ll need a groundswell of grassroots activism to break this feedback loop in its tracks. The Pentagon is accountable to Congress and the public. That’s why we’re working to send Defense Secretary Austin a message tens of thousands of people strong. Join us.

Signing this petition is crucial because it amplifies our collective voice against oppressive leadership and human rights violations. Each signature demonstrates a commitment to accountability and transparency, urging the conference organizers to reconsider Macky Sall's participation. Your support not only raises awareness about the challenges facing Senegal but also reinforces the importance of upholding democratic values and human rights in Africa.

The Israeli military has recently dropped bombs on targets across Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, Syria, and beyond. Hundreds of people have been killed, thousands injured, and over one million were displaced in the past few weeks alone. For over a year now, the Netanyahu government has used U.S. weapons to push an entire region to the brink of a devastating, all-out war while failing to bring home the hostages. Bombs like Boeing’s Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), Lockheed Martin-made F-35 fighter jets, and General Dynamics’ 2,000-lb “bunker busters”. If the cycle deepens, millions more lives will be at risk. Despite this looming threat and the incomprehensible levels of human suffering we’ve seen so far, the Biden administration is moving forward with new massive sales of offensive weapons, including some of the very weapons the IDF is already using to devastate communities across the region. That’s why what’s happening right now is crucial: Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), have filed multiple joint resolutions of disapproval (JRDs) that together, would BLOCK $20 billion worth of weapons currently bound for the Israeli government. It’s all coming to a head in just a few weeks and it means our work to build the kind of grassroots power to send every senator a signal to support this legislation is already starting — and we need everyone speaking out now.

The reality is that the U.S. government is Netanyahu's largest supplier of weapons, and Congress has already passed legislation to send Israel $3.8 billion every year for the next five years. In the last year alone, Congress has voted to send more than $10 billion in American taxpayer dollars to the extremist Israeli government to buy more of the bombs and more of the weapons they are using to bomb and kill the Palestinian and Lebanese people. One in every 55 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023. You read that right: One in every 55 Palestinians have been killed in the last year. Entire multigenerational Palestinian families have been killed and erased from the registry. Entire lineages have been wiped out. And nearly half of Gaza's residents are under the age of 16, and 65% are under the age of 25, effectively meaning that Palestinian children are bearing the brunt of the Israeli government's collective punishment. It must end now. 50,000 pregnant women and people remain at great risk in Gaza too, with miscarriages, premature births, and stillbirths tripling. One mother, Hind S., almost gave birth to her baby under the rubble in the aftermath of an Israeli military airstrike before she was dug out and rushed to a hospital, where her baby was born with a broken leg from the airstrike. Babies, children, and families in Gaza are also starving to death.19 Nearly 2.1 million people are food insecure, with 96% of children from 6 months to 2 years old not meeting the minimal nutrition requirements. It's egregious. Netanyahu's military has completely violated international law and committed war crimes time and time again. And none of this would've been possible without United States weapons paid for by our very own U.S. taxpayer dollars. Enough is enough! Our members of Congress need to block the $20 billion offensive arms sale to the Israeli military NOW. Will you sign the petition?

Being a member of Congress has many perks, but padding your stock portfolio shouldn’t be one of them. But right now, members of Congress can trade stocks in any number of companies — while voting on legislation that can increase the profit margins of the very same industries those laws govern. Take just one example: Every year, about HALF of an $800 BILLION Pentagon budget flows directly to weapons contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and more. The lawmakers responsible for signing off on that astronomical amount? Many of them hold investments in the same weapons makers. That’s why what’s happening now is so important. A bipartisan group of senators has set the stage to dismantle this broken status quo with the “Ending Trading and Holdings In Congressional Stocks” or “ETHICS” Act. This groundbreaking bill would end the war profiteering by banning congressional stock trading altogether — and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs just pushed this urgently needed legislation past a crucial hurdle. Now, the stage is set for the ETHICS Act to go to the Senate floor, and when that happens, we need to make sure it passes with the resounding majority it deserves. Your senators' support is a crucial piece of the puzzle — and that’s why we need you to speak out today.

This message is crucial because it highlights a severe injustice and failure within our legal and social systems, jeopardizing the safety and well-being of a vulnerable child. N.A.G.A aka Nelson, who has already endured unimaginable abuse and trauma, was wrongly sent back to the very people who trafficked and exploited him, despite clear evidence of his victimization and the protections to which he is legally entitled. The message underscores the critical need for accountability and reform in handling cases of child trafficking and abuse. It brings to light the failures of various authorities, including the Department of Family and Protective Services, law enforcement, and the judiciary, in safeguarding Nelson's rights and ensuring his protection. Nelson's story is a poignant reminder of the real-world consequences of bureaucratic negligence and legal missteps, and it calls for immediate action to rectify these injustices and secure a safe future for him. By sharing Nelson’s plight, we draw attention to the broader issues of human trafficking and the importance of upholding the rights of survivors. It advocates for systemic changes to prevent such egregious failures from recurring and reinforces the need for a compassionate, informed approach to child welfare and human trafficking cases. Nelson deserves not only our attention but our action to ensure that he is safe, loved, and given the opportunity to heal from his past trauma. #savingnelson 

Empowering the Future - A Call to Lower the Age to Run for President Dear Fellow Citizens, Our nation stands at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. In this moment, we must harness the full potential of every citizen, regardless of age. I am writing to you today to advocate for a cause that is not just about me, but about empowering an entire generation of young Americans who are ready to lead, innovate, and create a brighter future for us all. It is time to lower the age requirement to run for president and give young voices the platform they deserve. Why It Matters 1. Fresh Perspectives and Innovative Solutions The younger generation brings fresh ideas and a keen understanding of modern challenges such as climate change, technological advancement, and social justice. Our nation needs leaders who can think outside the box, who are not bound by outdated paradigms but are eager to explore new solutions. By lowering the age requirement, we open the door to innovative policies that address today’s most pressing issues with the urgency and creativity they demand. 2. Representation for All Generations Youth make up a significant portion of our population, yet their voices are often underrepresented in the highest levels of government. This imbalance means that the concerns and aspirations of young people are not fully reflected in national policies. By allowing younger candidates to run for president, we ensure that our leadership is truly representative of all generations, leading to a more inclusive and balanced approach to governance. 3. Energy and Determination Young leaders are driven by passion and determination to make a difference. They are not yet jaded by the status quo and are often more willing to challenge existing systems to create meaningful change. This energy is essential for tackling long-standing issues that previous generations have struggled to resolve. It is time to infuse our political system with the vigor and ambition of youth. Why You Should Support This Movement 1. A New Era of Leadership Supporting the movement to lower the age requirement for presidential candidates is about more than just changing a number. It is about ushering in a new era of leadership that is responsive, dynamic, and attuned to the needs of a rapidly changing world. It is about believing in the potential of our youth to rise to the occasion and lead with integrity and vision. 2. Bridging Generational Divides Lowering the age requirement fosters greater understanding and collaboration between generations. It encourages mentorship and the sharing of wisdom between older and younger leaders, creating a more cohesive and united society. By bridging these divides, we can work together more effectively to build a prosperous future for all. 3. Fixing What Past Generations Couldn't There are persistent issues that have been passed down from generation to generation, unresolved and festering. It is time to give the younger generation the chance to tackle these problems with fresh eyes and new approaches. By supporting this movement, you are empowering young leaders to address and fix the challenges that past generations have struggled to overcome. Why Choose Me I stand before you as a representative of this movement, ready to champion the cause of youth empowerment and lead with dedication and purpose. My commitment to this cause is unwavering, and I am prepared to work tirelessly to ensure that our voices are heard. Here is why you should choose me to spearhead this movement: 1. Passionate Advocate for Change I have always been driven by a deep passion for making a positive impact in our society. My experiences have equipped me with the knowledge and determination to advocate effectively for this cause. I am committed to fighting for the rights and representation of young people in the political arena. 2. Proven Leadership Throughout my life, I have demonstrated leadership in various capacities, whether it be in community organizations, educational institutions, or advocacy groups. I have a track record of bringing people together, building consensus, and driving meaningful change. I am ready to bring this experience to the national stage. 3. Vision for the Future I envision a future where age is not a barrier to leadership, where young people are empowered to bring their unique perspectives to the forefront of national policy. I am committed to creating an inclusive and forward-thinking government that truly reflects the diversity and potential of our nation. Join the Movement This is a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. Together, we can create a future where every voice is heard, and every citizen has the opportunity to lead. I ask for your support in this movement to lower the age requirement to run for president. Let us stand together, empower our youth, and fix what past generations couldn't. Thank you for believing in the power of young leadership. Together, we can make history. Sincerely, West Abadie 

Right now, Chí’chil Biłdagoteel Historic District of Arizona, a high desert oasis sacred to multiple Indigenous tribes and commonly known as “Oak Flat,” is under extreme threat. Rio Tinto, a UK-Australian mining company — notorious for polluting Papua New Guinea, causing an environmental disaster in Brazil that left 19 dead, and blowing up Juukan Gorge, a treasured 46,000-year-old Aboriginal site in Australia — would destroy the area by carving out a 1,115-foot deep, 1.8 mile-wide crater for strip mining. A coalition of Western Apache tribes and their allies is taking their case to the Supreme Court after the Ninth Circuit narrowly ruled against them earlier this year. It’s the necessary next step in this fight. Still, we’ve seen the Court fail to protect Native rights and the environment before — that’s why we need to work every possible angle to #SaveOakFlat. As the litigation continues, we’re piling the pressure on Congress to pass Rep. Raúl Grijalva's Save Oak Flat from Foreign Mining Act. This bill would reverse the land transfer and permanently protect the area — and building enough support to pass it in the House is one more way to ensure Oak Flat remains sacred and pristine for generations to come. Can you take two seconds to act to uphold tribal sovereignty and permanently protect this sacred space? Urge your Rep. to support and pass this legislation now.

From China to Russia to the United States, we’re witnessing troubling moves to build nuclear weapons that push us all toward global catastrophe. Even a “small” nuclear war — where just three percent of the world’s current nuclear arsenal is deployed — would have apocalyptic effects. Millions would be killed on impact, followed by environmental destruction, famine, and more death in the fallout. There’s one thing we all deserve to know: How will the President of the United States respond in the face of this rising threat? President Joe Biden and Donald Trump could tell us how they’d act at their first debate later this month. The problem? We don’t know if CNN moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash will ask. That’s where you come in. We have just a narrow window of opportunity to urge the presidential debate moderators to pose a crucial question about nuclear weapons at the first Presidential Debate on June 27.  The good news is that they can’t ignore a call from tens of thousands of activists from across the country urging them to do it. Sign now if you agree: Debate moderators must ask President Biden and Donald Trump about any nuclear plans!

Right now, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to wage a devastating war in Gaza, while undermining diplomacy and ignoring calls and protests from thousands of Israelis, including hostages’ families, to accept a ceasefire that can end the violence, bring their loved ones home, and build true security. None of this is a one-off for PM Netanyahu, who has built a career on impunity and sabotaging peace processes. His current resume includes everything from domestic corruption charges to accusations of empowering Hamas to weaken a two-state solution. Despite all this, House Speaker Mike Johnson — with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in tow — has officially invited PM Netanyahu to address a joint session of the U.S. Congress later this summer. No matter your politics, one thing is clear: Granting PM Netanyahu a congressional platform will come at the expense of peace. Nothing will change if leaders who continuously choose violence over peace are given huge megaphones and political cover, especially by the U.S. government. This speech is scheduled for July 24, and that’s why we’re working fast to pile on the pressure to urge members of Congress to RSVP ‘No’.

Many members, in recent months, have repeatedly raised concerns and resolutions to leadership and specific pediatric sections. However, we often meet significant resistance and are told calling for a ceasefire is too divisive of a statement to make. Humanitarian groups and international organizations have consistently pushed for Israel to make stronger efforts to increase humanitarian assistance and prevent civilian casualties, as well as call for a ceasefire, but there is instead more targeting of civilians and humanitarian aid workers.  The International Court of Justice has pushed for Israel to take actions to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza. There has been, to date, little-to-no adherence to this ruling. Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest hospital in Gaza, was completely destroyed after an Israeli military operation. Humanitarian aid workers, of any nationality, are also not protected: 7 individuals from the World Central Kitchen were killed in an Israeli attack on their convoy after coordinating their movements with the Israeli military. The purported last safe place in Gaza, Rafah, is already being invaded by Israeli forces, killing dozens of civilians, including children, despite American and international warnings to halt the Israeli offensive in the enclave. The Academy has already released statements asking the United States government to consider the unique needs of Gazan children in conflict, and to refrain from putting children at risk of death. While commendable, we believe these aims will only be achieved by a permanent end to the ongoing violence.  We also note that in 2022, in the face of similar violence in the Ukraine, the Academy called for members to donate to UNICEF to care for Ukrainian children in the face of the Russian invasion, a push that has not occurred for the children affected by the Israel-Hamas war. The starvation rates that affect children in Gaza, has reached a catastrophic point, with 1.1 million civilians at risk of imminent famine. If war and siege continue, deaths will occur at an even more frequent rate. Our concern, as that of many members of the Academy, should be that of children who are at imminent risk of dying because of war. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has overseen the Israeli military as it’s caused catastrophic suffering in Gaza, including needlessly killing tens of thousands of people. Right now, families are starving amidst a famine his government created. That’s not all: He’s also allegedly given quotes to journalists to undermine ceasefire talks and repeatedly ignored requests from the families of hostages to get their loved ones home safe. He’s vowed to continue it ALL. Yet, despite a growing list of potential war crimes, House Speaker Mike Johnson has drafted Netanyahu an invitation to address a joint session of Congress — and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is reportedly ready to sign on. Netanyahu does not deserve the honor of speaking on the congressional stage. Especially as powerful decision-makers, from the President to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, seem finally willing to use their influence to end the horrific violence in Israel, Palestine, and beyond. Inviting Netanyahu to speak at the U.S. Capitol would not only undermine our values — it could undo the ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire. U.S. credibility — and hundreds of thousands of lives — are on the line. The decision is a no-brainer: Sen. Schumer must say ‘No.’ The good news? The chance that he does increases if he hears from thousands of people across the country now. For the sake of justice, peace, and basic human decency, will you add your name to our petition to Sen. Schumer and urge him to refuse Netanyahu this prestigious platform?