The purpose of the Letterwriting group is to regularly communicate in writing with organizations, public officials, and other entities to express our concerns and support for the ideals and goals of the Rise Up Frederick grass-roots group. A list of potential targets of letters will be posted on the website, sent to committee members, and developed and maintained as a result of the focus of other Rise Up workgroups and of the presenters at our monthly meetings. We will provide key talking points and contact information. This committee has no need to schedule additional meetings.
When appropriate, the following message, or something similar, will be included:
Donald Trump and his administration are dismantling our Democracy and erasing traditional American values. We insist that our local, state, and national leaders defend our Constitutional processes, demand honesty and accountability in government, and protect equal rights for all. Rise Up Frederick is a women-led grassroots organization that connects like-minded people in Frederick County who want to protect our Democracy and our hard-won freedoms.
For a list of bills: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Index/
To find contact info for your representatives: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/District
Immigration:
· HB0444/SB0245 – Prohibits municipalities, counties, sheriffs, and others from entering into Immigration Enforcement Agreements
· HB0351 – Allows for digital unmasking of federal agents upon complaint
· HB0495 – In a case of immigration arrest guarantees immunity in connection with court appearances
· HB0630 – Detention facilities – prohibits detaining individuals in a building that was not originally designed and built to house people
Civil rights/Social justice:
· SB0346/HB0332 - No Kings bill - Establishes certain civil liability for an individual who, under color of law, deprives another of a right, a privilege, or an immunity secured by the U.S. Constitution.
· SB0626 – Birth Certificate Modernization Act - Alters the circumstances under which the Secretary of Health is required to make a new certificate of birth due to the change of a sex designation of an individual
Voting Rights:
· SB0255/HB0350 – Voters Rights Act of 2026 - prohibits abridging voter rights
· SB0141/HB0145 – Election Misinformation, Election Disinformation, and Deepfakes - Requires certain actions if the State Administrator receives a credible report that election misinformation, including a deepfake, has been or is being communicated, disseminated, or distributed; requires communicating correct information to the public. Also prohibits a person from disseminating a deepfake to produce false information.
· HB0219 - Maryland Voting Rights Act of 2026 - Voter Intimidation and Suppression - prohibits acts of intimidation, deception, or obstruction that interfere with the right to vote.
Education:
· HJ003 – Elementary and Secondary Education - Curriculum - Importance of Diversity -Acknowledges the importance of teaching a culturally diverse curriculum in the State; provides that curricula should include the history of communities that have experienced discrimination; and affirms the State of Maryland's commitment to a complete education.
There are other important bills in the areas of Health care, Environment, Gun Control, and more (more than 700 in the Senate and 900 in the House)
There are so many issues of concern at the moment that it is difficult to keep from getting overwhelmed. The ACLU website has practical, straightforward advice for anyone who is disposed to communicate with elected officials through letters. Incidentally, we are told that emails are often ignored, so a more effective way to voice our opinions is through a letter or phone call.
This link to the ACLU website gives sample messages that can be sent in 21 areas of concern, from Alligator Alcatraz to Voter Rights. Below is a letter you could write this month.
Issue: Military Troops Have No Place Policing U.S. Cities
Sample body below – modify with your own input
As your constituent, I'm writing to condemn President Trump's recent domestic military deployments, as well as his reported plans to deploy even more military troops into our communities over governors' objections – and I'm calling on you to block these unnecessary, inflammatory, and dangerous abuses of power.
Make no mistake: President Trump is manufacturing 'emergencies' to expand his power and create fear in major American cities. Sending military troops and armed federal agents into our communities is unjustified and dangerous.
I urge you to block the deployment of National Guard or other military troops to L.A., D.C., Memphis, Portland, and elsewhere, and to hold the Trump administration accountable for any abuses that stem from these activations.
Sincerely,
[First Name] [Last Name]
Recipients:
Representative April McClain Delaney
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-224-3121
Senator Chris Van Hollen
730 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
(202) 224-4654
Senator Angela Alsobrooks
374 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
(202) 224-4524
1. Politicians are most interested in the words of the people who vote for them. Identify yourself as a constituent when contacting your legislators.
2. Whether writing or calling your legislators, focus on a single topic. You’ll be more effective and receive a faster response.
3. Ask your legislator to take specific action, like supporting a piece of legislation. Ask for a written response that gives your legislator’s position on the issue.
4. Make your points quickly and concisely to have a greater impact.
5. When talking about an issue, it’s best to use your own words.
How to Address a Letter:
To a Senator
The Honorable (full name)
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator:
To a Representative
The Honorable (full name)
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative: