Trusted Resources
Migration & Refugee Issues
Public Education & School Boards
LGBTQ+ Rights
Environmental & Climate Justice
As a collective we use this space to share resources we’ve vetted as trusted sources and organizations. As we work through specific issues, we will keep adding to this page. If you want to share or add to this list, please reach out.
Supportive Sources & Action Focused Tools
DO SOMETHING
Make 5 Calls this week (or each day if you can!)
This resource is the easiest and most effective way for U.S. constituents to impact politics. Just enter your zip code and choose your topic. It will give you the relevant info so you can call your representative. It even prepares a script for you. Phone calls matter!
Connect with these Groups
→ The Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network (WREN) is a nonpartisan, non-profit, gender justice advocacy organization dedicated to advancing the human rights and economic well-being of women and girls throughout South Carolina.
→ The Alliance Coalition is building a powerful, well-informed, well-organized movement in South Carolina. One that crafts and advances rational, strategic and effective ideas in the public sphere, and in so doing ensures our state and its residents enduring success.
→ Charleston County Democratic Party Stay involved and join events throughout Charleston County, including in Mount Pleasant.
→ Charleston Progressives Join the Facebook page and stay in the know of in-person peaceful rallies throughout the area.
LISTEN
Frog More Stew Podcast with Grace Cowan - South Carolina Political News
SC politics, political history + political culture. How it currently works…and how it is supposed to work. A realistic and educated approach to the issues that directly affect each of us in The Palmetto State. Learn more.
Calm News (Segment on We Can Do Hard Things Podcast)
Award-winning journalist, Jessica Yellin, breaks down the latest news unfolding in the US and world.
Reproductive Rights
National
Reproductive rights in America, encompass the legal and ethical principles allowing individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive health. This includes access to contraception, abortion, and gender-affirming care. Reproductive health services are not only about personal decision-making but also about gender equality and societal health.
The 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade marks a troubling regression in these rights, leading to a surge of restrictive laws across many states.
South Carolina
SC enforces strict abortion laws that significantly limit access to the procedure. The state prohibits abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can occur as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. There are limited exceptions to this law; abortions may only be permitted in cases of medical emergencies that threaten the life or health of the pregnant individual.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEEDS SUPPORT
Charleston Health Center operated by Planned Parenthood: For the full set of services call 843-628-4380.
THE LATEST IN SC
Human Life Protection Act, H.3457
The "Human Life Protection Act", H.3457, was assigned to a committee and given a hearing on March 4, 2025. H.3457 is a total abortion ban that removes exceptions for abortions in cases of rape, incest, or fatal fetal anomalies. It also removes the judicial bypass process for minors seeking abortions.
As of March 16, 2025: Because of the advocacy, calls and testimonies heard during the March 4 hearing, H. 3457 is NOT currently scheduled for another hearing. This is a huge victory, but the fight isn’t over. The bill isn’t technically dead yet.
Call to make sure your rep commits to a NO vote. If you live in Mount Pleasant District 80, call Rep. Kathy Landing to insist she commit to voting no.
Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic
The scheduled U.S. Supreme Court case threatens access to sexual and reproductive care for Medicaid patients nationwide, as South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster seeks to block patients from receiving services at Planned Parenthood health centers in the state. In response, Planned Parenthood South Atlantic and a patient filed a lawsuit to protect patients' rights. Currently, lower courts have blocked the Medicaid exclusion, allowing these patients to continue receiving reproductive care from Planned Parenthood. However, the U.S. Supreme Court is set to determine whether patients can sue in federal court when states like South Carolina violate their rights to choose their Medicaid providers.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments in this case on April 2, 2025, with a decision likely in June.
TAKE ACTION
Support Planned Parenthood South Atlantic
Support Palmetto State Abortion Fund
Palmetto State Abortion Fund is a 100% volunteer run nonprofit that serves South Carolinians seeking abortion care by providing logistical, financial, and educational support and resources. This may include help with travel/transportation, lodging, meals, childcare, and the abortion itself.
Diving into the History of Abortion in America
The Real Spark: School Integration & “Segregation Academies”
After the Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954, which ruled racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, many white Southern families began pulling their children out of public schools and enrolling them in private Christian schools—often explicitly created to avoid integration. These were sometimes referred to as “segregation academies.”
In the 1970s, the IRS began revoking the tax-exempt status of these private schools if they practiced racial discrimination (which many did, even if unofficially).
One of the most famous cases was Bob Jones University, a fundamentalist Christian school that prohibited interracial dating and lost its tax-exempt status in 1976. Evangelical leaders saw this not just as a threat to their schools, but as federal overreach into religious life.
🔸 This was the true origin of the Religious Right’s political awakening: a reaction to federal efforts to enforce civil rights, especially in schools.
Abortion Enters the Conversation (Strategically)
At first, abortion wasn’t a galvanizing issue for white evangelicals. In fact, many evangelicals were either ambivalent or supportive of limited abortion access in the early 1970s. The Southern Baptist Convention, for example, passed resolutions in 1971 and 1974 supporting abortion access in cases of rape, incest, or fetal deformity.
But in the late 1970s, conservative political strategists—including Paul Weyrich (a founder of the Heritage Foundation) and Jerry Falwell—realized that opposing school integration was not an effective public rallying cry. It was morally and politically radioactive.
So they pivoted to abortion—a cause that was easier to moralize, emotionally powerful, and harder to oppose in public. It also resonated with Catholics, allowing evangelicals and Catholics to form a powerful new alliance.
🔸 Abortion was adopted not as the first cause, but as a more palatable moral wedge to unify and energize the growing Religious Right.
The Formation of the Moral Majority (1979)
Founded by Jerry Falwell, the Moral Majority became the organizing force behind the Religious Right. It focused on:
Outlawing abortion
Opposing the Equal Rights Amendment
Defending “traditional family values”
Promoting school prayer
Resisting gay rights
But its roots—though now reframed around morality—lay in a desire to preserve segregationist schooling structures and resist federal regulation of religious institutions.
The Religious Right did not rise up in response to Roe v. Wade—it was born in reaction to desegregation and federal threats to white evangelical control over Christian schools. Abortion became the chosen cause not because it was the first concern—but because it was a strategically powerful rallying point for a movement seeking to restore a particular social order.
National
In his early weeks in office, Trump signed an executive order targeting critical race theory, labeling it as “radical indoctrination,” and the U.S. Department of Education issued a letter threatening the loss of federal funding for schools that do not end DEI programs.
Recent Adverse Legislation
Jan. 29, 2025: President Trump signed an executive order entitled “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling,” which restricts discussions on race, gender, and LGBTQ+ issues in public schools. Instead, schools are directed to focus on “patriotic education,” which should be grounded in “an accurate, honest, unifying, inspiring, and ennobling characterization of America’s founding and foundational principles.” This order blames schools for indoctrinating children and preventing them from using critical thinking skills. It also bans the teaching of victim and oppressor identities based on skin color and other characteristics, specifying that schools may not teach students to feel responsible for actions committed in the past by members of their identity group.
Racial Equality
South Carolina & Charleston
South Carolina, and Charleston in particular, has a complex history as a center of the slave trade and racial segregation. This history still resonates today, influencing race relations and the fight for equality.
In 2015, the Mother Emanuel AME Church shooting sparked additional attention and focus on racism and prompted initiatives focused on healing and justice.
While South Carolina has made strides in recognizing civil rights, there are ongoing debates over legislation that could affect racial equity, including voter ID laws and gerrymandering efforts that disproportionately impact communities of color.
Recent Adverse Legislation
April 2: The South Carolina House passed a bill that prohibits the implementation of “illegal” Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices in schools and government entities, aiming to prevent the use of public funds for such initiatives. Supporters of the bill argue it promotes fairness, while opponents believe it undermines efforts to address systemic inequalities
April 3: Trump sent a letter to state education chiefs requiring them to certify compliance with prohibitions against race-based discrimination in federally funded programs. SC pursues 'full compliance'.
The history of gun control in the United States is marked by a series of legislative actions responding to societal concerns over firearm violence. The Second Amendment, ratified in 1791, established the right to bear arms. Significant federal regulations began with the National Firearms Act of 1934, targeting weapons associated with organized crime. The Gun Control Act of 1968 followed high-profile assassinations, imposing stricter licensing and prohibiting sales to certain individuals. The 1993 Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act introduced mandatory background checks for purchases from licensed dealers. In 1994, the Federal Assault Weapons Ban was enacted but expired in 2004 without renewal. The 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act marked the most substantial federal gun legislation in decades, enhancing background checks and supporting state red flag laws.
Currently, the political and cultural climate surrounding gun control in the U.S. remains deeply polarized. While a majority of Americans support stricter gun laws, significant opposition persists, rooted in beliefs about personal freedom and self-defense. This division is evident in legislative actions and public discourse, with debates often intensifying following mass shooting events. The reelection of President Trump has influenced the national conversation, with gun safety groups preparing for potential policy shifts and focusing efforts on state-level advocacy.
Under the Gun Control Act of 1968, the rules that still hold:
18 years old to purchase a rifle or shotgun from a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL).
21 years old to purchase a handgun from an FFL.
However, individuals 18 and older can legally possess handguns, and in many states, they can purchase them through private sales (depending on state law).
🔸 This means: a person under 21 cannot walk into a gun store and buy a handgun—but they can buy an AR-15 style rifle. This age distinction has come under scrutiny, especially following mass shootings committed by 18- to 20-year-olds using assault-style rifles.
Gun Control
The History of Gun Control in America
The National Rifle Association (NRA) was founded in 1871 by Union Army veterans to promote marksmanship and gun safety, initially operating as a nonpartisan sporting organization. For over a century, its mission focused on firearm training, hunting, and competitive shooting. The NRA even supported key federal gun control measures, including the National Firearms Act of 1934 and the Gun Control Act of 1968, which regulated machine guns and prohibited gun sales to certain individuals. During this time, the NRA worked closely with lawmakers and law enforcement, emphasizing responsible gun ownership and public safety.
The turning point came in 1977 at the NRA’s annual convention, when a faction of hardline members staged what’s known as the “Cincinnati Revolt.” Led by Harlon Carter, this coup ousted the more moderate leadership and redefined the organization as a political powerhouse dedicated to defending gun rights above all else. The NRA established its lobbying arm, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA), and became a key player in shaping conservative politics. From that point on, it opposed nearly all forms of gun regulation, framed restrictions as threats to liberty, and built deep ties with the Republican Party. The NRA’s influence helped polarize the national debate, shifting gun ownership from a public safety issue to a symbol of identity, freedom, and political allegiance.
The History & Role of the NRA
South Carolina Gun Control Policies
In South Carolina, recent legislative changes reflect a trend toward more permissive gun laws. As of March 7, 2024, the state implemented a "constitutional carry" law, allowing individuals 18 and older to carry firearms openly or concealed without a permit, provided they are not otherwise prohibited by law. This shift has prompted discussions about the implications for public safety and law enforcement. Additionally, South Carolina has introduced bills aimed at regulating assault weapons and restricting firearm access for individuals on the terrorist watch list, indicating ongoing legislative activity in the realm of gun control.
Legal vs. Illegal Firearms in the U.S. (Simplified)
What’s Legal for Civilians
Fully Automatic Firearms
Definition: Fires continuously as long as the trigger is held.
Legal Status:
Newly manufactured fully automatic weapons (post-1986): Illegal for civilians to own.
Pre-1986 fully automatic guns (registered under the National Firearms Act): Legal, but highly regulated, expensive (often $20K+), and require:
ATF registration
Extensive background check
$200 tax stamp
Long wait time (6–12 months or more)
Semi-Automatic Firearms (Legal)
Definition: Fires one round per trigger pull, automatically chambering the next round.
Examples:
Most modern pistols
Most AR-15 style rifles
Many hunting rifles and shotguns
Legal Status: Widely legal across the U.S., though some states regulate or restrict:
Magazine capacity
Pistol grips, collapsible stocks, flash suppressors, etc.
California, New York, New Jersey, and others have their own “assault weapons” definitions.
Manual-Action Firearms (Legal)
Lever-action, bolt-action, pump-action, and break-action guns
These make up the other half of long guns (especially hunting rifles and shotguns)
Generally unregulated, even in states with strict gun laws
What’s Illegal for Civilians
Post-1986 machine guns (fully automatic firearms)
Unregistered short-barreled rifles or shotguns (under certain length thresholds, without NFA registration)
Silencers/suppressors without ATF approval and tax stamp
“Destructive devices” like grenades or explosive weapons
Ghost guns (unserialized, homemade guns) in some states or under new federal rules (subject to ongoing court battles)
Certain bump stocks and forced-reset triggers (depending on recent ATF rulings)
The Loopholes & Gray Areas
Bump stocks (which mimic automatic fire): Banned federally after the 2017 Las Vegas shooting—but legality is in flux depending on court rulings.
Binary triggers / forced-reset triggers: These simulate faster firing rates and are under scrutiny by the ATF.
Pistol braces (used to shoulder AR-style pistols): Recently reclassified as requiring NFA regulation—again, challenged in courts.
So You Want to Protect Yourself?
Here are some alternatives to guns:
Pepper Gel
Sprays in a tight, sticky stream instead of a mist.
Great for indoor use because it doesn’t aerosolize into the air.
Longer range than standard spray (often 12–18 feet), with less blowback.
Stun Gun or Taser
Instant contact deterrent.
No chemical exposure, no fog, and no long clean-up.
Tasers have distance (15–25 feet) and allow you to immobilize an attacker from range, but are more expensive and often require training.
Personal Alarms
Emits 120+ decibel sirens that can disorient an attacker and alert neighbors or family.
Non-violent and legal everywhere.
Tactical Flashlight or Blinding Light Tools
A high-lumen flashlight (1,000+ lumens) can temporarily blind an intruder and buy you time to escape or call for help.