What to Do Wednesday
Your Weekly Guide to Staying Politically Active—From Abroad
Wednesday 29 April 2026
There is so much happening right now. The pace of the news cycle is relentless, and much of it is deeply concerning. When everything feels urgent, it can become overwhelming. It is easy to grow numb, to tune out, or to feel like our individual actions do not matter.
But this is exactly the moment when they matter most.
We are heading toward a pivotal election this fall, one that will shape the direction of our democracy. The outcome will not be decided only in November. It is being shaped right now by the actions we take, the pressure we apply, and the voices we raise.
Today, we focus on one urgent issue where your voice is needed immediately.
TAKE ACTION NOW
Congress is preparing to vote on the future of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). This law governs how the U.S. conducts foreign intelligence surveillance, but it has significant implications for Americans’ privacy and civil liberties.
Contact your Members of Congress today and tell them:
Do not extend FISA Section 702 without meaningful reforms that protect Americans’ rights.
You can use this phone script created by 5Calls.org Reform FISA Section 702 to Stop Government Surveillance - VOTES THIS WEEK ⭑ 5 Calls
WHY THIS MATTERS
Section 702 allows the government to collect communications of foreign nationals, but in practice, it also sweeps up communications involving Americans without a warrant.
Recent updates show that Congress passed a short-term extension to allow negotiations to continue, with votes expected imminently. Lawmakers are deciding whether to extend these authorities again, potentially without the reforms that many experts and civil liberties organizations say are urgently needed.
As outlined in the article shared above, Section 702 has been repeatedly criticized for overreach. Reports indicate it has been used to access the communications of journalists, protesters, lawmakers, and others, raising serious concerns about privacy and constitutional protections.
Technology has advanced rapidly, but the safeguards have not kept pace. Without reform, extending these authorities risks expanding surveillance powers without adequate accountability.
This is not a theoretical issue. It is about the balance between national security and the fundamental rights of Americans, including those of us living abroad.
POSITIVE MOMENTUM
Across the political spectrum, there is growing recognition that reform is necessary. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern about how Section 702 has been used and are pushing for stronger protections.
Public pressure matters in moments like this. When constituents speak clearly and consistently, it shapes the debate.
Democrats Abroad Italy Events
Be the reason an overseas voter votes in November! Join us for our Voting Assistant Training Sessions!
Sign up here to learn how to support US citizens with Voter Registration & Ballot Request Tuesday May 12 @18:00
Sign up here to learn how to support US citizens to Receive & their Voted Ballots Saturday May 2 @11:00 or Wednesday 27 May @18:00
Check below to find out more about Democrats Abroad Italy Events:
Participate in the Democrats Abroad Italy monthly Country Committee meeting. Join us to find out about what is happening in each region and how you can get involved. Meetings are held monthly and last one hour. Friday May 8 @09:00
Join Democrats Abroad Italy for a special national fundraising event in the heart of Florence. Saturday May 30th @16:00.
It's fun. It's historic. It's a scavenger hunt in Milan! YES. WE. VOTE. MILAN'S IWC SCAVENGER HUNT!!
A message from the DA Italy Veteran's & Military Caucus:
The Veterans and Military Families (VMF) Caucus serves as a steadfast sanctuary for U.S. veterans, active military personnel, and their families living abroad, weaving a supportive and empowering network across borders. We champion the vital right to vote through dedicated outreach and fiercely advocate for policies that illuminate the unique, complex realities of our military community. Currently, we are cultivating spaces for authentic civic engagement, including upcoming discussions that explore the intersections of leadership, trauma, and resilience to help our members reclaim their civic power. We invite you to share your story and join our ongoing mission to ensure no voice is left behind. Connect with us at [email protected].
Closing Thought:
We cannot afford to disengage when the stakes feel high. Staying informed and taking action, even in small ways, is how we protect the values we believe in.
“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”
Thomas Jefferson
Thank you for taking action today.
With gratitude and determination,
Leyani Redditi
Chair
Democrats Abroad Italy
P.S. Only 14% of our members have already requested their ballots. Help us get to 25% by the end of May!! Click the link below to go to Vote from Abroad or let us know you've already requested your ballot, or need some help. We’re here to make sure your vote counts!