What to Do Wednesday
Your Weekly Guide to Staying Politically Active—From Abroad
Wednesday 14 January 2026
Dear friends and allies,
This week, our community is united in grief and anger following the killing of Renee Good, a 37 year old mother, writer, and community member who was shot and killed by an ICE agent earlier this month. Her death was unnecessary, unjust, and unacceptable. Renee should be alive today.
Renee Good was a beloved presence in her community. She was known for her creativity, her care for others, and her deep humanity. Her killing has sparked vigils, protests, and an outpouring of grief across the United States and beyond, as people demand accountability and an end to the violence that continues to claim innocent lives.
This was not a tragedy without cause, nor an unfortunate misunderstanding. This was a failure of policy, oversight, and accountability, and it demands action from every one of us.
We Grieve. We Act.
Grief is not passive. Grief demands that we respond.
As Democrats abroad, our role is clear. We channel our sorrow into action and ensure that those in power hear us.
Here is what you can do this week.
Raise your voice with your representatives
Call, write, or email your members of Congress and tell them plainly:
- You are outraged by the killing of Renee Good.
- You demand a full and transparent investigation.
- You insist on meaningful oversight and reform of ICE and federal law enforcement practices.
- You will hold elected officials accountable in the midterm elections.
Even a short personal message matters. Congressional offices track every call and every email. You can use https://democracy.io to write to all three of your Members of Congress at the same time. Here is an email template you can use to get started.
Speak out publicly
Share Renee’s story. Center her humanity. Speak clearly about injustice and the need for change. Encourage others in your networks to do the same.
Silence protects systems that harm. Collective voices create pressure for accountability.
Watch this uplifting event put together by Democrats Abroad as Americans all over the world came together to honor Renee Good. Voices for Renee: A Global Vigil for Dignity and Justice
Ballot Request Update. We Need to Move Faster.
We have reached an important starting point. Two percent of Democrats Abroad Italy members have already requested their absentee ballots. That matters. But it is only the beginning, and it is not where we need to be.
Our goal is ambitious and necessary: 45 percent of our membership requesting their ballots within the next two months.
Reaching this threshold early is critical. When our existing members request their ballots now, it allows Democrats Abroad Italy to focus our time and resources later on reaching nonmembers, newly eligible voters, and students arriving for the fall semester. Early action multiplies our impact.
- Click below to head to VoteFromAbroad.org right now to request your ballot. It only takes a minute, and you’ll be ready to vote all year long!
- If you have any questions or need help, send us a message by clicking below and a Voter Assistance Volunteer will reach out to you.
- If you have already requested your ballot or receive your ballot directly from your state portal, Well Done! Click the button below to let us know
Voting is how we honor lives lost and demand a different future.
Upcoming Events
- Are you ready for it? International Voter Registration day is upon us! New Year's resolutions are pretty, but registration is power. Join us at the Blue Ballot Affair for an amazing online experience; with inspirational speakers, comedians, fun, games, voter registration, and more. Saturday 17 January starting at 14:00! RSVP Here
- Take part in a special evening on Women's Empowerment on Sunday 18 January at 18:00. A powerful panel on the catalysts and impetus that created the Women’s Caucus. RSVP Here
- Ride the Blue Wave on the Adriatic — join us in person for Democrats Abroad Italy’s Annual General Meeting! Get excited, get involved, and help power the movement shaping America’s future from Italy. Friday March 13 - Sunday March 15 2026 Get all the details here!
From Grief to Action
“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” — Angela Y. Davis
Thank you for standing together in this moment. Thank you for choosing action over despair, and community over silence.
In sadness and determination,
Leyani Redditi
Chair,
Democrats Abroad Italy