Ways to Protect Individuals and Communities at Risk
- Britta Van Dun
- 1 day ago
- 10 min read
The current administration's policies are creating a coordinated assault on many vulnerable communities simultaneously. Understanding the breadth of these attacks—and how they're interconnected—is essential to effective advocacy. Effective advocacy means contacting your local representatives and making your voice heard - telephone calls are the most effectual.
Congressional appropriations control funding. Every program being cut—Medicaid, SNAP, Social Security Administration staffing, disability services, healthcare programs—requires congressional approval to be funded. When you call to oppose cuts or demand restoration of funding, you're directly influencing budget decisions that affect millions of people across all of these vulnerable communities.
Our most Vulnerable Communities
Women and Low-Income Families
Economic support systems are being gutted:
$186 billion in SNAP cuts through 2034—the largest cut to food assistance in history.
Strict work requirements expanded to ages 55-64, disproportionately affecting women who make up over half of non-elderly adult recipients.
1.2 million older adults ages 55-64 expected to lose food assistance.
Elimination of exemptions for people experiencing homelessness, veterans, and those who aged out of foster care.
Loss of heating/cooling utility allowances for households without elderly or disabled members.
Increased recertification burdens causing eligible people to lose benefits due to paperwork requirements.
Impact: Hunger, inability to afford basic necessities, choosing between food and medicine, and increased strain on food banks already struggling to meet demand.
Federal Workers and Racial Minorities
Mass firings targeting diversity:
Tens of thousands of federal workers laid off in 2025
DEI program dismantling specifically targeting Black, Hispanic, and Native American employees
DEIA workers placed on administrative leave beginning January 21, 2025
Scapegoating of disabled federal workers without evidence
Further "large-scale reductions in force" ordered February 12, 2025
Impact: Job loss disproportionately affecting workers of color, elimination of programs supporting workplace equity, and public demonization of federal employees.
LGBTQ+ Individuals
A comprehensive attack on LGBTQ+ rights including:
Transgender military ban affecting thousands currently serving
Denial of gender-affirming healthcare for people under the age of 19
Removal from federal health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid for federal employees)
Threats to hospitals providing care to transgender minors
School discrimination mandates forcing outing of transgender students
Federal ID restrictions requiring sex assigned at birth, creating dangerous mismatches
Employment protections eliminated—DOJ says Title VII doesn't protect transgender workers
Data erasure—federal forms can no longer ask about gender identity
HIV/AIDS program cuts—FY 2026 budget eliminates Part F of Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program
DEI program elimination cutting LGBTQ+ community organizations and services
Impact: Loss of lifesaving healthcare, workplace discrimination, forced outing, inability to travel safely, elimination of HIV services, and systemic erasure from federal recognition.
Domestic Workers
Basic labor protections being stripped:
3.7 million domestic workers at risk of losing minimum wage and overtime protections
Proposed rule reinstating "companionship exemption" allowing employers to classify home care workers as exempt from Fair Labor Standards Act
Removal of 2015 protections that guaranteed federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour) and time-and-a-half overtime
Disproportionate impact on women of color—the majority of domestic workers
DOL finalizing rule that could take effect as early as February 2026
Impact: Wage theft, exploitation, inability to support families, and reversal of hard-won labor protections for some of the most vulnerable workers.
Rural Communities
Infrastructure and services collapsing:
$1 trillion in Medicaid cuts threatening rural hospitals already operating on thin margins
300+ rural hospitals currently at immediate risk of closure
44% of rural hospitals operating with negative margins
Only $50 billion in relief funding over 5 years (while cutting $1 trillion)—woefully inadequate
SNAP and food assistance cuts in areas with higher poverty and food insecurity rates
Loss of healthcare access as hospitals close and providers leave
Impact: Hospital closures, loss of healthcare access, food insecurity, economic devastation, and abandonment of communities already struggling.
The Disability Community
Actions have systematically rolled back disability rights and access:
$1 trillion in Medicaid cuts over 10 years, threatening home and community-based services that allow disabled people to live independently
Nearly 50% of staff laid off at the Administration for Community Living (ACL), which oversees disability services and protections
Work requirements for Medicaid that will disproportionately harm disabled people, even those who should be exempt
$20.5 billion in NIH cuts (40% of its budget), reducing medical research for conditions affecting disabled people
Elimination of protection and advocacy programs that safeguard disabled people in long-term care facilities
Closure of Social Security Administration offices and firing of 7,000 SSA workers, making it harder to access disability benefits
Proposed changes to disability eligibility that could reduce SSDI qualification rates by up to 20%
Department of Education dismantling threatens enforcement of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
Elimination of DEI programs including accessibility initiatives across federal government
Impact: Disabled people face loss of healthcare, forced institutionalization, denial of benefits they've qualified for, reduced access to education, and elimination of basic protections.
Immigrant Communities and Asylum Seekers
Aggressive enforcement has resulted in:
Over 605,000 deportations since January 20, 2025
Increased detention with 50,000 detention beds funded through the "One Big Beautiful Bill"
$75 billion in ICE funding—a massive increase from typical $10-11 billion annual budget
Targeting of sanctuary cities and protective policies
Family separations and detention of U.S. citizens
Constitutional violations including entries without judicial warrants and use of excessive force
Fatal shootings of both immigrants and U.S. citizens by ICE agents
Elimination of sensitive location protections—ICE can now operate at schools, hospitals, and churches
Asylum and refugee exclusions from programs like SNAP
Impact: Families torn apart, constitutional rights violated, communities living in fear, and documented cases of fatal violence by federal agents operating with impunity.
Call Congress to Protect Vulnerable Communities
These issues may seem separate, but they share a common thread: Congress has the power to fund or defund programs, pass protective legislation, and provide oversight of executive actions. When you call your representatives about immigration enforcement, LGBTQ+ rights, disability services, or food assistance, you're exercising the same fundamental democratic power—and your voice carries weight across all of these issues.
How Calling your Representatives Helps
Congressional appropriations control funding. Every program being cut—Medicaid, SNAP, Social Security Administration staffing, disability services, healthcare programs—requires congressional approval to be funded. When you call to oppose cuts or demand restoration of funding, you're directly influencing budget decisions that affect millions of people across all of these vulnerable communities. The same Homeland Security appropriations bill being debated right now affects ICE funding, but similar appropriations bills control funding for healthcare, food assistance, and social services.
Legislation can provide permanent protections. While executive orders can be reversed by the next administration, laws passed by Congress are much harder to undo. The Equality Act would permanently protect LGBTQ+ people. Legislation strengthening disability rights, protecting domestic workers, or reforming immigration enforcement requires congressional action. When you call your senators and tell them what protections you want to see, you're pushing them to introduce, co-sponsor, and vote for bills that create lasting change. Your representatives won't prioritize these issues unless they hear from constituents that it matters—and high call volume from voters is one of the most effective ways to move legislation forward.
This Is Urgent
Harmful federal policies targeting immigration, federal & domestic workers, the disability community, women and low-income individuals, people of color, and rural communities are already in effect. We need to protect communities most vulnerable to these policies.
The January 30th funding deadline for Homeland Security is approaching. The Equality Act needs support to pass.
Congress can act —but only if they hear from constituents.
Call today. Email today. Don't wait.
This Moment Requires All of Us
Again and again, we are witnessing direct violations of our constitutional rights.
We need equal protection under the law for all people—regardless of immigration status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
If federal agencies won't reform, and if the administration won't protect constitutional rights, then Congress needs to step up and use its power.
Congress will only act if they hear from us. Loudly. Repeatedly. With clarity and conviction.
Beyond Calling: Other Ways to Take Action
1. Donate to Organizations Supporting Marginalized Communities in Arizona
These organizations provide direct services, legal advocacy, and community support for people facing systemic barriers and discrimination. Please see below for a list of vetted organizations.
2. Attend Local Events & Community Actions
Stay connected with organizations like Democracy Unites Us, Equality Arizona, LUCHA, Arizona Center for Disability Law, and Puente Arizona for information about rallies, community meetings, town halls, and direct action opportunities. Showing up in person demonstrates community solidarity and amplifies collective power.
3. Support People Directly
Bond funds & emergency assistance: Organizations like Mariposas Sin Fronteras and community mutual aid networks help cover urgent needs—bonds, rent, medical bills, food.
Letter-writing & connection: Many people in detention centers, hospitals, or isolation benefit from letters and contact. Reach out to organizations serving these communities to learn how you can provide connection and support.
Volunteer your skills: Many organizations need administrative support, legal assistance, translation services, childcare during events, or simply extra hands. Your time matters.
4. Share Resources & Information Widely
Know Your Rights educational materials exist for many communities—not just immigrants, but also LGBTQ+ people, disabled people, workers, and tenants. Share these guides in your networks, at community centers, in places of worship, and on social media.
Amplify the voices of people directly impacted by these policies. Share their stories, their organizing efforts, and their calls to action.
Educate your networks about the Equality Act, Medicaid cuts, SNAP restrictions, disability rights, and other policies affecting marginalized communities. Many people don't realize what's happening—your willingness to inform them can shift the conversation.
5. Stay Informed & Engaged
Follow Arizona representatives on social media and hold them accountable
Sign up for newsletters from civil rights, disability justice, LGBTQ+, and economic justice organizations
Track how your representatives vote on key issues—healthcare, food assistance, civil rights protections, disability services
Vote in every election—local, state, and federal. Local elections often have the most direct impact on services and protections
Join advocacy networks that organize letter-writing campaigns, phone banking, and coordinated actions
6. Use Your Platform & Privilege
If you have financial resources, stability, citizenship status, able-bodied privilege, or other forms of protection—use it to protect and support those who don't.
Accompany people to appointments or ICE check-ins
Offer housing or resources to those facing displacement
Speak up in spaces where marginalized voices aren't present or aren't being heard
Use your professional platform to advocate for inclusive policies
Solidarity isn't passive. It's power lies in action.
Why This Matters
Every act—calling your senator, donating $10, showing up to a rally, sharing information—contributes to collective power. Movements aren't built by a few heroes doing everything; they're built by many people doing what they can, when they can, consistently over time.
The communities facing the greatest harm right now—LGBTQ+ people, disabled people, immigrants, low-income families, rural communities, domestic workers—are also the most resilient, organized, and determined. They're already fighting. Your role is to stand with them, amplify their work, and use whatever power and resources you have to support their efforts.
This is how we protect each other. This is how democracy works. This is how we build a future where everyone can thrive.
Democracy Requires Participation
It's easy to feel powerless when watching injustice unfold. But you're not powerless—you have a voice, a vote, and representatives who work for you.
Use them.
Call your senators about immigration enforcement accountability
Call your senators about the Equality Act
Donate to organizations on the ground doing the work
Share information with people who need it
Show up for your community
Remember: You are not powerless. Your voice matters. Your representatives work for you.
This is how change happens—one phone call, one email, one conversation at a time.
While it's recommended to focus on only one to two issues per phone call, a single phone call can have a big impact and benefit many communities at once
Establishing yourself as an engaged constituent who calls regularly about civil rights, healthcare, and economic justice, let's your representative's office know that your concerns matter. Democracy isn't a spectator sport—it requires all of us to participate, especially when the most vulnerable among us are under attack.
Quick Action Checklist
☐ Call Senator Mark Kelly's office
☐ Call Senator Ruben Gallego's office
☐ Email both senators
☐ Donate to at least one organization supporting the communities you care about
☐ Share this information with friends, family, and community
☐ Save the Capitol switchboard number in your phone: (202) 224-3121
☐ Commit to calling twice a week until the bill is resolved
Organizations Supporting Marginalized Communities in Arizona
LGBTQ+ Services & Advocacy:
one•n•ten (onenten.org)
Supports LGBTQ+ youth ages 14-24 across Arizona with safe spaces, mental health services, housing assistance, and community programs. Serves over 1,100 unique youth annually.
Equality Arizona (equalityarizona.org)
Arizona's largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, working for equality at every level of government and providing community education and advocacy training.
Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (saaf.org)
HIV/AIDS services, healthcare, housing, and support for LGBTQ+ communities in Pima County.
Phoenix Pride (phoenixpride.org)
Community center, events, and grant program supporting Maricopa County's LGBTQ+ community.
Mariposas Sin Fronteras
Supports LGBTQ+ people detained in Eloy and Florence through visits, letters, bond support, and housing.
Disability Rights & Services:
Arizona Center for Disability Law (azdisabilitylaw.org)
Legal advocacy protecting the rights of people with disabilities, including access to healthcare, education, employment, and community-based services.
Raising Special Kids (raisingspecialkids.org)
Support and advocacy for families of children with disabilities, including help navigating education and healthcare systems.
DIRECT Center for Independence (directilc.org)
Independent living services, advocacy, and support for people with disabilities across Arizona.
The Arc of Arizona (arcarizona.org)
Advocacy and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Food Security & Economic Justice:
Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona (communityfoodbank.org)
Provides food assistance and advocates for policies that address hunger and poverty.
St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance (firstfoodbank.org)
Arizona's largest food bank network, serving communities across the state.
Arizona Food Bank Network (azfoodbanks.org)
Coordinates hunger relief efforts statewide and advocates for policies supporting food security.
Workers' Rights & Economic Justice:
Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA) (luchaaz.org)
Grassroots organization fighting for workers' rights, healthcare access, and economic justice for working families.
National Domestic Workers Alliance (domesticworkers.org)
Advocacy for domestic workers' rights, including minimum wage and overtime protections.
Arizona Center for Economic Progress (azeconcenter.org)
Policy research and advocacy for economic security, healthcare access, and tax fairness.
Rural Healthcare & Community Support:
Arizona Rural Health Association (azhealthzone.org)
Works to improve access to healthcare in rural Arizona communities.
Community Health Centers (findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov)
Federally qualified health centers providing care regardless of ability to pay. Find locations throughout rural Arizona.
Women's Health & Reproductive Justice:
Planned Parenthood Arizona (plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-arizona)
Healthcare services, education, and advocacy for reproductive rights and health.
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (acesdv.org)
Support for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, including those in marginalized communities.
Civil Rights & Legal Advocacy:
ACLU of Arizona (acluaz.org)
Legal advocacy and defense for civil liberties across all communities—LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights, reproductive justice, immigrants' rights, and more.
Lambda Legal (lambdalegal.org)
National legal advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights; currently challenging discriminatory federal policies including the transgender military ban.
National Center for Lesbian Rights (nclrights.org)
Legal services and advocacy, particularly for transgender people and LGBTQ+ families.
National Organizations with Arizona Impact:
Human Rights Campaign (hrc.org)
National advocacy organization tracking and fighting anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, providing resources and emergency response.
The Trevor Project (thetrevorproject.org)
Crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ young people.
National Disability Rights Network (ndrn.org)
Legal advocacy and systems change for people with disabilities.
This information was compiled from congressional records, news reports, civil rights organizations, and immigrant rights groups. Information is current as of January 27, 2026. Please verify current legislative status before taking action, as bills and policies can change rapidly.
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