Sunday Lookout: Over 10,000 Voices Unite for Truth and Change
Every voice can help the truth reach someone new. This week, more than 10,000 voices are standing together.
Last Sunday, we shared stories of hope. This week, that hope has more voices behind it: thoughtful reporting, hundreds of new petition signatures, and personal comments that explain what these laws mean in everyday life. For families who often feel unheard, this is progress worth sharing.
Another month, another chance to be heard
On October 7, Amelia Orjuela Da Silva reported for The Miami Times on FAC’s housing challenge. Her article examined housing restrictions, shelter barriers and the problems people face when they have nowhere lawful to live.
About a month later, B. Scott McLendon carried that conversation forward in Miami New Times. His November 5 article, “‘Like lepers’: New state law gives sex offenders nowhere to go in South Florida,” brought readers into the parking lots and encampments where people spend their nights.
We receive far too little coverage with this depth. These reports give readers time to understand the people, the rules and the consequences. They help the truth reach beyond our own community.
Thank you to Amelia and Scott for listening and asking questions. Thank you, too, to the people who shared their lives and the FAC members, coordinators and advocates who helped bring these stories to light.
852 more voices in just a few days
On November 5, our petition had 9,749 signatures. Our latest reported count is 10,601 and counting. That is 852 additional signatures—growth of about 8.7% in just a few days. Those recent signatures make up about 9% of the current total.
For those of us who remember the pushback a decade ago, this response feels incredible. More people are willing to listen, ask questions and put their names behind the call for change.
People are also leaving comments about their real-life struggles. Parents, lawyers, brothers, sisters, friends, family supporters and human-rights advocates are adding their voices. Their words help show why this movement matters and why FAC is challenging laws it argues are unconstitutional.
A signature shows support. A personal comment can help someone understand what losing a home, a job or time with family really means.
Taking that message further
Our latest media release shared the 10,000-signature milestone and explained the petition’s request: that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights investigate U.S. public sex-offender registration and take appropriate action.
The release highlights research on registration and reoffending, along with the loss of housing, jobs and safety that public labeling can bring. It also explains that spouses, children and other loved ones share those burdens.
“Ten thousand people have looked at the evidence and agree that a lifetime of public shaming that doesn’t make anyone safer is not public safety, it’s cruelty,”
— Teresa Bond, FAC spokesperson, in FAC’s media release
What hope looks like in real life
Hope can be a new connection, a chance to work or someone willing to help. Here are three examples:
- More people standing together.
In its October 27 update,
FAC reported adding 47 members so far that month. Each new member is another opportunity to share knowledge, offer support and take part in the work. - A person who struggled now helps others.
Last week, we shared James’s story in The (M)Other List.
After repeated job rejections, he entered paid training and eventually found full-time nonprofit work. He now helps connect people with sexual-offense convictions to employers willing to consider them. His experience shows why a fair chance matters. - Practical help is being offered.
FAC shared the free “From Reaction to Response” course, which teaches skills for handling thoughts, emotions and conflict. The Hinda Institute sponsors the series and is independent of FAC. Sessions continue November 11, 18 and 25; see the announcement for enrollment information.
These examples do not erase anyone’s hardship. They remind us that people can build useful, caring lives—and that support can help someone take the next step.
Why keep pushing?
Some supporters have a fair question: what can the UN actually do? Signing a petition does not change U.S. law, and we cannot promise a UN response.
But this effort keeps our mission moving forward. It brings new people into the discussion and gives families a shared way to speak up. It creates opportunities to share research, challenge misleading claims and explain the harm these laws can cause.
Without our voices, only one side of this debate may be heard. International attention could help us reach more journalists, researchers and advocates. Building understanding, support and lasting connections gives us more opportunities to pursue meaningful change.
After signing, you can also add a short video through Change.org’s Supporter Voices. Share only what you feel comfortable making public, and read Change.org’s privacy and safety guidance.
Please read and share both articles. If you support the petition, sign it and invite others to read it. If you have already signed, sharing the link can help someone new join the conversation.
Read, sign and share the petition ↗
Journalists and anyone interested in helping tell these stories can reach us at [email protected].
Support the Lawsuit
We are at 85% of our fundraising goal for this lawsuit!
FAC’s homepage shows $144,460 raised toward a $170,000 goal, with $25,540 left to raise.
Help get us to the finish line by
making a donation to FAC’s General Legal Fund
You can also make a tax-deductible donation to the Florida Action Foundation, Inc. (a 501(c)(3) entity) earmarked for this challenge by contacting
[email protected]
This week: connection, support and ways to help
November 9–15, 2026 · All times Eastern
Tap a day below to see meeting times and joining details. Tap it again to close.
Monday, November 9
Three calls to connect and share
Dthree.org Call · 7–8 p.m.
Support for family members of loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Registration is required;
open the calendar event for the registration link.
Member Support Call · 8–9:30 p.m.
Conversation, encouragement and sharing with John D and county coordinators. Join by Zoom,or call 305-224-1968
and enter meeting ID 914 1527 3144.
Caution Click Monthly Call · 8–9 p.m.
Dial 319-527-4451. Announce your first name only.
Tuesday, November 10
Men’s Support Group (BRITE)
8–9 p.m. · Peer support, discussion and encouragement for men required to register. Join by Zoom , or call 305-224-1968 and enter meeting ID 914 1527 3144.
Wednesday, November 11
Legislative Team
8–9 p.m. · Interested in helping with legislative work? Email
[email protected] to join the team and receive its emails.
Thursday, November 12
Orientation and committee meeting
New Member Orientation · 8–9 p.m.
Learn about FAC and ways to get involved. Dial 319-527-3487
Finance Committee · 4–5 p.m.
Saturday, November 14
Family Support Group
11 a.m.–1 p.m. · An invitation-only group for FAC members who are non-registered family members with loved ones on the registry.
To request an invitation, email
[email protected] or call 833-273-7325, Option 1.
Sunday, November 15
LGBTQIA+ Support Group
7–9 p.m. · A chance to connect with the LGBTQIA+ support group.
Join by Zoom, or call 305-224-1968 and enter meeting ID 914 1527 3144.
Questions? Email
[email protected] or leave a message at 833-273-7325, Option 1.
Florida news coverage: What do you think?
As we celebrate thoughtful reporting, we also want to hear how you view Florida news coverage, including stories about people on the registry.
Open the reader survey
Open the survey on its own page ↗
if it does not display below.
Our voices matter. Let’s keep giving people a reason to listen.
“Each time a man stands up for an ideal … he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.”
University of Cape Town · June 6, 1966
Excerpt from his
Day of Affirmation address
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But some sad news this weekend, Norm Achin’s “I.C.A.C. Unpacked” YouTube channel has been removed. Anyone know what happened? Is he OK?
Sadly, there are over 100,000 registrants in the U.S so we need 90,000 more to sign into the call for change as just 1/10th have done so.
I think some do not want to have their real name posted on a petition and for good reasons. I understand both sides of having their name listed or not.
Close to 1 million registrants nationally but this is almost 1/3 population living in Florida at least