After months of preparation, Citizen Action of New York and the Public Policy and Education Fund of New York finally hosted the inaugural Justice Works: A Conference for Progressive New York. Located at the beautiful Crowne Plaza in downtown Albany, progressive minds from all over New York and the country met for a weekend of educating, networking, and planning. The event featured great leaders, organizations, and politicians in addition to of hundreds of progressive activists.
MSNBC Commentator Dr. Melissa Harris-Perry kicked off the conference by giving her keynote speech, “Fighting and Failing: Sustaining Hope & Building Strategy for the Big Fights and the Long Haul.”
Attorney General Eric Schneiderman delivered the dinner address, entitled “Restoring New Yorkers’ Confidence in Government and the Economy.”
USAction President William McNary addressed the luncheon with a presentation cleverly called “The Revolution Will Be Televised After All.”
Also speaking were Albany district attorney David Soares, Albany Treasurer Kathy Sheehan, Executive Editor of the Nation Betsy Reed, Senior Fellow of the Roosevelt Insitute and former Executive Director of Citizen Action NY Richard Kirsch, former CEO of ACORN Bertha Lewis, Citizen Action of WI Executive Director Dr. Robert Kraig, SEIU Healthcare Chair Dr. L. Toni Lewis, and many other notable leaders.
Nearly twenty workshops were held, covering topics ranging from green jobs to health care reform. Instructors and students were able to meet and discuss ways to move our country forward in a direction that works for everyone. The interactive nature of the workshops maximized productivity and ensured that everyone’s opinion was heard.
In addition to the inspiring and motivating work done at the conference, attendees also had some time to cut loose and have fun. Comedian Lee Camp performed, adding comic relief to a day of serious discussion and deliberation. An open mic session was held which allowed activists to demonstrate their talents, whether it was singing, spoken word poetry, or stand-up comedy, and a dance party featuring DJ Phayda rounded out the event.
Thank you to everyone that helped to make this event as successful and productive as it was. Those who attended left with a greater understanding of our political landscape and the issues that need to be addressed in order to improve the lives of working people everywhere.
We entered Justice Works concerned about the welfare of our neighbors and the direction that our government and nation is headed. After listening to the speakers and participating in the workshops, we departed with the motivation and knowledge to bring change to our country.
