September has arrived, and it didn’t come alone. Next week’s primaries will remind us that winter (NY State legislative Session) is coming, but before it gets here we can use the primaries to elect some progressive candidates into office. We have plenty of awesome options to choose from, so wherever you’re reading this email from, make sure you are ready to cast your vote! Once you’re done confirming your polling site, have a seat and join me as I recap on another wonderful week.
-Stanley
We are a people-powered organization. Support us in the movement for justice!
Voter Registration is Cool. Actually, voter registration is lit!!!!! I’m not exactly sure what “Lit” means, but all of the kids use that word so it must mean something. On September 7, the Hudson Valley Chapter in collaboration with Ann Sullivan from the New York Civic engagement table organized a “Lit” voter registration event. Ann talked to the community about the importance of Civic Engagement – particularly in disenfranchised communities. Click here for more information on the event.
End of the Summer Get Down. On Wednesday, September 7, 2016, the Capital District hosted their End of Summer Social, Members, volunteers and their family members came together for BBQ to celebrate all of the amazing work they have accomplished this summer. What are the chances that Capital District members saved me some food, slim to none I assume, maybe next time.
Door Knocking for Gustavo. On Saturday, September 3, volunteers from Citizen Actions New York City and Hudson Valley chapters took a trip to the Bronx to support New York State Senator, Gustavo Rivera’s bid for re-election in the 33rd district. In a campaign season that has seen the involvement of several outside groups try to dictate how our communities should vote, Gustavo has been a steady ally and a true representative of his constituents. Click here to see some tweets from the day.
Blogs
Citizen Action Organizing Director, Rosemary Rivera has been in Budapest Hungary meeting with activists, organizers, and advocates. During this trip, she has kept a journal of her experiences. You can read all of her entries here. Click here to read her third entry.
IN THE NEWS
TIMES UNION: Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia sued after touting Hackett’s exit from struggling schools list. Click here for the story.
DAILY NEWS: N.Y. : Parents, advocates sue state Education Department officials to relinquish more than $12.4M to fund nine failing schools. Click here for the story
Events
On September 10, join the members of the Long Island Progressive Coalition for an Ice Cream Social. It will be a fun and casual afternoon of sweet treats and conversation. We will provide the ice cream and some toppings, but BRING YOUR FAVORITE TOPPING to share! Bring your family, bring a friend this is open to everyone. Click here to RSVP
On September 11, the Capital District Chapter is inviting parents, teachers, students, clergy and community members to Walk for Education. We will walk together in support of our schools and our children. Your presence is needed to be a voice for our children and our community. Click here to RSVP
The September 13 primary election is only a few days away and it’s time to Get Out The Vote! Among our endorsed candidates, are three who are facing very tough, competitive races and need our help right now. Please consider volunteering your time to assist, AD 65 (Manhattan) Paul Newell, SD33 (Bronx) Gustavo Rivera, AD55 (Brooklyn) Latrice Walker
TAKE ACTION!
While tuition continues to skyrocket, administrators have raised their own salaries and shifted more and more teaching and research responsibilities to underpaid workers like adjuncts, Teacher Assistant’s (TA) and Resident Assistant’s (RA). Please add your name and call on administrators to end their anti-union campaign and respect the right of RA’s and TA’s to organize. Click here to take action.
Want daily updates and live footage of our events and actions? We can make that happen (I know a guy). Click here to follow us on Twitter and get real-time updates. If you’re looking for cool articles, memes, and a little conversation, like our Facebook page here.