On Wednesday, January 25th, more than 100 people filled the Buffalo City Hall for yet another meeting on the district’s out-of-school suspension policy. Here’s an update from Brian Trzeciak, an education organier with Citizen Action of New York and the Alliance for Quality Education:

We had a great turnout last night at the Board of Education Meeting.  Not only did we have standing room only again, people filled up the waiting room as well.  There were easily more than 100 people in attendance.

As people walked into the room, they were greeted by a line of students.  Some were in handcuffs and some held books.  Every time a Board member (or anyone, really) walked by, they chanted “Books, not prison!” It was very effective. With all of the speakers who said what they did, to have a young child in handcuffs chanting “Books, not prison!” made the point. A lot of the press started off with that image and that message.

The meeting started off with Assistant Superintendent Will Keresztes describing what he had just given to the BoE as far as proposals from the Suspension Hearings.  They are going to discuss these proposals on February 1st with the BoE, and Jay McCarthy publicly invited Citizen Action and AQE to attend. And that means all of you!

Ina started off very strong by handing the BoE the resolution which we enlarged to about 4 feet tall.  Her message was simple.  Since they ignored the resolution the last time, she blew it up for them so that they couldn’t ignore it this time. It was awesome. And they took it. The Interim Superintendent, Amber Dixon, did acknowledge the resolution at the end.

And speaker after speaker hit home. We chanted during. We kept the message that this was a race issue in the forefront. We had students at the podium talking about their friends with the utmost sincerity and affection. We had other students saying, “I’m not a bad kid, I just need help.” John from Occupy Buffalo played really bad cop and called the Board murderers.  He clarified, as you’ll see in the clips. He stressed that this issue is that serious. Sherry let us know the staggering stat that a Buffalo student gets suspended every three minutes!

Danielle was the last to speak, and we all stood while she did.  She rocked the house and summed up all of what and how we feel about this issue. All in all, if we wanted up the ante and put more pressure on, we did just that.

But all of our speakers, from calling the Board members out, to acknowledging the children and getting their voices heard . . . all of them made the point clear.

Out-of-school suspension for non-violent incidents needs to end now.

After hearing everything, Dixon told us, once again, to wait for change in a response that took less than 3 minutes.

It’s going to happen (we’ll make sure of that), but how long it will take is still up in the air. We need to think about the strategy for the 1st and the next BoE meeting on the 8th. We also have an Education Committee meeting in between there. I will be sending out an email within the next day with a complete schedule of events.

Last, but definitely not least, I want to thank all of you. You have made this movement what it is. You have the power and the voice that they are finally listening to. Thank you, members of Citizen Action and AQE, the board members of Citizen Action and AQE, all of our parents and children, and all of our leaders. We are going to win because of you.

But, for now, we still need to fight.

In solidarity,

Brian

Click here to read the resolution.

Click here for pictures from the meeting.

Click Here for Press Clips

We need a policy change. We need to stop out of school suspensions for non-violent incidents. It has been 19-months since Jawaan Daniels has been killed and nothing has been happening.

–Brian Trzeciak, an education organizer with the Alliance for Quality Education and Citizen Action of New York.

Over the past several months, parents, students, and community members have worked to pass a new school suspension resolution in Buffalo that will halt out-of-school suspension for non-violent offenses. In Buffalo, one out of every five students receives an out-of-school suspension, whereas the the New York state average is one out of every 20 students.

The Alliance for Quality Education has released a report outlining the harmful effects of out-of-school suspension on students who commit non-violent offenses.

Click here to read the full report. 

A resolution was passed by members of the Buffalo Board of Education, calling for suspension reform in order to protect student safety.

Click here to read the resolution.

Here’s a list of press on the subject, compiled by the Alliance for Quality Education:

Aug. 30 – Buffalo Schools Ask to Change Suspension Policy

Oct. 6 – Suspensions Up So Far This Year in Buffalo

Oct. 26 – OpEd: Non-violent Incidents Don’t Merit Suspension

Jan. 9 – Parents Decry School Suspension Policy (WIVB, 4) 

Jan. 11 – Out-of-school Suspension Controversy Continues (YNN) 

Jan. 11 – Frustrations Over Suspension Policies Continue (Buffalo News) 

Jan. 12 – Demanding New Suspension Policy for Non-violent Offenses (WBFO, 88.7) 

Jan. 12 – Rally to End School Suspension Policy (YNN)

Jan. 13 – Anger Growing Over Suspension Policy (WNED, 970) 

 Stay tuned for more press as it’s published

Citizen Action of New York is one of the fastest-growing statewide grassroots organizations in the country. We fight for social, racial and economic justice, and an America that works for all of us. Our organizing campaigns focus on issues such as education, health care, campaign finance reform, progressive taxation, and consumer issues. We have won significant improvements in New Yorkers’ lives, and we have elected progressive candidates to office. We play a leadership role in organizing major statewide coalitions including the Alliance for Quality Education and the Health Care for All New York Coalition.

Citizen Action of New York has eight regional grassroots chapters, including one based in Buffalo. We are currently seeking an organizer for the Buffalo office for our Just and Fair Schools Campaign to help to improve the Buffalo School District’s discipline policy.

If you have strong organizing experience, like working with a diverse group of people and are committed to social change, come join our growing organization!

Responsibilities

Qualifications

Knowledge of New York State politics is desired. No policy expertise necessary.We offer a competitive salary, based on experience. Citizen Action of New York is an equal opportunity employer and we seek to build an organization that aggressively pursues a racial justice agenda. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please submit cover letter and resume to cvella@citizenactionny.org by November 10, 2011.

On Friday, August 26th, area residents, activists, and union members gathered at Rep. Kathy Hochul’s last “Congresswoman On Your Corner” event during the August Congressional recess to offer thanks and support as she heads into a new season of legislating.

The attendees presented Rep. Hochul with a large ‘thank you’ card signed by her constiuents.

Here are some photos of the event:

For the past three decades, Washington politicians and their benefactors have broken their promises of jobs and economic relief to struggling working families. Instead, they have turned the “American Dream” of health, education and success into an American Nightmare of poverty, foreclosures and a loss of stability and dignity.

Now, they’re coming for our Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, all to pay for more tax cuts for the rich and sweetheart deals for big corporations. The upper one percent of Americans currently control over one third of the private wealth in America, and instead of paying their fair share, they now want to take the programs that we have spent our entire lives working to build. It’s our money and we’re not going to sit back and watch them take it!

Joining our staff, coalition partners, and concerned supporters were President Franklin Delanor Roosevelt and his wife Elanor Roosevelt, who oversaw the implementation of The New Deal, an economic overhaul in the 1930s that stimulated the recovery of the economy after the Great Depression and provided jobs and stability to thousands of working families. Arriving in a stately Studebaker, the elegant couple added an air of prestige and elegance to our caravan.

The Caravan commenced at Kleinhans Music Hall, a world-class venue that was made possible by Roosevelt’s New Deal. It was a fitting location to start off the procession and a testament to the ability of government to provide jobs and security instead of preying upon vulnerable working families.

Many citizens spoke about the need to restore the American Promise. Speakers included elderly people that rely upon essential services in order to pay for medication, disabled parents that rely upon the safety net in order to provide for their children, and concerned adults that have to care for their parents, among many others.

Meeting at 11 different locations across New York State, our Caravan garnered thousands of demonstrators, a myriad of press coverage (click here to read a list of articles) and supporters from different political parties (including Republicans!). America’s true majority came out to express their disbelief at the immense greed required to strip America’s social safety net.

Is the 26th Congressional District of New York becoming a Right-wing Waterloo?

Americans of all stripes demonstrated Tuesday how important Medicare is to them – and how out of touch Republican budget proposals really are. Since the late 1850’s only three Democrats have held this traditionally safe Republican seat. But now, New York 26th congressional district will have its fourth Democrat—Kathy Hochul—as their voice in Congress.

That story has gotten a lot of press, and it should. But let’s remember another one: in 2005, when President Bush was working to privatize Social Security, grassroots groups led by USAction affiliate Citizen Action of New York (CANY) totally dominated a visit by President Bush to the area. CANY organized 1,400 people in Greece, a Rochester suburb in the heart of the district. This turnout overwhelmed the President’s event and led the local Republican Congressman, a member of the leadership, to tell his colleagues that they should not pursue the President’s risky plan to privatize Social Security, worrying aloud that: “…we’d be forcing our vulnerables to walk to the plank for nothing.” [Roll Call, 9/15/05]

At USAction, we believe strongly that one of the best guarantors of democracy is a well-organized group that is on the ground, year after year, winning victories and building a base of activists who can rise to key national occasions. We are proud to be one of the few progressive organizations with a history in Western NY – the 26th is near two of the 46 offices of our affiliates and partners. We’re going to need all of them.

As Karen Scharff, Executive Director of CANY, said:

Yesterday, voters in Western New York sent a strong message that Medicare needs to be protected, that tax cuts for billionaires and big corporations won’t be accepted, and that in order to make our communities stronger, we must come together to build an economy that works for everyone. Kathy Hochul’s election to Congress doesn’t just mean that New York will have another great representative in Washington. Her election also proves a public desire for a government that puts its people before corporate profits.

The NY 26 race is the fourth this month in a Republican losing streak: they have lost four special elections, three in strong, historically Republican districts. They’re clearly on the wrong side of these issues—and we are committed to ensuring these vital programs are protected. CANY was on the ground in Western NY in 2005 to protect Social Security, was still there to fight for Medicare in the special election this week, and will be working in key Congressional districts over the next 17 months to make the 2012 elections turn on Medicare and the failed Republican agenda.

The debate about our nation’s future is fierce. What, at heart, are these elections really about? They’re about freedom. Freedom to earn a fair wage with good American benefits, a decent life and hope for the future. Programs like Medicare and Social Security help secure our freedom by protecting our dignity if we get sick and as we get older.

Next month, USAction, our affiliates and many of our allies are planning a June 7 Day of Action. We’ll be marking the tenth anniversary of the day George W. Bush signed $1.35 trillion worth of tax cuts into law – tax cuts that primarily went to the wealthiest Americans.

But more about that later. For now, let’s celebrate recent victories while strengthening our resolve as we confront the important battles to come.

Thank you for all that you do.

We are USAction. We are the true majority.

Jeff Blum
Executive Director
USAction

At a press conference in the Legislative Office Building in Albany, AQE Executive Director Billy Easton spoke adamantly about the negative effects of Governor Cuomo’s budget cuts to education that are now being identified across the state as local school budgets pass. Last year, 10,000 school employees lost their jobs, including teachers, administrators, secretaries, aides, librarians, and other indiduals. Class sizes have increased, many essential in-school and after-school programs have been cut, and schools have been permanently closed. This year, 16,000 more school employees will also lose their jobs. It is important to note that the people losing their jobs are not just statistics — they are hard-working people with jobs and families that are being put out of work. Every school employee has a direct and tangible effect on a student’s life. Be it a teacher, aide, hall monitor, librarian, or secretary,  these people are employed to enhance a student’s experience and to contribute to his or her well being.

All of this, while millionaires and billionaires are getting a huge tax break.

Developing our kids’ minds from a young age is of the utmost priority. Early childhood education is increasingly being cited as one of the most important factors in a child’s future success. 75% of a child’s brain development and 85% of intellect, personality, and social skills are developed by age five. And, several studies, most notably the High Scope Perry Preschool Project, estimate that every dollar invested in early childhood education returns over seven dollars by the time a child turns 19. Governor Cuomo’s cuts are directly affecting our kids’ opportunities for success!

And, contrary to popular belief, the millionaires’ tax doesn’t expire until the end of the year. There is still time for us to tell Governor Cuomo that it’s simply not right to put the interests of millionaires and billionaires before the needs of our kids.

You can help! Tweet your message with the hashtag #KidsNotMillionaires to help fight for our teachers, aides, and other school staff. Let Cuomo know that our children need quality education and that we cant afford to cut their future.

In the news:

Advocacy Groups suggest reinstating “Millionaires’ Tax”

Groups Urge Lawmakers, Governor to extend Millionaires’ Tax

The Public School Boycot

Cuts to Schools: “Devastating” – Education Advocates

Most School Budgets Pass

Organizations participating include Alliance for Quality Education, Citizen Action of New York, New York City Coalition for Educational Justice, Long Island Progressive Coalition, Make the Road New York, New York Communities for Change, VOCAL, Push-Buffalo, Right to the City New York, Real Rent Reform New York, Community Voices Heard and also New Deal for New York , The Save Our SUNY Coalition, Strong Economy for All and Growing Together NY.

We’ll be covering the event live, using the stream below. If you can’t make it to Albany, come back here on 3/30 between 2pm and midnight for full, live coverage of the events at the Capitol.

Justice Works: A Conference for Progressive New York – is a new event like none other in New York.

For those of you who have been to a Citizen Action annual leadership conference in the past: This event is going to be bigger and better than ever before. We will have at least double the number of attendees, nationally renowned speakers, and, most importantly, we’re opening registration and inviting dozens of other organizations to participate. This is no longer an event just for Citizen Action’s top volunteers. It’s an event designed to strengthen and unite New York’s progressive movement.

For those of you who are asking, “what’s a Citizen Action annual leadership conference?” : We’re bringing together hundreds of New York’s progressive population for an intense two-day conference complete will workshops on issues and skills and plenary discussions on big questions facing our communities, our state, and our nation. We’ll also have some top notch keynote speakers to help put it all into perspective.

Justice Works will be held at the beautiful (and unionized) Crowne Plaza Hotel in historic downtown Albany, New York, just two blocks from the Capitol. It’s easily accessible by plane, train, bus, car, and, well, being just two blocks form the Hudson River, boats too. The hotel will offer free shuttle service to and from the airport and train station. With your registration, you’ll also get free covered parking in the hotel garage. There’s a lovely swimming pool, and all the guest rooms have flat panel TVs. But, you’re not going to want to watch TV…

We’ll have workshops on organizing skills, health care, education, green jobs, the economy, the arts as part of progressive change. And there’ll be some great entertainment on Saturday evening.

Now that you know why you have to be there, here’s some details about registration:

1. Early registration is from now until April 1st. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of the cheapest rate by registering today!
2. Scholarships are available. Applications for scholarships are due on March 18th. Get yours in today.
3. Sponsorship is available. If you’re from an organization, and want some good promotion at the progressive meet up of the year, become a sponsor of Justice Works. Details are here.

Once you’re registered, be sure to let your friends know about Justice Works. And be sure to “like” the Justice Works Facebook page to stay up to date on the conference agenda, speaker announcement, and other details.

These events were covered by many press outlets. Here are some of the stories:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/15/nyregion/15schools.html
http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2011/02/14/education-groups-criticize-governor-on-school-funding-equity/
http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20110214/NEWS01/102140361/Broome-school-advocates-protest-proposed-cuts?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE
http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/niagara/Public-meeting-in-Falls-over-education-cuts
http://www.wbng.com/news/local/Groups-Urge-Lawmakers-To-Say-No-To-Education-Cuts-116191149.html
http://buffalo.ynn.com/content/top_stories/533494/state-legislators-receive-valentines-with-special-message/?ap=1&MP4
http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2011/02/14/education-groups-send-hearts-to-lawmakers/
http://www.capitaltonight.com/2011/02/from-lobbyists-with-love/
http://binghamton.ynn.com/content/top_stories/533509/community-urges-lawmakers-to-reject-school-cuts/
http://www.wicz.com/news2005/viewarticle.asp?a=17529
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wned/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1763096/WNED-AM.970.NEWS/Bake.Sale.Raises.Awareness..Dough.for.Education

And here are some photos from the events: