Are you there Citizen Action? It’s me, Stanley. I would like to make a confession. Are you ready? Ok, here it goes. This week went by super fast, how is it Friday already? You know what, don’t answer that question. Let’s focus on the important things, like the new Harry Potter Movie (well it’s more like a prelude, but you get the point) and all of the cool stuff that happened in this shortened super-speed week.
-Stanley
We are a people-powered organization. Support us in the movement for justice!
We Need Renewable Energy Now. On June 1, Citizen Action joined our partners in the NY Renews coalition for an action packed rally at the state Capitol to demand our legislators make New York a state that uses 100% renewable energy by 2050. Major props to the New York State Assembly who responded to our demands by passing The New York State Climate and Community Protection Act (A10342). The bill, if passed by Senate and signed by Governor Cuomo, would make climate and pollution reduction commitments legally binding, setting a path to 100% clean renewable energy by 2050. Sounds pretty cool right? Don’t get too excited, so far no one from the Senate has sponsored the bill and the likelihood of a vote is not looking good. For this, I only have one message for the Senators of New York State. Congratulations, you played yourself. Want more about the day? Click here to see some great photos.
Verizon Workers for The Win. Listen, I know we talked about the Verizon worker victory last week, but I just need an additional moment to acknowledge what these brave women and men accomplished. 39,000 workers put everything on the line by going against a corporation with an endless amount of resources and won. Unions are the reason we have five-day work weeks and so many other protections. Our ability to come together and make demands keeps executives at Verizon and other corporations awake at night. They know the power that a united people can have, and in this case, Verizon got a first-hand lesson. Click here to read more about the victory.
It’s Time to Raise The Age. The Long Island Progressive Coalition has been very busy. On the morning of June 1, members joined the Suffolk County legislators to call on Senator Flanagan and the New York Senate to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 18. New York is one of only two states that fails to treat children as children and sends them to adult prison. Click here to learn more about the campaign.
Stop Dirty Energy Now. On June 3, members of Citizen Action’s Capital District Chapter joined climate activists at U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer’s office in Albany to demand that he oppose the Senate Energy Policy Modernization Act (S2012). The bill makes as much sense as a peanut butter and rock sandwich. While several versions have passed in either the House or the Senate, this newest version would prioritize the expansion of pipelines (NOT A GOOD IDEA) and prop up dirty fossil fuels. In other words, it’s everything that we don’t need in an energy bill. Click here for more information.
Support LIPC to go to Common Bound 2016. Today, the Long Island Progressive Coalition is kickstarting a fundraiser to send Long Island activists to the Commonbound Conference in Buffalo from July 8 to July 10. Common Bound is a conference put on by the New Economy Coalition to help create deep, systemic change that puts people and planet first. Every dollar you donate will go towards sending a dedicated LI activist to the conference! Click here to donate or if are interested in attending the conference yourself please follow the link below!
Justice Works
On July 23 and 24, 2016, hundreds of New Yorkers who fight for justice will join together. Regardless of the issues you work on or how you work on them: if you’re an organizer, a volunteer, a door knocker, blogger, policy wonk, all of these things or none of them – Justice Works is the conference for you. This year, the weekend will be broken up into three sections. Justice Works will take place on Saturday, July 23. On Sunday, we’ll host our first-ever Citizen Action Leadership Summit. It’s a great opportunity to talk with other Citizen Action leaders from around the state about the direction of our organization. While that’s happening, Justice Works attendees who aren’t members of Citizen Action will have the chance to participate in a series of workshops with the New York Civic Engagement Table. Click here to register for Justice Works.
Activist Check-In Podcast
Activist Check-In isn’t enough? Well now we have a podcast. In the first episode, I connected with New York City Chapter Board Member, Ruthly Cadestin, to discuss her experience at Justice Works 2015, and why she’s willing to drive you to Albany if you want to attend! Click here to listen.
Upcoming Events
Join the Hudson Valley chapter at City Hall in Kingston on June 8th to learn how our broken democracy has affected everything we care about most in the Hudson Valley and be a part of changing it. Click here for more information.
On June 16, join the New York City Chapter of Citizen Action for their monthly chapter meeting. If you’re in the NYC area, this is your chance to plug into the movement and get involved with an awesome group of activists and organizers. Click here to RSVP.
Job Alert!
Citizen Action, PPEF and the New York Civic Engagement Table have a number of positions open across the state, including Organizer, Lead Organizer, and Regional Coordinator. Click here for more details.
Metro Justice is looking for a Fundraiser and Membership Director.
From the Blog
Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in Demand Democracy actions in New York City and the Capital Region. Seeing so many groups come together to demand a democracy that represents all New Yorkers was an awesome experience and very inspiring – so much so that I had to write about it. Click here to see for yourself.
In the News
City Limits. NYS Can Strike A Blow Against Both Inequality and A Warming Earth
Times Union. Gay, Lesbian Group Joins Push for Malpractice Reform
Politico Pro. Hundreds Rally in Albany For Clean Energy
Take Action!
NYRenews is demanding what New Yorkers need most: good paying jobs, healthier communities, and environmental justice, all through 100% clean and renewable energy for all of New York State by 2050. Tell NY State Legislators to support the NYRenews platform for good jobs and healthy communities, with 100% clean and renewable energy. Click here to take action.
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