Good afternoon friends! By the time you read this, I will be in the Citizen Action New York City office, listening to Journey’s “Don’t Stop believing” while writing our Communications Director, Charlie Albanetti, a 1500 word email on why we need to have an entire workshop at Justice Works dedicated to breaking down the theme song from the Mighty Morphing Power Rangers. Like any self respecting adult, he will probably read the email subject, roll his eyes and press delete. I may not get the workshop, but I’m pretty sure at least one of you will read the rest of this email with the anthem playing in the background. Those people will be the real winners, because there is no better way to get updated on our work than by listening to guitar riffs from a 20 year old TV show.
-Stanley
We are a people-powered organization. Support us in the movement for justice!
#DemandDemocracy. On Wednesday, June 8, members of the Hudson Valley Chapter gathered at the Kingston’s City Hall for a teach-in on the impact of big money being used to influence the political system. Some of the topics covered at the event included funding public education, fighting climate change, creating economy-boosting jobs and training session for elected officials who don’t seem to understand the basic principles of ethics. Ok, I might have made the last training up, but we may need to include it in the next event. I’ll send a proposal to Charlie. Teach-in participants will be encouraged to organize events on the statewide #DemandDemocracy day of action, Monday, June 13. Click here for ways to get involved.
Spreading the Word about Runaway Inequality. On June 9, members of the Southern Tier Chapter hosted a workshop on the ever growing issue of Runaway Inequality. As you can tell from the photo above, participants were ticked off when they found out just how rigged the system has become for the super wealthy. Racial and runaway inequality are two of the biggest issues plaguing our country and the only way we’re going to change this is if we work together. Click here for some photos from the workshop.
What Will Our Movement Look Like? One of the things we take the most pride in at Citizen Action is the deep level of involvement and commitment that you and others members have for the work. This organization is only as good as it’s members, so it’s important that you are a part of our thinking when building a strategy. Metro Justice is a perfect example of that. On June 9, they hosted a workshop to discuss their theory of change in an effort to build their long-term strategic plan. Successful movements never start in DC, they almost always start with a group of people who see a problem and are willing to work together to find a solution, and that’s exactly what Metro Justice is doing. Click here if you’re in the area and would like to get involved.
Seriously Senator Flanagan? On June 7, the Long Island Progressive Coalition went to Senate Majority Leader Flanagan’s office demanding action on the LLC loophole. Let’s reflect for a second. If we close the LLC loophole, we would be able to stop one of the known ways that the super wealthy use their money to negatively influence politics. If we’re serious about having a political system that is representative of the people, this is the kind of action that makes perfect sense. Unfortunately, things like “logic” and “common sense” don’t always get used in the state legislature. Click here for some photos from the action.
Justice Works
Want a chance to hang out with me and hundreds of activist, artist, organizers, and progressives? Then sign up for 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. It’s a great opportunity to talk with other Citizen Action leaders from around the state about the direction of our organization. Click here to register for Justice Works.
Upcoming Events
After 19 months of hard work, the vote is finally here. The new code of conduct will be voted on by the Rochester City School District Board of Education on Thursday, June 16. Join Metro Justice as they celebrate the new rules. Click here for more information.
Do you live in Long Island, do you like food, nice weather and cool people? Well on June 11, the Long Island Progressive Coalition will be hosting a potluck on their new backyard patio. Bring a dish and find out how you can get involved in upcoming events. 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
Are you still pumped from our NY Renews Action at the Capitol last week? Do you want to find ways to plug into the environmental movement? Well, you have come to the right place. In this blog, I talk about some of my favorite New York-based environmental organizations. If you’re looking for even more ways to get involved, these activists will have something for you. Click here to see for yourself.
In the News
NY Daily News. N.Y. BILLS TO LEGALIZE FANTASY SPORTS SITES LIKE FANDUEL, DRAFTKINGS LACK EDUCATION FUNDING REQUIREMENT
Buffalo Business First. WCA MERGER APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED THURSDAY
Take Action!
Now is the time to continue building the movement to #DemandDemocracy right here in New York state. Tell Albany: Enough is enough! Add your name to #DemandDemocracy for all New Yorkers. Click here to add your name.
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