Holy Kaepernick, it’s September! This can only mean two things: primaries are right around the corner and football season is about to start. On September 13th, I will be up at the crack of dawn to cast my vote. Let’s hope we finish the day with a flipped Senate and Colin Kaepernick as a New York Jet. I know guys, I’m being ridiculous, there is no way Colin Kaepernick is going to be a New York Jet, but let a man dream. Could you imagine how good the Jets would be with him as the starting quarterback? This guy has all of the tools, a cannon for an arm, great pocket presence, and the heart to speak for those who don’t have a voice. You know what? Forget the Jets, Citizen Action should sign him. I’ll use this as my recruitment letter. Dear Colin Kaeperbae Kaepernick, Citizen Action of New York is a coalition of badass activist, organizers, artist, and community members. We get busy every day. Here is what we were up to this week.
-Stanley
We are a people-powered organization. Support us in the movement for justice!
What a great weekend: Citizen Action was at the Back to School and Community Day at Central Park in Schenectady NY. Volunteers and members participated in voter registration, handed out backpacks to children Pre-K through 12th grade, registered parents and community members for Education Walk Days and more!! Thank you very much to the organizers of the event and all of the volunteers.
NYPD 12, Justice League and Citizen Action: On August 30th, the NYC chapter of Citizen Action joined the New York Justice League at a press conference celebrating the promotion of now Sergeant Edwin Raymond. Raymond is one of 12 black and Latino officers currently suing the New York Police Department (NYPD) for a quota system that unfairly targets people of color. Victories like this can only be expressed through the wise words of Uncle Joe Biden; it’s a “Big Freaking deal.” Click here for tweets and photos from the event.
Turning up in Western New York: This past weekend Citizen Action of Western New York was proud to have members, Eve and Provy, the West Side Padres and Indians, Board of Elections West District Member, Jennifer Mecozzi, and members of the West Side Community marched in The 14th Annual Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade of Western New York. Que Bonita Bandera! Click here photos and for more information on the parade
Thank you for all That You Do: None of the work we do could ever be accomplished without the help of dedicated members like you. If I had magical powers, I would send every Citizen Action Member a hug and their very own DVD copy of the Mighty Morphing Power Rangers. Since this isn’t possible, we start spotlighting members for their awesome contributions. This week, we’re spotlighting four awesome members from the New York City Chapter. Click here to read more.
Activist Check-in Podcast
The Activist Check-In Podcast is back, and on this episode, we’re talking to the world renowned, super awesome and super talented organizing duo of Alex Deane and Callie Jayne. We talked about everything under the sun, including Alex’s hatred of the Mighty Morphing Power Rangers, our political theories on Batman, and how the members of the Hudson Valley Chapter are some of the coolest and hard working people you will ever meet. You can listen to the entire episode here.
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 first entry.
IN THE NEWS
Officer Edwin Raymond is one of 12 officers bringing a class-action lawsuit against the police force, alleging the department has a quota system that unfairly targets minority communities. On August 30, he was promoted to Sergeant. Click here for more.
Events
On September 6, 2016, Join the Hudson Valley Chapter as they look to break the cycle. Our communities are being divided; influenced by a racist narrative that has activated our fears, stereotypes, resentment and more. Click Here to RSVP
On September 8, 2016, there will be a public hearing held in New York City for people to discuss If Anthem insurance is allowed to acquire Cigna, the combined company will use its increased market power to make us pay even more. It is imperative that we show up to this hearing and speak out before it’s too late! Click here to RSVP
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
TAKE ACTION!
We deserve a government that works for all of us, not just big donors. And together, we can create it. Whether it’s affordable housing, education funding, protecting workers, or protecting the environment, too many Albany lawmakers continue to put the priorities of big donors ahead of the people’s priorities. It’s time to fix this. Click here to take action.
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