I spent every day this week thinking it was Friday, and just as I would commit to going out, I would realize that it was actually Tuesday. Now that we have finally gotten to the end of the week, I have no plans. I’ll probably go home and binge watch the show Stranger Things on Netflix. Is this what life is like in Obama’s America? if so, I’ll take it. While I was busy waiting for Friday to get here, our activist and members were making us proud across the state. Some of you are still out there making a difference while you read this email. You know what let’s just talk about that.
Stanley
We are a people-powered organization. Support us in the movement for justice!
Walking For a Cause: On October 2, the Alliance for Quality Education, parents, and concerned community members embarked on a 9 day, 150-mile, walk from New York City to the state capital in Albany. Yes, you read that right, they’re WALKING TO ALBANY. Why? Well, the reason is pretty simple, New York State owes its public schools $3.9 billion in funding. They’re walking to the capital to demand Governor Cuomo and the state legislature finally provide the money owed to our schools. I don’t know if you have ever embarked on a long walk but it’s not easy, and it definitely wears you down. So before you sign off for what I hope is an action packed weekend, please show some love to the all of the amazing people participating in this walk contribute a little if you can. Click here to show love.
Hudson Valley Walks Too. On October 6, the #Ed walk participants from the Alliance for Quality Education arrived in Poughkeepsie New York. They were greeted by a fired up Hudson Valley Chapter ready to join them on their mission for funding. Poughkeepsie parents and teachers joined in on the walk and our coalition of education warriors grew a little stronger. When the walkers made it to Dutchess County, chapter members greeted them with loud cheers and delicious food. Could you imagine the kind of progress we could make in our schools if the state forked over the 3.9 billion? It would be transformative. Click here for photos from the event.
The Mothers of Flint. On October 6, members from the Capital District attended a panel discussion at St. Mary’s Academy in Hoosick Falls, New York. The panel featured mothers from Flint Michigan who have been touring the country to speak out about the public health crisis which endangered their families and destroyed their community. For those who don’t know, the good people of Flint Michigan are dealing with a serious water crisis. Until earlier this year, their water supply was coming from a source that had been contaminated with lead. Communities of color often fall victim to environmental racism, and Flint Michigan is another example of that, but it doesn’t have to be like this. We can all work together to make sure something like this never happens again.
BLOGS
On August 5, the Movement for Black Lives released an extensive policy platform that details tangible legislative and social demands for black lives. After going through their demands, I wrote a blog sharing my thoughts on how we could support them as allies. Click here for that blog.
IN THE NEWS
HuffingtonPost:The Alliance for Quality Education estimates that the state owes $1.63 billion to public schools in New York City ? and $3.9 billion to schools elsewhere in the state. Click here for the story.
USA Today: Data Driven Door-Knockers are Fanning out across swing states in an effort to impact the Presidential election. Click Here for more.
EVENTS
With a new legislative session right around the corner, we’re gearing up for another major push, and we want you to be a part of it. On Monday, October 17, we will join the NY Renews coalition at a town hall meeting in Albany. If we’re going to accomplish something this monumental, it’s going to take serious people power. That’s why we need you there. And not just you: your friends, your neighbors, your colleagues. Click Here to RSVP
On October 20, Join us for the 20, Annual Jim Perry Progressive Leadership Awards. This year’s honorees include; Taina Asili, Taina Asili y La Banda Rebelde, Patricia Cuomo, CWA, Mark Emanatian, CDALF, Dr. Alice Green, The Center for Law and Justice Albany, Becky Meier and Robert Connors, Stop NY Fracked Gas Pipeline. Click here to RSVP
We are in such a crucial moment. In our order to advance our progressive agenda in 2017 — which includes affordable housing, public financing of elections, full funding of our public schools, and criminal justice reform — we need progressive champions in office who will lift up our voices That’s why we are teaming up with coalition partners to knock doors and make calls to as many voters in these key districts as we can reach in the next 30 days! Phone banks are happening every weeknight from now through November 8th, with locations in both Brooklyn and Manhattan: Click here to RSVP
TAKE ACTION!
It’s time for a slate of fundamental reforms to get big money out of politics, break down the barriers to voting, and clean up Albany and fight corruption. That’s why we’re asking you to join us in calling for the entire #DemandDemocracy platform. Click here to take action
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