This Past Week
In the Hudson Valley, we spoke up for an ethical budget with our Citizen’s March. We are grateful to each and every one of our speakers and sponsors, who shared their firsthand stories, expertise,
favorite art, and visions of a better future.
We are hopeful that our efforts have led some to learn more about what’s at stake if we don’t continue to push for a budget that meets the basic needs of all who inhabit this state and country, and what can be done to make this a reality.
That said, we know that something else happened Saturday that none of us can neglect to discuss. The bigotry and terrorism in Charlottesville, VA stings all over, and we are eager to show support for those fighting back, starting tonight.
What’s Next?
This evening, we are standing in solidarity with those who continue risk their safety to stand against the epitome of hate. For those who have long known this hate firsthand. For those who have already been lost, and most importantly, unshakably against those who would be content to see this “clash of opinions” rage on. We will be bringing light to the corner of Grand Street and Broadway (about ten steps from our office, across from the YMCA) in a candlelight vigil beginning at 7 p.m. All are welcome. Just bring love.
Tomorrow, August 15th at 8:30 a.m., we will be showing our support for the young Kingston man who was beaten, pepper sprayed, and tased by officers of the Kingston Police Department. His charges? Resisting arrest, littering, and possession of an open container (i.e. the can of beer he was sipping as he walked home from work). We will be demonstrating outside of the Kingston City Courthouse, located at 1 Garraghan Drive.
For the remainder of the week, we will be engaging in our ongoing outreach activities (listed below) and committee-based actions, which can be found on our Google Calendar. Let’s take everything we’re feeling and turn it into another step forward.
Ongoing
Outreach Opportunities
Tabling Committee
Represent Citizen Action at community events and answer any questions your neighbors may have about that cool maroon t-shirt you’re always wearing.
If you are interested, please contact Shelley: [email protected]
Phonebanking
Monday and Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
7 Grand Street, Kingston
We have snacks, scripts, and plenty of seats. All you need to bring is your phone and your charger!
Community Canvassing*
Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
Start at 7 Grand Street, Kingston
*If you love outreach and live in the city of Kingston, ask about joining our
Block Captain program! Email Callie ([email protected]) to learn more.
Faso Friday
721 Broadway, Every Friday at 12 noon.
The congressman of CD19 hasn’t spoken a public peep since Friday. Let him know we hear his silence.
Save the Date!
Wednesday, August 23rd
The Old Dutch Church (272 Wall Street, Kingston)
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
NY19 Candidate Forum
8 Candidates have decided to stand up to run for Congress in 2018. This amount of competition should have John Faso scared to keep voting against his constituents.
We are excited to offer an opportunity to ask questions of our candidates, and an even better opportunity to show John Faso that he’s replaceable.
We have confirmed Jeff Beals, Steven Brisee, David Clegg, Antonio Delgado, Brian Flynn, Gareth Rhodes, Pat Ryan, and Sue Sullivan.
“How Else Can I Show Support This Summer?”
Breathe. Your support means so much to us, but so does your well-being. Give yourself a day, an evening, a long morning. Take a walk (Dog optional, but highly recommended by this author). Watch something that isn’t the news. Eat ice cream with someone you love. This is a busy season out of a busy year out of a busy who-knows-how-long for us, but the blue skies are still something to be savored.
Are you the owner or operator of a local business? Would you like to support Citizen Action by providing donations at various community-engagement events in exchange for our loudly-and-publicly-expressed gratitude? Please contact Callie: [email protected]
Not sure which recipe to bring to your next gathering? Let us test a few out for you! Our food team is always looking for new members to #FeedTheResistance!
Keep us going all year round by becoming a monthly sustaining member of Citizen Action. A few dollars donated each month really add up over the course of a year! One-time contributions can also be made through our ActBlue Site.