Category: News and Events

Healthcare, News and Events, Regional and National News, RVUSA Priority Issues

The Latest On Healthcare

 , ,

Thanks to your action and advocacy, the Senate’s attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act failed. 

Tonight’s advocacy event is canceled, but we will still bring a RaisingVoicesUSA contingent to Saturday’s March for our Lives. Join us as we stand with people in over 60 cities across the country to let our elected officials know that we want them to work together on common sense, compassionate healthcare reform.

Details about Saturday’s March for our Lives in NYC.
On Saturday, July 29 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, RaisingVoicesUSA members will join people in over 27 states as we march in support of common sense, compassionate healthcare for all Americans. If you are coming from Long Island, meet us on the platform at the Rockville Centre LIRR Station at 12:45 pm (taking the 1:03 pm train to Penn Station, then the E subway line to 5th Avenue/53d Street station). Learn more about the March for our Lives. Please email arielle_kane@hotmail.com if you plan to join us for the march.

Informed civic engagement has the power to effect change. Thank you to everyone who raised your voice on this crucial issue!

Action, News and Events, RVUSA News and Updates

Weekly Action Update – July 25, 2017

 , , , ,

Last week, we had a moment to exhale as the Senate announced that they would go back to the drawing board in their push to pass a new healthcare policy. However, there is a possibility that the Senate may vote as early as this week on a repeal-only option. As we get more information, we will reach out about any urgent action updates.

As the healthcare debate has shown us, informed civic engagement has the power to effect tremendous change. We encourage you to visit both our core issues pages and our news section, where we will continue to provide resources that can help you stay informed and engaged.

The more we know about core issues, the more involved we can become in shaping legislation.

Ways to take action this week:

Learn about the new sanctions on Russia, Iran, and North Korea proposed by Congress

This week, Congress is expected to vote on legislation that would impose sanctions on Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Learn more about the proposed sanctions, their impact, and what happens once Congress votes on their bill.

Make sure you never miss a local election

Did you know that only 57% of eligible voters cast a ballot in the 2016 elections? Chicago-based political organization NewFounders recently launched EveryElection, an app that wants to help more people get to the polls. Available for iPhones (with Android and web-based versions in development) EveryElection will keep you updated on local, state, and national elections and will help you get to your nearest polling place. Download it today.

Action, News and Events, RVUSA News and Updates

Weekly Action Update – July 18, 2017

 , , , , ,

Tonight, we learned that two more senators have pulled their support for the health-care bill, meaning Mitch McConnell does not have the votes needed to pass the new bill. 

Behind the strength and consistency of your advocacy, the healthcare bill likely will not be up for a vote anytime in the near future. Thank you to everyone who took action and raised your voice in support of common sense healthcare legislation! 

As the Senate works to develop another version of the bill, we encourage you to shift your focus to other key issues that require all of our voices. We will continue to keep you informed if urgent action is needed, and we thank you for your efforts!

Ways to take action this week:
Understand what’s at stake with Net Neutrality

The FCC is getting ready to make a decision about the future of Net Neutrality. Want to know what Net Neutrality is and why it matters? Click here to learn more. 

Action, News and Events, RVUSA News and Updates

Weekly Action Update – June 19, 2017

 , ,

Action Update – June 19, 2017

The shooting in Alexandria last week was a stark reminder that rhetoric does not exist in a vacuum. Words can influence actions. As debates on contentious issues continue daily, we want to thank RaisingVoicesUSA members for being committed to finding common ground and to taking positive, purposeful, and informed action in support of our shared values.

The next two weeks are pivotal weeks for healthcare advocacy. The Senate continues to work behind closed doors and there has been no opportunity for public debate or feedback about their proposed healthcare plan. Even members of the Republican Party have expressed frustration about the secrecy of the process.

We must all advocate in support of a compassionate, common-sense healthcare bill that does not put our most vulnerable citizens at risk.

Ways to take action this week:

Make daily calls about healthcare

Healthcare is our number one priority for the week. The Senate is pushing to pass their version of the American Healthcare Act by July 4, with no public input. Indivisible has daily scripts you can use to contact your elected official, and we urge you to do so every day. Public pressure can affect the course of this bill and the future of healthcare in the United States. Click here to access daily call scripts and other resources, and please share this resource with friends and family.

Take a deep breath, and find common ground

We know that raising your voice is hard work and that in the midst of our daily advocacy, it can be hard to find time and space to connect with people who don’t share your perspective. But doing so can help foster a deeper understanding and can help bridge seemingly insurmountable divides. How can we start? Last week, faith leaders from around the world and across multiple religions offered up an appeal for people to make friends with someone from a different religion. Each leader spoke about their own experience connecting with someone from a different faith and how it enriched their own practice while shattering stereotypes. This summer, we encourage you to try finding common ground in uncommon places – whether that’s befriending someone of a different faith, a different political party, or even a sports fan who roots for your arch rival. Our own advocacy can only be strengthened by connecting with as many people as possible, and we are enriched personally by our understanding and appreciation of myriad perspectives.

Action, News and Events, RVUSA News and Updates

Weekly Action Update – June 13, 2017

 , , , ,

From now until the summer Congressional recess, healthcare will take center stage. The House version of the bill was widely discussed, with details from the final bill revealed to the public well in advance of the final vote. In contrast, the Senate has been working behind the scenes to shape a bill that will strip healthcare from millions of Americans and leave our most vulnerable citizens at risk. Now is the time to increase our advocacy efforts.

Thanks to everyone who attended our meeting last week! While we will not reconvene in a general meeting until September, we will continue to send weekly emails and inform you of smaller local events hosted by RaisingVoices committees. 

We are excited about the future of RaisingVoicesUSA and are grateful to each and every one of you for your involvement and commitment to advocacy and action. 

Ways to take action this week:

Participate in the national call-in day for healthcare

The Senate is trying to pass their version of a healthcare bill with no public input. You can explore what the American Healthcare Act would mean for your state here. The good news is that public input and pressure have the power to sway senators. Wednesday, June 14 is a national call-in day for healthcare. Click here for scripts that detail what to say to your elected official about the future of healthcare in our country.

Catch up on our meeting minutes

At our final meeting before the summer break, we shared an update on RaisingVoicesUSA at our six-month mark, including a path forward for the group. We also heard from Joann Smith, the President & CEO of Planned Parenthood Nassau County. Click here to read through our minutes and to review Joann’s informative and inspiring presentation.

Advocate for transgender rights

In New York State, the proposed Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) would make it illegal to discriminate against people because of their gender identity or expression. Nineteen other states currently have gender identity and gender expression written into their anti-discrimination and hate crime legislation, but for six years, the New York State Assembly has passed GENDA only to see it defeated by the State Senate. Most recently, GENDA failed in a New York State Senate committee, and the fear is that it will not come up for a vote again until 2019. Click here to find your senator’s contact information and tell them to make passing GENDA a priority of this legislative session.

Action, News and Events, RVUSA News and Updates

Action Items for This Week

 , , , , , ,

The administration’s new infrastructure plan sells our roads and airways to billionaires but puts tolls on working families. Call on Congress to reject it: 855-411-0302

 

Tell your rep to support HJ Res 102, which would prevent the administration’s $110 billion weapons gift to Saudi Arabia. 844-241-1141

 

Action, News and Events, RVUSA News and Updates

Weekly Action Update – June 6, 2017

 , , ,

Congress is in its final push before a long summer recess, which means we need to focus our advocacy over the next two months. While healthcare and the budget are the federal priorities, closer to home, we can still raise our voices for the environment despite the announcement that the United States will withdraw from the Paris Agreement.

We also have a packed events calendar. Our next meeting is tomorrow, where we will provide updates on our plans for the summer and beyond, and will hear from the President and CEO of Nassau County Planned Parenthood JoAnn Smith. On Friday, June 9, the LGBTQ committee is hosting an evening of advocacy. And be sure to save the date for a film screening hosted by the Unity and Diversity committee on June 15.

Details on all events are included at the bottom of this email, and on our website.
We look forward to seeing you!

Ways to take action this week:

Act locally for the environment

Last week, President Trump announced that the United States will withdraw from the Paris Agreement. While this is discouraging news, there are still many ways we can advocate for the environment. Indivisible has put together a comprehensive guide to acting locally to support responsible environmental policies. Learn more about local actions you can take here.

Raise your voice about the President’s budget

The President’s proposed budget clearly indicates the administration’s funding priorities, but the final budget will be determined by our elected officials. Now is the time to make your priorities clear to them. Find your elected officials’ contact information here.

Keep healthcare top of mind!

The Senate has been extremely quiet as they create their version of the American Healthcare Act. It’s important that we remind our elected officials that we are closely watching what they are doing, and that we will not accept a healthcare plan that penalizes Americans with pre-existing conditions and puts our most vulnerable populations at risk. This guide from Indivisible outlines the ways you can raise your voice and advocate for a more equitable and compassionate healthcare system. Find your elected officials’ contact information here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

An Evening of Advocacy for LGBTQ Issues (Issues Overview, Postcard Party, Sign-Making)

Friday, June 9, 2017, 7-9 pm
United Church of Rockville Centre
430 Morris Avenue, Rockville Centre

RSVP by replying to this email or to jill76@gmail.com

Film Screening and Discussion hosted by the Unity and Diversity Committee

Thursday, June 15 2017, 6:45 pm
Wilson Elementary School
Buckingham Road, Rockville Centre

The Family Next Door follows a year in the life of the Lund family who have two children with autism. Through the presentation of this film and the discussion that will follow, we hope to further our mission of inclusion and hope that it will serve as a tool for promoting awareness and initiating action.

RSVP by replying to this email.

Date TBD:
“NY State Government: How it Works and How to be an Effective Advocate”

With State Senator Todd Kaminsky and State Assemblyman Brian Curran

Action, News and Events, RVUSA News and Updates

Weekly Action Update – May 31, 2017

 , , ,

Speak up for the environment.

The 2016 ratification of the Paris Agreement was an unprecedented global response to climate change. The Agreement’s 143 signatories, including the United States, formally committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions to slow the pace of climate change. Today is the day to call your elected officials, including the President (202-456-1111). When you reach them, urge them to make the environment a higher priority than the interest of large fossil fuel companies. Find your members here.
 

Let your elected officials know what you think about the President’s budget

The President released his proposed budget last week, and now the negotiation process begins between him and Congress. You can read more about the proposed budget here. Your elected officials will ultimately decide the fate of the budget. Contact them and urge them to consider your funding priorities in the final version of the budget.

Raise your voice for healthcare

The House vote on the American Healthcare Act is not the end of the healthcare debate. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it will be revised. This guide from Indivisible outlines the ways you can raise your voice and advocate for a more equitable and compassionate healthcare system. As the Senate develops their own version of a healthcare bill, they need to see that we will hold our elected officials accountable for their votes, and they do need to hear from us. Find your elected officials’ contact information here. 

 

News and Events, RVUSA News and Updates

Action Update

 , , ,

Action Update

The announcement that a special prosecutor has been named to investigate the relationship between Russia and the administration is yet one more signal that our advocacy is working. Thanks to everyone who called, wrote postcards, or attended a town hall meeting.

While this is an encouraging development, we have to remain active and vocal. Be ready to raise your voices on healthcare or proposed budget cuts to key areas of government, including the Department of Education.

Our next RaisingVoicesUSA meeting is on June 6, and several of our committees are planning special advocacy events in June. We hope to see and connect with you soon!

Ways to take action this week:

Learn more about the President’s budget

We anticipate that the President’s budget will be released tomorrow (Tuesday). There are reports of severe cuts to key governmental programs and agencies, including Medicaid and the Department of Education. RISE Stronger has put together a working document that will be updated as details of the new budget become public. Since your elected officials will ultimately decide the fate of the budget, now is the time to understand the implications of the proposed budget and to speak up about preserving vital agencies and programs. Click here to access it. 

Speak up for Net neutrality

Recently, the FCC took its first step towards eliminating Net neutrality. Without Net neutrality, service providers will be able to charge you more to access various sites or change the speed at which you can access content. Net neutrality is at the heart of the open Internet — you can find out more about Net neutrality and why it matters here. The FCC is taking public comments on this issue until July 17. You can speak up in support of a free and open Internet here.

Raise your voice for healthcare

The House vote on the American Healthcare Act is not the end of the healthcare debate. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it will be revised. This guide from Indivisible outlines the ways you can raise your voice and advocate for a more equitable and compassionate healthcare system. As the Senate develops their own version of a healthcare bill, they need to see that we will hold our elected officials accountable for their votes, and they do need to hear from us. Find your elected officials’ contact information here. We need to raise our voices every day to remind our public servants that we are watching them. Healthcare Committee members–there will be a Healthcare Committee meeting this Thursday, May 25 at 7:30 pm at Turn of the Corkscrew Bookstore, RVC.