Category: RVUSA News and Updates

Action, News and Events, RVUSA News and Updates

Weekly Action Update – October 10, 2017

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Thank you to everyone who joined us at our general meeting last week! We are proud of what RaisingVoicesUSA has accomplished, and we hope you are as energized for the months ahead as we are.

Here’s how you can take action and get involved this week.

Engage

Get caught up from our September meeting.

At our meeting on September 26, we provided a snapshot of everything we accomplished during the summer months and a roadmap for how we are moving forward as an organization. We also heard an inspiring presentation from Dr. Andrea Libresco from Hofstra University on the power of civic engagement. (And we did enjoy some sheet cake)! Read the minutes to get brought up to speed.

Review the Meeting Minutes

Attend an upcoming RaisingVoicesUSA event.

We’ll be holding a park clean-up event on October 21 [?] at [need location] – bring family and friends to help beautify our green spaces!

And be sure to mark your calendar for our next general meeting on October 24, which will include a special panel with members of the Hispanic Brotherhood of Long Island [confirm name].

Educate

Get ready to vote in local elections in November.

With Election Day fast approaching in New York, it’s important to get to know the candidates on the ballot. The RaisingVoicesUSA website has a number of resources to help you get informed:

  • A schedule of candidate forums being hosted throughout Nassau County. Candidate forums are an opportunity for you to hear directly from candidates about where they stand on key issues.

  • Candidate responses to our questionnaire on 5 critical issues for residents of the Rockville Centre area. [do we have a link for this?]

  • Links to organizations and resources with helpful information for voters.

Learn about New York State Amendment Proposals

In addition to the candidates, there are three key amendments on the ballot in New York State, including one that, if passed, would result in a constitutional convention.

Read the Proposals

Empower

Support hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico

Hurricane Maria has devastated Puerto Rico’s infrastructure, and relief organizations are facing several challenges as they work to deliver aid and basic supplies to the region. American citizens in the region are in dire need of our help.

See How You Can Help Hurricane Victims

Keep raising your voice!

We know that raising your voice isn’t always easy. But we also know that it works. Since RaisingVoicesUSA began last year, we have written thousands of postcards, made calls, visited our legislators, marched and demonstrated, and we have seen the results of our collective efforts as multiple efforts to repeal the ACA have been defeated and we have held our elected officials accountable for sensible immigration reform.

We’re just getting started, and we’ll continue to need your help! Visit our website for educational resources on our priority issues, information on how to get in touch with your elected officials, and materials to host your own postcard party!

Action, News and Events, RVUSA News and Updates

Weekly Action Update – September 19, 2017

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Fall is in full swing, which means it’s time again for RaisingVoicesUSA monthly meetings! At our first meeting on Tuesday, September 26, we’ll recap what we’ve accomplished as a group and outline our direction for the future. As always, new faces are welcome. See below for time and location details.

We look forward to seeing you and kicking off a new year of continued civic engagement!

Ways to take action this week:

Keep up-to-date with the latest healthcare news

While Congress has not yet been able to pass healthcare reform, key developments have emerged in the past week. Senator Bernie Sanders introduced the Medicare for All Act 2017 outlining a single-payer healthcare system, while Senators Bill Cassidy and Lindsay Graham introduced a new bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Learn more about these bills, their likelihood of passing, and their implications.

Prepare for Election Day

For those of us in Nassau County (and New York State), primary elections are done, and our attention turns to November’s Election. The Nassau County League of Women Voters has planned a full slate of events to help you understand the issues and get to know your local candidates. Attend an event near you if you can and get ready to hit the polls in November!

RaisingVoicesUSA General Meeting

Tuesday, September 26, 2017, 7:30 pm
Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth
430 DeMott Avenue, Rockville Centre

Join us at our first meeting following the summer break, where we’ll update you on the work of RaisingVoicesUSA and share information on our plans for the following year. New members are welcome, so please forward this email to family and friends who might be interested in attending.

Action, News and Events, RVUSA News and Updates

Weekly Action Update – August 29, 2017

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Congress may be on a break but this was a busy week across the nation. As Texans braced for Tropical Storm Harvey and dealt with its devastating aftermath, many of us were also keeping an eye on news from Washington, D.C., as legislators prepare to return from recess.

Ways to take action this week:

Stay updated on the situation in Texas

Tropical Storm Harvey has caused tremendous damage to the Gulf Coast and other parts of Texas, including Houston. More rain is predicted in the areas hit hardest by the storm, which may further overburden a region already struggling to deal with flooding and storm conditions.

Encourage family and friends in Texas who have not been affected by the storm to consider donating blood or other urgent supplies, and learn how you can help from wherever you are.

Prepare for the end of the Congressional Recess

Labor Day means the summer is almost over, and it also means Congress will soon return from its August recess. Both the House and Senate have full legislative agendas this fall, with government funding, the debt ceiling, tax reform, healthcare, and more as items they must attend to during this upcoming session. In addition, the White House has signed a memo implementing the ban on transgender individuals from serving in the military, and we expect an announcement on the fate of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration policy.

Stay informed with one of our trusted news sources so that you can be ready to take informed action when it’s needed.

New Yorkers: Read up on the implications of a Constitutional Convention

This fall, New Yorkers will have the opportunity to decide if they want to authorize a Constitutional Convention, which is the first step in re-writing aspects of New York State’s Constitution. Learn more about the process and its possible impact.

Action, News and Events, RVUSA News and Updates

Weekly Action Update – August 22, 2017

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Thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s Vigil for Charlottesville. If you missed the vigil, we have a full recap here, including press coverage of the event. A special thank you to our co-sponsors, Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth, Indivisible of RVC, NYS Assembly Member Brian Curran, NYS Senator Todd Kaminsky, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, R.V.C., United Church of Rockville Centre, the Village of Rockville Centre, and Vineyard Church. Your involvement was a powerful display of community and a reminder of how powerful we are when we raise our voices in unison.

These tensions and this struggle will not go away quickly or quietly. It is vital to keep speaking up against racism, intolerance, and hatred.

Ways to take action this week:

News and Events, Press Coverage, RVUSA Meetings and Events, RVUSA Priority Issues, Unity and Diversity

Recap – Charlottesville Vigil, Rockville Centre, New York

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“We are here tonight to be heard, and to remind ourselves and each other of the power and the responsibility that each of us has every day. We have to use our voices and encourage others to use theirs for the common good.”
– Emma Travers, co-founder, Raising Voices USA

There was a huge turnout at Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth, in Rockville Centre, New York this evening as people gathered on the steps, onto the sidewalks, and around the corner for a moving and heartfelt vigil. The “Unite the Right Rally” in Charlottesville, Virginia last weekend left three dead and many injured in a horrific display of racism and white supremacy. 

Rockville Centre Mayor Francis Murray, State Senator Todd Kaminsky, Rabbi Elliot Skiddell of Central Synagogue, the Rev. Scott Ressman of the United Church of Rockville Centre, and Pastor Robert Grimm of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church were among the vigil’s speakers.

We at Raising Voices USA stand together as one, as we condemn acts of racism and strive toward unity and understanding.

Action, News and Events, RVUSA News and Updates

Weekly Action Update – August 15, 2017

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The events this past weekend in Charlottesville left millions of Americans stunned, horrified, and deeply troubled. It is in the aftermath of such events that we must come together and raise our voices to stand up for what we believe in.

To those who marched, joined a rally, or went to a vigil this weekend, we thank you for your action. And if you can’t attend an upcoming event, there are still many ways to condemn hatred, racism, and intolerance.

Ways to take action this week:

Speak out against hate.

  1. Call, email, fax, or write your elected officials at every level and demand that incidents such as the Unite the Right rally be immediately, swiftly, and unequivocally condemned. Tell them you want funding restored to fight right-wing, domestic terrorism. Let them know that we expect more from our great nation, and that these activities run directly counter to the direction we should be heading. Our elected officials represent us; make sure they hear your voices clearly and loudly today and every day, and especially in the voting booth. Find your elected officials here.
  2. Join the Unity and Diversity committee. Raise your voice for justice, for peace, for understanding, and for acceptance by working with others who are dedicated to building community. Learn more about the committee and join now to get involved.
  3. Display a “Hate has no Home Here” sign where you live or work.Let’s flood our communities with symbols of love and acceptance. Signs cost $5 and orders are being taken through August 18. Click here to order your sign via email.

Learn the history behind what’s happening with North Korea.

Before the events in Charlottesville, tensions with North Korea were dominating the headlines. If you’re unsure of how we got to this point, or want a refresher on the history of diplomatic relations between the US and North Korea, this article will walk you through the milestones and help explain the current tensions.

Action, News and Events, RVUSA News and Updates

Weekly Action Update – August 8, 2017

 

After a tumultuous summer session, our elected officials are heading home for the August recess. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to connect and share your priorities with your legislators!

Ways to take action this week:

Make the most of the August recess.

Make sure you know who your elected officials are and where they maintain a local office. Find your legislators.

Once you have this information, consider scheduling a legislative visit. Want to make sure your visit is productive? This tip sheet will help. Note that while you may not meet with your legislator, the legislative staff can be extremely helpful and are good contacts to maintain throughout your elected official’s term.

Find and attend a Town Hall. Town Halls are an opportunity to speak in a public forum with other members of your state or district. While most coverage of Town Halls has focused on their contentious tones, these meetings can be productive ways to show support for or dissent with your legislator’s position on key issues. The Town Hall Project maintains a list of known meetings. See if your legislators will be holding a Town Hall near you.

Please note that regular RaisingVoicesUSA meetings will resume in September, but we will continue to send you weekly action updates.

Action, News and Events, RVUSA News and Updates

Weekly Action Update – July 25, 2017

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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

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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.