Category: RVUSA News and Updates

Action, News and Events, RVUSA News and Updates

Weekly Action Update – June 19, 2017

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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. 

News and Events, RVUSA News and Updates

Action Update

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The past week was a non-stop evaluation of the administration’s first 100 days – successes, failures, and everything in between. Amidst this conversation, we’d like to take a moment to thank you for your role in making these first 100 days an inspiring reminder of the power of raising our voices.
 
Every postcard you sent, every phone call you made, every meeting you came to, every sign you painted, every march you marched in, every town hall you attended has made a difference and has shown our elected officials that we are here to be active participants in government. RaisingVoicesUSA is about more than any single political party – we are here to collectively speak up in support of democratic values and human rights for all, and we are genuinely grateful to have you with us on this journey.
 Thank you to everyone who came to the People’s Climate March in Long Beach or who marched in another city on Saturday. Take a look at photos from RaisingVoicesUSA members here.

We have a busy week ahead of us, with a potential vote on a new healthcare bill and a day planned in support of immigrants, as well as a RaisingVoicesUSA meeting on Tuesday. Please read on and find out how you can get involved in raising your voice.

Ways to take action this week:

Defend the ACA

House Republicans are poised to vote on another, more severe and restrictive version of their healthcare bill. Contact your elected official today and raise your voice against a bill that puts people with pre-existing conditions at risk and allows states to sidestep pricing regulations.Find your elected official and call them today!

Rise up for Immigrants

Today, in 100 cities, towns, and communities across the country, hundreds of thousands of people will rise up in resistance to demonstrate the power, resilience and strength of immigrant communities in America. For those in the NY Metro area, click here for more information about what’s planned. For those outside the NY Metro region, find an event near you.

Raise your voice against hate

In light of the hateful graffiti found in Rockville Centre last month, we are working with community leaders to develop and send a strong and swift message that we will not tolerate these actions. In the short-term, “Hate Has No Home Here” signs will be available for purchase through Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth for $5, or you may download and print one at home here.  Contact Joy Guzman at 430demott@gmail.com or 516-766-4300 to purchase a sign. Once Joy has 20 sign requests, she will place another order. 

News and Events, RVUSA News and Updates

Action Update

 

Thank you to everyone!

Whether you attended a recess event, spoke out against the unacceptable racist and anti-Semitic graffiti found in Rockville Centre, or participated in Earth Day events, we appreciate your continued involvement, commitment, and passion.

Congress is back in session and this week marks 100 days of the new administration. In these first 100 days, we have seen that raising our voices matters and can bring about change. As Congress considers health care, the proposed budget, and other key policies, it is vital that we continue to speak up and remind our elected officials that they work for us and that we will hold them accountable for their decisions.

Ways to take action this week:

Raise your voice against hate

In light of the hateful graffiti found in Rockville Centre last week, we are working with community leaders to develop and send a strong and swift message that we will not tolerate these actions. In the short-term, “Hate Has No Home Here” signs will be available for purchase through Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth for $5, or you may download and print one at home here. We hope our RaisingVoices members will lead our community in displaying these signs proudly in our home windows and storefronts. Contact Joy Guzman at 430demott@gmail.com or 516-766-4300 to purchase a sign by Thursday.

Speak up for our planet

The Marches for Science were a huge success, as was Friday’s Evening of Advocacy for the Environment! Leading up to the People’s Climate March on 4/29, The RaisingVoicesUSA Environmental Committee has prepared a list of ways you can raiseyour voice to help preserve our most precious natural resource: our planet. Learn more about what’s planned, and get ready to attend an upcoming event! Local members: Look out for more information later this week about Saturday’s LI People’s Climate March at 10 am in Long Beach, NY and the Car-Less Long Island’s Bike-to-Work Parade. 

Commit to a week of action for the environment

Earth Day may be over, but you can still sign up to participate in a week of action to protect our environment. 

Rise up for Immigrants

This Thursday at 9 pm, join Indivisible and the National Immigration Law Center on Facebook Live to learn how you can support immigrant families. Learn more and RSVP here. Then, on Monday, May 1, Rise Up for Immigrants by attending a march or event in your area. Find an event near you.

Continue to contact your Member of Congress

Healthcare is on the table, the budget is being considered, and a government shutdown is looming on the horizon. Now, more than ever, it’s essential to let your elected officials know about the priorities and principles you value. Need an easy way to reach your legislator? Text “RESIST” to 50409, and ResistBot will quickly turn your text messages into faxes to your Members of Congress. Follow the prompts, and raise your voice to your elected officials on issues that matter to you.