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

“Dreamer Program” at Risk

 

“Ten Republican state attorneys general in June urged the administration to rescind the DACA program, while noting that the government did not have to revoke permits that had already been issued.

If the federal government did not withdraw DACA by Sept. 5, the attorneys general said they would file a legal challenge to the program in a Texas federal court.

The 10 who signed the letter represent Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia.”

Read more:
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-immigration-daca-idUSKCN1B52KZ

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.

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

Charlottesville Vigil

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CHARLOTTESVILLE VIGIL
Thursday, August 17 @ 7:00 pm

Raise your voice as we join with numerous local clergy and elected officials for a vigil in response to this weekend’s events in Charlottesville:

Thursday, August 17, 7:00 pm
Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth
(DeMott Avenue, Rockville Centre)

We will gather on the front steps of the synagogue and stand together as one with other community organizations as we condemn acts of racism and strive toward unity and understanding. Friends, family and neighbors are encouraged to join us.

This event is co-sponsored by RaisingVoicesUSA, Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth, NYS Senator Todd Kaminsky, United Church of Rockville Centre, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, R.V.C., Vineyard Church, NYS Assembly Member Brian Curran, Indivisible of RVC, and the Village of Rockville Centre.

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.

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

The Latest On Healthcare

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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, Healthcare, RVUSA Priority Issues

URGENT Healthcare Action!

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The time is NOW. Join us Friday, July 28 from 7:30-9 pm for an EMERGENCY EVENING OF ADVOCACY FOR HEALTHCARE, and then Saturday, July 29 from 2-4 pm to raise your voice about healthcare at the MARCH FOR OUR LIVES (Save Healthcare).

Emergency Action: Evening of Advocacy for Healthcare (phone banking, postcard writing, and sign making for the next day’s NYC march)
Friday, 7/28, 7:30-9 pm, United Church, Morris Ave, RVC

March for our Lives (Save our Health Care)
Saturday, 7/29, 2-4 pm, Trump Tower (725 5th Ave, NY)
Gathering place (RVC): RVC Train Station Platform 12:45 pm. We will take the 1:03 pm from RVC to Penn then E train to 5th Ave/53rd St Station)

RSVP to arielle_kane@hotmail.com to both events. PLEASE join us! And if you are unable, please CALL your senators, and those who might be wavering TODAY, TOMORROW, and EVERY DAY until this gets resolved, to express your concerns and raise your voice!

Find your federal legislators:
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members

Find your local legislators:
https://openstates.org

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.