Check this page regularly for Action items you can help with. Postcarding, phone banking, events, protests and more! In addition to local actions, we're gearing up for the 2024 election. Have an action you'd like us to post? Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you to United Thru Action for providing some of these listings.
FOR 2024 ELECTION VOLUNTEER INFORMATION CLICK HERE
FOR ERA/PROP 1 VOLUNTEER INFORMATION CLICK HERE
OVERVIEW
Postcarding Groups - Join weekly, online postcarding sessions see information below. These grassroots groups meet 3 times a week and although NYC based, activists from around the country participate. You can stop by just to check it out even if you don't want to write. Each week guests and candidates are featured as well as issue oriented topics. All are welcome!
Downtown Nasty Women - Mondays, 10am -12:00pm (eastern). Subscribe to the newsletter to receive the schedule/link.
Markers for Democracy - Tuesday & Fridays, 9:30am - 12:00pm (eastern). Subscribe to the newsletter to receive the schedule/link.
Postcards to Voters - ongoing postcard writing campaigns.
Postcards for Democracy - tends to write for down ballot races.
State Legislatures -The States Project. Change begins when you engage your friends and family to elect majority-making candidates who will shift the balance of power in a state legislature. Click HERE for a 1 min. video "where do we go from here in 20204" and HERE for a brief video about Giving Circles (getting together your community to support a state).
Interactive NY Redistricting Map CUNY has created the Redistricting & You: New York online map to help members of the public, journalists, elected officials, and other redistricting stakeholders compare and analyze proposed district maps in New York.
Blue Voter Guide makes voting easy by clearly showing the endorsements of a wide range of progressive organizations. Blue Voter Guide will show your ballot for all national offices, all statewide offices and ballot measures, and your state legislators. In most locations, we’ll show you your down ballot races as well.
Democracy Labs DemLabs created an interactive, clickable map of the US that illustrates key races and ballot initiatives across the nation. See Key 2024 Races. Click on your state to see what races and ballot measures will be on the ballot in 2024 or click on the “filter” buttons on the left to see which states across the nation have abortion access / restriction initiatives on the ballot.
DemLabs created the the webpage and map based on data collected by DemCast, which cultivates, amplifies, and maximizes the impact of grassroots digital media.
Live overseas? Don't forget to VOTE! Please share this Vote Abroad information with friends, family and especially any STUDENTS!
"Abroad civilian voter registration numbers jumped 50 percent between 2016 and 2020. Around 900,000 U.S. citizens returned ballots from abroad in 2020, a record. This was enough to bring both Georgia and Arizona over the finish line for Biden that year." Village Sun article. Click HERE to request your ballot.
2024 Election: A group of young people are hitting the road this summer to flip seats red to blue: TOUR TO SAVE DEMOCRACY! These college kids are determined to see gun laws changed, climate change addressed, freedoms preserved, and so much more, and they know that one way to move the needle is by getting out the youth vote in swing districts across the country to flip seats and gain the majority in Congress. Click here for info.
Save the Elizabeth Street Garden! Click here for info.
LISTING - DO MORE,WORRY LESS
JULY 15, 2024
Urgent Action is Needed - Abortion and LGBTQ Rights are on the November Ballot!
The NY ERA (Proposal 1) is an amendment to the NYS Constitution that explicitly protects people who experience discrimination. It will be on the NYS ballot this November, and we will have the chance to vote on it. There is currently a public commenting period on the proposed ballot language. Please send them an email (see our suggested script below). The more people who submit this feedback, the more likely it is that the Board of Elections (BOE) revises the language. Right now, the language is unclear and uses terms that may cause confusion among voters, which could lead to them leaving it blank. We need to pass the NY ERA to protect our rights! See more information here.
Urgent Action: Email the NYS BOE during the public commenting period to demand clear and understandable language for the ballot measure Proposal 1—the NY ERA! The most important point to get across is that we want the language to include "abortion" and "LBGT" because that language is clear to everyone.
Actions: Send the email, ask your friends and family in NY to send the email, and let us know you've taken this action below. The last day to submit comments is July 26, but the sooner, the better.
Copy and paste the letter below and email to [email protected]:
*****
To the Commissioners of the New York State Board of Elections,
My name is (your full name), and I live in (your city/town). I'm writing to provide feedback on the proposed ballot language for Proposal 1. First, the proposed language does not adhere to the plain language law signed by Gov Hochul last year that says ballot measures must be written at an 8th-grade reading level. You can use simpler words to make the language more understandable.
For example, “reproductive healthcare and autonomy” is unclear to me. I am not sure from this language if this amendment includes protections for abortion. Does it? Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, I want to be certain that I am voting for an amendment that protects abortion.
Also, the terms "sexual orientation and “gender identity” are not well-known terms for me and most New Yorkers. Please use "LGBT," as that acronym is much clearer. As a New York voter, the term “LGBT” helps me understand exactly what the ERA would do—protect communities who face ongoing discrimination in our state.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
(your full name)
*****
Take Further Action!
- You can also mail to the New York State Board of Elections, 40 North Pearl Street, Suite 5, Albany, NY 12207
- Ask your friends and family in NY to send the email, and let us know you've taken this action below.
- Record your participation: As part of the NY ERA coalition, VID has been asked to get at least 10 of our members to submit an email during the public commenting period. Let's get a strong turnout from VID! Email [email protected] and let us know if you sent an email to the NYC BOE!
Tell CPC We Want MORE Affordable Housing!
After the Marathon 12-hour Hearing, the City Planning Commission (CPC) will accept City of Yes Comments Until July 22. Your concerns must be heard now by the Commission, the City Council (which will hear and vote on the plan in the fall), and our local Community Boards (which have not yet voted on the plan).
Contact your city council member and submit comments here.
Source: Village Preservation
July 8, 2024
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Register HERE
New York, NY: New York's Leaders on Climate Justice: An Accountability Town Hall
Join us for a town hall to question New York’s top elected officials about their plans to address the climate crisis. Thursday, July 18 6:30pm-8:30pm @ New York Society for Ethical Culture (2 W 64th St)
As our city faces another summer of record-breaking heat, we’ll be holding them accountable on the top climate, jobs, and justice issues that will make a difference for New York.
Invited Participants: Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, Mayor Eric Adams, Comptroller Brad Lander, City Council President Adrienne Adams, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie
Sponsoring organizations: New York Communities for Change, NYPIRG, Food & Water Watch, Fridays for Future NYC, 350NYC, Climate Reality NYC, Strong Economy for All, Riders Alliance, Transportation Alternatives, Rise and Resist, Third Act Upstate New York, Third Act NYC, New York Society for Ethical Culture, 350Brooklyn, Sane Energy Project, Forest Hills Green Team, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, ALIGN, TREEage, Sunrise NYC, 350.org (list in formation)
NY: Manhattan Petitioning to Stop the Iroquois Pipeline (ongoing Wednesdays 4pm-6pm. Meet at 6th Ave and W. 10th St). REGISTER HERE.
We're fighting a dangerous proposal to expand the Iroquois fracked gas pipeline by doubling the size of its dirty compressor stations -- all to deliver fracked gas that New York City doesn't even need.
Join Food & Water Watch activists in the West Village to talk to your neighbors about the dangers of this project and gather petition signatures to stop it. We'll be collecting petition signatures urging Governor Hochul to reject the project and building our base of grassroots opposition.
For more info on the group leading the charge Fight the trans ban in NY.
2) TELL CONGRESS TO SUPPORT SNAP!
Right now, Congress is about to vote on a proposal to make big cuts to SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps). Nearly two million people—many of whom are children—would be bumped out of the program. This is unacceptable. Tell Congress SNAP is a critical program for kids and families struggling to make ends meet!
ACTION: Please sign the petition here and share it today!
For more information on the proposed cuts to SNAP, see here.
Source: Moms Rising; DNWSG
This week (6/24), we have three actions - two local and one national. See below for details!
LOCAL 1) Fast-track Wind Projects!
Tell the governor to expedite offshore wind projects' development and approval to move us towards a renewable energy future and create thousands of good union jobs. Climate change is causing damage, and fossil fuels are harming our environment. Offshore wind will provide cleaner air, reduce fossil fuel reliance, stabilize energy prices, and create jobs. Sign the petition here.
Source: NY League of Conservation Voters
LOCAL 2) New York City's Public Libraries Need Our Help!
Budget cuts have reduced NY Public Library services, including Sunday hours, collections, and programming. The FY25 City budget proposes further cuts, requiring more tough decisions. Please sign a note to Mayor Adams and the City Council to highlight the vital role libraries play in providing resources like books, job-search help, ESOL classes, and safe spaces for kids and teens. Your message will be sent to key city officials to advocate for our libraries. Send your letter here. Please share!
Source: NY Public Library; DNWSG
NATIONAL 1) Support Stop the Comstock Act!
A group of 14 Democratic senators introduced the Stop Comstock Act to repeal a 151-year-old law that could potentially ban abortions nationwide. The bill would remove provisions in the 1873 Comstock laws that currently restrict the mailing of medication abortion drugs like mifepristone and instruments used for abortions. Originally enacted to prohibit the mailing of items deemed indecent or obscene, the Comstock Act has been cited by Supreme Court Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas in recent abortion-related cases. Sen. Tina Smith labeled it a "zombie law" and warned against its misuse by extremist Republicans and Trump-appointed judges to undermine reproductive rights across states. Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the ACLU endorse the legislation, with companion bills introduced in the House by Reps. Balint and Cori Bush. Use Resisbot to text SIGN PCASWT to 50409
Sources: Spectrum News 1,ACLU,DNWSG
Restore Congestion Pricing!
Gov. Hochul's last-minute decision to indefinitely table the Congestion Pricing plan has sparked outrage among constituents who saw it as a beneficial measure for the environment, traffic reduction, and public transportation improvements. Despite its many flaws, Hochul's decision is short-sighted, and non-action negatively impacts public transit users, the disabled, and residents suffering from car and noise pollution. The plan promised $1 billion annually for public transit improvements but now leaves the MTA facing a financial crisis and the Central Business District with worsening traffic.
Take action:
- Take action with NYLCV - send e-letter to lawmakers
- Take action with NYC-DSA - send e-letter to Hochul and others
- Call Gov Hochul's office every day and voice your disappointment and frustration about this reckless reversal! 1-518-474-8390
Source: DNWSG: NY League of Conservation Voters
Summer of Heat! Over 100 environmental activist organizations have launched a Summer of Heat Campaign against Citi Bank for their financial support of fossil fuels. It is part of a sustained campaign of nonviolent civil disobedience to end financing. More info on Summer of Heat initiatives click here.
Also 350.org will be on the ground taking part in Summer of Heat’s Fossil Fuel Fighters Week July 22 to 27. To sign up for more info click here.
Demand Accountability and Climate Action from New York's Leaders
The NY Assembly failed to pass the NY HEAT Act, which would have protected ratepayers by capping utility bills at 6% of income for low- and moderate-income households, limited new natural gas hookups and ended the nonsensical 100-foot rule. Caught up in the scramble over Governor Hochul's postponement of congestion pricing, this legislative failure reveals a large-scale governmental debacle.
The Climate Change Superfund Act, holding polluters accountable, is the surviving piece of climate legislation and is headed to the governor's desk for signature.
ACTION: Please use Resistbot to voice your outrage over NY HEAT and urge Congress to pressure Hochul to sign the Climate Change Superfund Act immediately. Text SIGN PNFIFN to 50409.
DNWSG; Spectrum News: Earth Justice
FINAL PUSH! URGENT ACTION!
NY HEAT ACT & the PACKAGING REDUCTION AND RECYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE ACT - ONLY 2 MORE DAYS!
Two climate-related bills still hang in the balance in Albany this legislative session which ends on Friday. Please contact your reps to urge them to pass these landmark bills!
NY HEAT
CALL and urge your reps to PASS THE NY HEAT ACT!
- Governor Hochul: (518) 474-8390
- Speaker Heastie: (518) 455-3791
- Assemblymember contact here.
Background:
The NY HEAT Act (New York Home Energy Affordable Transition) passed the Senate. However, despite being widely popular in the Assembly (it has 75 cosponsors), this critical climate and energy affordability legislation (S.2016A/A.4592A) has yet to move out of the Assembly’s Corporations Committee. HEAT will ensure the following:
- Ensuring Energy Affordability
- Ending the Obligation to Serve
- Ending the 100-foot Rule
Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act ( S4246-b/A5322-b).
PLEASE Contact your reps to vote YES on Plastic Reduction and Reuse Bills! This takes 1 SECOND! Click HERE.
Background:
This bill will reduce single-use plastics:
- Require companies to reduce their single-use packaging by 50% in 12 years
- Ban a dozen of the most toxic chemicals used in packaging
- Make companies legally and financially responsible for their pollution
"Climate Justice's Last Push in Albany" Click HERE for a June 4 segment from The Brian Lehrer Show.
More information about the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act HERE.
New York for Biden + Harris: Get Out The Vote Phone Bank (IN-PERSON) Help us save our democracy! Mondays in June.
Monday, 6/3, 6pm-8pm (and 6/10, 6/17, and 6/24). Location provided upon confirmation—In NYC. Join volunteers at New York for Biden + Harris - along with partners at Downtown East for Progress and the New York Young Democrats - as we take action to Get Out the Vote for the 2024 NYS Elections. Click HERE for more information and for additional virtual phonebank opportunities.
Tell Mayor Adams to fund the essential HIV treatment and programs!
City budget cuts are targeting HIV services and cutting $5.3 million in spending on programs aimed at reducing viral loads, a move criticized for its impact on vital patient support. Representatives note cuts to programs like the Undetectables, which offer crucial patient support and incentives for adherence to treatment, could be likely. NYC has reduced new infections to fewer than 2,000 annually and achieved a viral suppression rate of 88% among those diagnosed. But, progress has plateaued, and cutting funding to effective programs like the Undetectables could reverse these achievements. Use Reistbot to tell the Mayor to fund Undetectables and text SIGN PBVDWU to 50409.
Sources: Downtown Nasty Women Social Group; Gothamist
Postcards for NY 18th and 19th!
NY’s 18th Congressional District, write for Democrat Rep. Pat Ryan, a West Point graduate and veteran who is fighting for working families.
In NY’s 19th Congressional district, we need to write anti-GOP Rep. Marc Molinaro cards. His reckless public safety record includes voting against prohibiting domestic abusers from possessing firearms.
Sign up here.
Source: Activate America
Week of 5/19/24
NY! Contact your reps to vote YES on Plastic Reduction and Reuse Bills! This takes 1 SECOND! Click HERE.
More information about the Bigger Bottle Bill and the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act HERE. Additional environmental issues and actions HERE.
NYS Literacy Bills - TIME SENSITIVE!! Dyslexia education bills are up for a crucial committee vote THIS WEEK. Please take 5 minutes on Monday to help pass 2 very important literacy bills, a critical equity issue for NYC students. These bills will implement early screening, curriculum development, teacher training, and programs to support and teach children with dyslexia in NYC Public Schools. The Committee hearing was pushed to this week. There's still time!
Call Assembly and Senate Leadership and your local Assembly and Senate reps to urge them to pass bills S9196 and S2304A. A8924A.
Here's a very helpful call script and who to call.
Please also call and write to Assembly Higher Education Committee Chair AM Pat Fahy at (518) 445-4178 or [email protected].
Source: Downtown Independent Democrats
Gowanus Canal and Newtown Creek: Letter Campaign: Riverkeeper and Voice of Gowanus have launched a letter campaign to environmental officials and Gov. Hochul, respectively, to require a clean-up of all toxic sites in the Gowanus Canal Community and to restore New York City’s Gowanus Canal and Newtown Creek, both of which are Superfund sites. To send a letter, click here for the Voice of Gowanus Letter and here for the Riverkeeper's Letter.
Demand E-Vehicle Safety: Let’s join the growing number of voices advocating for accountability and pedestrian and cyclist safety. Call your council members this week and ask them to support and demand a vote on Intros 0060-2024, which would prohibit electric scooters and bicycles with electric assist in parks, and 0606-2024, which requires that every bicycle with electric assist, electric scooters, and other legal motorized vehicle be licensed and registered. Find your council member here.
Source: Downtown Nasty Women Social Group; NY E-Vehicle Safety Alliance
An action this week from Rise and Resist - GOTV Postcards For Rep. Jamaal Bowman!
Rise and Resist is launching a postcarding campaign to GET OUT THE VOTE in the June 25 Primary Election for incumbent Congressman Jamaal Bowman in District 16 (Northern Bronx and parts of Westchester County). Rep. Bowman is one of several House Progressives being targeted because of their early ceasefire stance on Gaza. Rep. Bowman has worked hard and effectively during his two terms in office and clearly deserves a third term.
- Postcards come with address labels and are quick to write, so we ask people to take 100 at a time.
- To request postcards, please fill out the form here.
- You'll need to pick up your postcards & labels at An upper west side location. Email Betsy Malcolm [email protected] ahead of time to let her know you're coming so she can have your cards ready for the doorman.
- The campaign will stamp and mail postcards in District 16, but completed cards must be returned to Rise and Resist by June 2. Return address to come!
Source: Rise and Resist
Week of 5/20/2024
We Must Budget Community Composting: We are rapidly running out of time to restore the mayor’s budget cuts. Let’s make sure the Mayor is aware of the importance of actual composting. Text the Mayor at 917-909-2288 and ask him to restore the budget cuts to community composting ASAP. Angelica Ang has written More Than Dirt, a beautiful essay on what NYC will lose without community composting.
Action for the week of 5/12:
Keep the Pressure On and Support NY HEAT! UPDATE 5/20/24: "Climate advocates plan to spend against incumbents blocking NY HEAT Act" read here- Keep the pressure up!
NY HEAT was NOT included in the NY budget, and the NY assembly is to blame. Only three weeks are left in the session, so let's pressure our assembly members, the speaker, and the Governor to pass this bill. this landmark proposal will accelerate NY away from gas and towards renewable energy sources and would allow NY to shift entire neighborhoods off fossil fuels. The Assembly refused to negotiate this in the budget and never even put a counteroffer on the table. Implore your Assembly person to advocate for the passage of NY HEAT during this legislative session.
Call every day this week!
- Governor Hochul: (518) 474-8390
- Speaker Heastie: (518) 455-3791
- Assemblymember contact here.
Source: Downtown Nasty Women Social Group; NY Focus
Week of 5/29/2024
Support the Climate Change Superfund Act! - KEEP THE PRESSURE ON! Updated 5/10/24
Tell Governor Hochul to support the Climate Change Superfund Act (S.2129-A/A.3351-A) and put the interests of the taxpaying public ahead of Big Oil!
Copy and Paste this letter below or write your own and email it to the governor here.
Dear Governor Hochul, Climate change is devastating our lives and our communities. It adds insult to injury to make the taxpayers pick up the costs of a hotter planet. The largest oil companies should help to cover those costs. They are the ones most responsible for this mess. And as we all learned as kids: You make a mess; you clean it up. Make Big Oil clean up its mess. Support the Climate Change Superfund Act (S.2129-A/A.3351-A). Thank you.
Save Our Parks! Click here for the rally update and photos.
Rally to Save NYC Parks! May 7 at 6 p.m. in Union Square Park. Mayor Adams has cut NYC Parks by $25 million, resulting in the loss of over 600 jobs. These dramatic cuts will result in unsafe parks and playgrounds, dirty bathrooms, early closings, delayed opening of sprinklers and fountains, reduced recreation center hours and programming, and neglected tree maintenance - ultimately, the diminishing quality of life.
Rally in Albany to Protest Plastics!
On Tuesday, May 14, please join us and our friends at Beyond Plastics, NYPIRG, and more than 40 New York organizations in Albany for an Advocacy Day to help pass the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act and the Bigger Better Bottle Bill. The plastics and beverage industries are dead set against both bills and their lobbyists are roaming the halls of the state Capitol in Albany, pressuring your legislators to reject them. We must demonstrate massive grassroots support to counter these well-paid industry lobbyists and get these bills passed this session. We will meet at 10:00am at the 3rd Floor Terrace in the Legislative Office Building, 198 State Street, Albany. We’ll meet with as many legislators as possible until 4pm. At 12 pm we will gather in West Capitol Park for a rally. *Folks traveling from NYC can get free roundtrip transportation but RSVP soon as space is limited.* The bus will leave from 34th St. and 8th Ave in Manhattan at 7:00am on May 14 and depart Albany at 4:15, returning to Manhattan around 7:15pm. The pickup location is next to 34th St - Penn Station.
Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (S4246-b/A5322-b) and the Bigger Better Bottle Bill (S237-b/A6353). Take a bus trip to Albany on May 14 and support of this legislation with Beyond Plastics,
RSVP here.
Week of 4/22/2024 (Two Actions, see below)
1) Tell Assembly to Pass NY HEAT
Setbacks be damned. Keep the pressure on the Assembly. NY HEAT was NOT included in the NY budget, and the NY assembly is to blame. The NY Heat Act ( HR 598) is a landmark proposal to accelerate NY away from gas and towards renewable energy sources. Reports indicate that the Assembly refused to negotiate this in the budget and never even put a counteroffer on the table. Implore your Assembly person to advocate for the passage of NY HEAT during this legislative session. Use Resistbot and text SIGN PTCJJH to 50409.
If texting is not for you, please call your elected official and voice your support for the NY HEAT Act. You can find your rep here.
Source: Downtown Nasty Women Social Group, NY Focus
2) Senate Must Prioritize Climate Agenda!
Participate in a weeklong vigil urging Senators to prioritize climate policy. Demand their support for HR 598, The Earth Bill, and push for a Senate version.
Daily Vigil: Monday, April 22 through Friday, April 26, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at 780 3rd Avenue (@48th St) outside the offices of Senate Majority Leader Schumer and Senator Gillibrand. We're asking them to put climate pollution policy on the agenda. Click here for more information. More info here.
Week of 4/8/2024
Local Journalism Sustainability Act - Help Keep Local Journalism Alive in NY!
Since 2004, New York has lost nearly half of its local newspapers. This bi-partisan act, sponsored by State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, will ensure New Yorkers have access to the independent local news they deserve. Albany needs to hear from you! Sign the petition HERE. And read Senator Hoylman-Sigal's op-ed HERE. For more info. about the Save Local News coalition click HERE.
It's Earth Month! Join a weeklong vigil in connection with earth environmental stewardship being held daily, Mon. April 22 to Fri. April 26. Noon-1 pm at 780 3rd Avenue (48th Street) outside the offices of Senate Majority Leader Schumer and Senator Gillibrand. We're asking them to put climate pollution policy on the agenda. Click HERE for more information.
Week of 4/8/2024
Let's Pass NY HEAT! NY HEAT ACT - Keep those calls and messages coming!
While negotiations continue in Albany on the state budget, we must keep the pressure on! We likely have a few more days to push for inclusion of the full NY HEAT Act and the Climate Change Superfund Act in the final budget. Please join NY Renews and allies across the state in the following quick actions:
➢ Send a message using this “one-click” email tool to Budget Director Blake Washington, who represents the Hochul administration in negotiations.
➢ Call Governor Hochul’s office (518-474-8390) and ask her to include the NY HEAT Act and the Climate Change Superfund Act in the budget. (You can press “1” to leave a voicemail message or “2” to speak to a staff member).
➢ Call Speaker Heastie’s office (518-455-3791) and leave the same message you left for the Governor.
➢Also, call your Assemblymembers and ask them to fight to ensure the full NY HEAT Act and the Climate Change Superfund Act are included in the budget. You can find your Assemblymember here.
Source: Peoples's Climate Movement NY
U.S. Must Withdraw Opposition to Mexico’s Ban on Imported GE Corn: Beyond Pesticides aims to safeguard air, water, land, seeds, and food by advocating for reduced pesticide use to protect public health and the environment.
Corporate and US government interests are currently challenging Mexico's efforts to protect health and the environment by banning imported genetically engineered (GE) corn and glyphosate. Despite Mexico's scientific rationale for the ban, pressure from the U.S. government and corporations under the USMCA persists. The letter below urges the U.S. not to oppose Mexico's Ban on Imported GE Corn. Take action by contacting U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, with an option to contact the Office of the President of the United States.
Follow the instructions to send your emails here.
Source: Beyond Pesticides
Week of 4/1/204: Four important environmental, climate & protest actions!
Rise & Resist Protest: "Migrants Aren't Robbing You. Billionaires Are." and "The GOP stokes fear of migrants" signs and some new special signs for Greg Abbott, the cruelest governor in the 50 states. He is being feted by the NYGOP - and for Rep.Lee Zeldin and Rep. Elise Stefanik will also be there. There should be some other immigrant's rights groups there as well. Please join us!
April 4th, 5:30pm
Hilton Hotel 53st/54 st @ 6th Avenue
NYGOP honors Gov. Abbott of Texas
Save Our Parks!
Mayor Adams has cut NYC Parks by $25 million, resulting in the loss of over 600 jobs and devastation to an already understaffed, under-resourced agency, making it impossible to ensure safe, clean, green, and resilient parks for New Yorkers. Use the links below to fight back.
See actions to send a letter to the mayor and sign a petition here.
Source: New Yorkers for Parks/Play Fair
Preserve NYC Neighborhoods!
Oppose Lifting Residential Development Cap The State Legislature faces a crucial decision on whether to lift NYC's long-standing cap on residential development sizes. This move would benefit developers but harm neighborhood character. Instead, focus on alternative methods to address housing needs, including affordable housing, without risking the destruction of existing rent-regulated units.
Write your State Senators and Assemblymember here.
Source: Village Preservation
Urge Hochul to Sign the Fracking Bill!
Both houses of the New York legislature swiftly banned CO2 fracking, thwarting the oil and gas industry's attempt to circumvent the state's decade-long fracking prohibition. Now, Governor Hochul must sign the bill into law to solidify this environmental victory. Your voice matters in urging her to act swiftly. Sign here.
Source: Food and Water Watch
March 30
Join the fight for climate and environmental justice in New York!
With the state budget due soon, our collective pressure can influence decisions by the Governor, state Assembly, and state Senate and demonstrate broad support for two important bills, the NY HEAT Act and the Climate Change Superfund Act. Please make some calls:
➤ Call Governor Hochul (518-474-8390) with this message:
Governor Hochul, I urge you to include two critical bills in the budget. First, please include the Climate Change Superfund Act (S.2129-A/A.3351-A), which would make climate polluters pay $3 billion a year for 25 years so polluters are responsible for addressing damages caused by the climate crisis. Second, please include the full NY HEAT Act (S.2016-B/A.4592-B) to lower our utility bills and help move our homes and buildings off of dirty fossil fuels. Thank you.
➤ If you are a constituent of Assemblymember Glick (find out here), Chair of the Committee on Environmental Conservation, call her (212-674-5153) with this message:
Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I am a constituent of Assemblymember Glick. I’m calling to urge her to support the NY HEAT Act (A4592B) and the Climate Change Superfund Act (3351A) in the budget. I hope she will advocate for all components of the NY HEAT Act to protect New Yorkers from spending more than 6% of their income on energy bills and to ensure we are not burdened with expanding our gas system or paying to replace old gas lines when cleaner and more affordable options exist. We must prioritize neighborhood electrification projects over gas pipelines to combat climate change effectively. Thank you.
➤ Call your Assemblymember and ask them to fight to ensure the full NY HEAT Act and the Climate Change Superfund Act are included in the budget. Your Assemblymember's contact information is here.
➤ Call Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie: Albany office: 518-455-3791; Local office: 718-654-6539 and demand full funding for The NY HEAT Act.
March 24
2 Actions this Week!
1- Tell Gov. Hochul to The Hospital Transparency Act (S1003A/A733A): New Yorkers should be informed about available healthcare services and the potential removal of essential services like abortion, contraception, miscarriage management, gender-affirming care, end-of-life care, and more due to hospital policies, especially as private hospitals replace public ones, often denying these crucial services. The Act does not force these hospitals to provide the care. It simply demands they come clean about what they do not provide so patients can make informed decisions and lawmakers can identify “care deserts” and close those gaps. (source: DNWSG.org)
Action: Use Resistbot and text SIGN PIMDHB to 50409 or call Gov. Hochul and urge her to sign now (518) 474-8390
2- Tell Governor Hochul to be a leader on climate issues: Include the Climate Change Superfund Act (S.2129-A/A.3351-A) and the NY HEAT Act (S.2016-B/A.4592-B) in the final New York State budget!
Action: Just copy and paste below or draft your message, then click here to send your email:
“Governor Hochul, I urge you to include two critical environmental bills in the final state budget. First, please include the Climate Change Superfund Act (S.2129-A/A.3351-A), which makes climate polluters pay $3 billion annually for 25 years. Hence, polluters are responsible for addressing damages caused by the climate crisis. Second, please include the full NY HEAT Act (S.2016-B/A.4592-B) to lower our utility bills and help move our homes and buildings off of dirty fossil fuels. Thank you.”
Source: NYPIRG.org
March 15
No More 24! Rally and Hunger Strike Planned in NYC
Sign up for Downtown Nasty Women call rally on Wednesday, March 20 to demand Speaker Adams and your NYC Council Member support Chris Marte's bill.
In NYC, home attendants, mostly immigrant women of color, can be expected to work 24-hour shifts for days at a time, causing stress, illness, and unacceptable time away from their own families. And they're not even paid for the full 24 hours!
NYC Council Member Chris Marte has a bill to end this practice (24 No More), but so far Council Speaker Adrienne Adams refuses to bring it to the floor for a vote. After several months of protesting at City Hall to no avail, 18 workers have committed to a hunger strike starting this Wednesday, March 20.
You can help!
- A growing coalition is organizing to support women during the hunger strike, and Saturday, March 23rd, at noon, is designated Democratic Club Support Day. Please join everyone at City Hall.
- Sign up for Downtown Nasty Women call rally on Wednesday, March 20 to demand Speaker Adams and your NYC Council Member support Chris Marte's bill.
Click HERE for a flyer requesting supplies to help the hunger strikers and click HERE for a flyer announcing the start of the hunger strike. Please share widely via email and on social media.
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March 11
Do You Resistbot?
If not, you should! It is one of the easiest ways to contact all your elected officials simultaneously. Resistbot is used to compose and send letters to elected officials using your messaging app. In two minutes, you can turn your texts to your federal, state, and city officials into faxes, postal mail, or emails to your representatives. Resitbot also allows you to sign petitions for issues and legislation. Follow the instructions here and get started today!
Here are 2 excellent resistbots to start with.
Resistbot Action: Outraged by the SCOTUS decision to delay, they finally decided to hear Donald Trump’s outrageous Presidential immunity case. Jessica Craven has drafted a letter summarizing what so many of us are feeling. Text SIGN PRWOYC to 50409 and send the open letter to the Supreme Court.
Here's another quick action to get you started!
March 4
From Jessica Craven: Chop Wood, Save the Planet —Special action for NY readers!
Hey New York State residents! NY is on the verge of passing a great plastic reduction bill but industry is fighting tooth and nail to stop them! If you live in NY can you do this?
Call and email Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie's Albany office at 518-455-3791 (if you can't get through, try 718-654-6539) Use script below as a template, but feel free to lean into your own concerns (climate, environmental justice, health, water quality, taxpayer savings, etc.)
Hi, my name is ____ and I am calling from ____, NY to urge Assembly Speaker Heastie to prioritize passing A5322-b, the Packaging Reduction & Recycling Infrastructure Act. Please bring it to a vote this session to reduce packaging waste and climate change emissions, boost recycling, and protect environmental justice communities. Passing this legislation is one of the key recommendations in the scoping plan for the state's Climate Law and we cannot wait to act on climate. Thank you.
After you call, take a minute to send a quick email to Heastie: [email protected] (need a sample email? click here to send one automatically).
Bonus points: call Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins Albany office at 518-455-2715 (if you can't get through, try 518-455-2585) with the same message. Let us know how your calls went.
March 3
Join Met Council on Housing. In the last 2 years, Mayor Adams has cut NYC’s budget six times, making it impossible for New Yorkers to get timely & basic services they rely on!
On Mayor Adams' budget chopping block: education, childcare, libraries, CUNY, housing, & billions more in essential services.
People’s Budget Campaign Launch
March 06, 2024 at 11:00am
Tweed Court House
RSVP for Address
March 1, 2024
Petition every weekend in March with VID!
Meet and have fun with neighborhood activists and help make a difference! VID's petitioning officially starts on March 2nd and petitions will be collected on Saturday, March 30th after petitioning. Click HERE for a list of VID's 2024 endorsed candidates who will appear on petitions. As a reminder, Petitioning is required for every candidate running for office. VID helps by collecting the required number of signatures in the district for its endorsed candidates so they can qualify for the ballot.
Join us for petitioning every Saturday at Abingdon Square in the west village from 10am-12pm. And in the east village on SUNDAYS from 11am-1pm in front of the Westside Market, 3rd Ave. between 11th & 12th streets. Contact us if you can help or if you need petitions.
Onward!
Feb. 26, 2024
Truth Tuesdays at FOX “NEWS”
Outside the NewsCorp Building at 1211 6th Ave, NY, NY
Join us every Tuesday for FOX LIES DEMOCRACY DIES. We will be right outside the NewsCorp Building at 1211 6th Ave. Fox continues to spread misinformation about COVID-19, the outcome of the 2020 Presidential election, and the January 6 insurrection. It's time to push back against Rupert Murdoch's right-wing propaganda machine. More info HERE. Thank you to Rise & Resist for organizing.
Feb. 25, 2024
Thanks to Downtown Nasty Women for this weekly action: CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE HERE.
Pass the NY Packaging Reduction Act & Bigger Better Bottle Bill
Our help is critical to ensuring strong bills pass to address the root cause of plastic waste. Some are taking the bus to Albany. What can you do from home? Text out the info to friends and family and use you social media account to amplify the message that it's time to pass this legislation.
Amplify the message: This is SO IMPORTANT for our state, country & world!
Text your friends and family: Single-use plastic is poisoning us and the world. Tell NYS legislators it's time to pass The Packaging Reduction Act to get 12 of the most toxic chemicals OUT of packaging & cut single-use packaging by 50%. Join us at the NYS Capitol on Tuesday, Feb 27 to call for passage of the critical, groundbreaking Packaging Reduction & Recycling Infrastructure Act and make polluters pay to clean up their mess! RSVP now: http://bit.ly/2-27-24
Facebook
Please add a graphic to your post.
Accounts to tag: @carl.heastie @andrea.stewartcousins @cpeoplesstokes @govkathyhochul @beyondplasticsaction @nypirg
Browse our graphics and choose one (or make your own if you prefer.)
Accounts to tag: @crystal_d_peoplesstokes @cheastie @andreastewartcousins @govkathyhochul @NYPIRG @beyondplasticsbennington @foodandwaterwatch
Attach graphic
Hashtags to include: #toxicplastic #carcinogens #plasticsandhealth #planetorplastic #breakfreefromplastic #beyondplastics #reuserevolution #reuseandrefill #wildlifeorwaste #refusesingleuse #noexcuseforsingleuse
X/Twitter
Accounts to tag: @CarlHeastie @AndreaSCousins @CPeoplesStokes
Images: Don’t forget to add a graphic to your post.
Feb. 24, 2024
Thanks to Downtown Nasty Women for this weekly action:
National Action: Help Americans w/ Disabilities Overcome Barriers to the Democratic Process!
Action: Text SIGN PTJMOQ to Resistbot at 50409
Support S. 3747: the Removing Access Barriers to Running for Elected Office for People with Disabilities Act, S. 3749: The AID Local Government Leadership Act, and S. 3748: The Accessible Voting Act. This legislation will address longstanding access barriers to the democratic process for disabled Americans and help local, and state governments comply with disability rights and civil rights laws. There is much work to be done, but these laws are a critical step in fulfilling the promise of the Americans with Diabetes Act. Text SIGN PTJMOQ to Resistbot at 50409.
Source: Jessica Craven, Chop Wood Carry Water, 2/15
Feb. 15, 2024
Let's keep the momentum going in 2024! Live in Long Island, NY? Join this Facebook Group, Proud to be a Democrat, Long Island and get involved in upcoming races.
TOM SUOZZI FOR CONGRESS -UPDATE: HE WON!
SPECIAL ELECTION FEB. 13, 2024
Take action in the NY-03 (Long Island) Special Election to help elect Tom Suozzi to Congress!
See VID on the campaign trail HERE
FINAL WEEKEND TO KNOCK ON DOORS FOR SUOZZI!
SATURDAY, FEB. 10TH
COME JOIN US IN HELPING DEMOCRAT TOM SUOZZI TAKE BACK THE SEAT!!
Thank you to CONGRESSMAN DAN GOLDMAN
and his team for sponsoring buses for us to go to NY-03
Buses leave from the East side of Union Square near 15th ST at 11AM!!!
SIGN UP HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT
IT IS CRITICAL THAT WE WIN THIS SEAT!!!!
GO DEMS!
BE PREPARED: with Snacks, Lunch, Water, Comfortable Walking Shoes, a fully charged phone (backup charger recommended) and Warm Clothing
IMPORTANT: PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE MINIVAN APP ON YOUR PHONE
Questions? Contact [email protected].
Thank you!
GRAND CENTRAL & PENN STATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
The Suozzi campaign is seeking volunteers to hand out Suozzi literature at Grand Central and Penn Station on the evenings of Feb 6, 7, 8, 12 and 13 to commuters heading out to NY CD 3. Please ask your friends, family and neighbors to sign up to help out. GOTV is essential for this race and there are many that do not even realize that there is a special election on Feb 13 and early voting starts on February 2. Signup here to help
KNOCK ON DOORS FOR SUOZZI WITH VID!
EVERY SATURDAY!!!!
VID will be coordinating canvassing in the NY-03 district for Suozzi over the next several Saturdays from Jan 20-Feb 10. Early voting starts Feb 2 and Election day is Feb. 13th.
We are looking for "captains" to coordinate each weekend, driver volunteers and of course volunteers to knock on doors (canvassers).
Please sign up to HERE.
Questions? Contact [email protected].
Thank you!
OTHER WAYS TO KNOCK ON DOORS FOR SUOZZI
CANVASSING FOR SUOZZI
Below is the Suozzi for Congress campaign’s canvassing links and schedule, beginning on January 6! Events are run out of campaign offices around the district.
WEEKDAY CANVASSING (NOON START TIMES)
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QUEENS - Bay Terrace Shopping Center, Bay Terrace, NY (closest to downtown by car)
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NEW HYDE PARK - 926 Hillside Ave, North New Hyde Park, NY (20 min walk from New Hyde Park LIRR)
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GLEN COVE - 225 Forest Ave, Glen Cove, NY (15 min walk from Glen Cove LIRR on Oyster Bay Line)
WEEKEND CANVASSING (10AM, 12PM, 2PM START TIMES)
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QUEENS - Bay Terrace Shopping Center, Bay Terrace, NY (closest to downtown by car)
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NEW HYDE PARK - 926 Hillside Ave, North New Hyde Park, NY (20 min walk from New Hyde Park LIRR)
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GLEN COVE - 225 Forest Ave, Glen Cove, NY (15 min walk from Glen Cove LIRR on Oyster Bay Line)
POSTCARDS FOR SUOZZI
The Suozzi for Congress campaign recommends postcarders use Postcards to Voters for writing to NY-03 voters. On Sunday’s in January, postcarders will meet via Zoom for “Sunday’s for Suozzi'' to write cards together in collaboration with Markers for Democracy.
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Postcards to Voters (PTV)
Click the PTV Linktree to sign up to write, receive addresses if you're already an approved writer, or get help from a PTV Rapid Response volunteer. If you joined already, please note that Abby the Address Bot is unable to text right now.
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SUNDAYS FOR SUOZZI (SUNDAYS AT 4PM) Sundays For Suozzi continues! Each week features a special guest. TOM SUOZZI and REP. JOE NEGUSE will be the special guests on Feb. 4th. REGISTER HERE. Sponsored by Markers for Democracy.
In collaboration with Markers for Democracy, join other postcarders via zoom.
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THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 27TH - IN PERSON postcard writing party in Astoria:Janurary 27th, 12pm-2pm at Katch Astoria 31-19 Newton Ave., Astoria, NY 11102 RSVP:[email protected]
PHONEBANKS FOR SUOZZI
Zoom links are sent out the morning of the day’s phone bank to all signups. More shift times will be added throughout the campaign.
ABOUT TOM SUOZZI
Below are some helpful links to learn more about Tom Suozzi and NY-03!
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17TH, 2024, 6-8PM -PHONEBANK SPONSORED BY VID AND MANHATTAN DEMOCRATIC CLUBS
CLICK HERE TO RSVP
DAY OF ACTION - JANUARY 14, 2024
Please join us on the GOTV day Sunday, January 14th for Tom Suozzi to take back the Congressional NY-3 seat from which George Santos was expelled. This will be a pivotal race that will set the tone for winning back the house in 2024. It will be the first step towards protecting our democracy. Signup HERE.
We hope you can join us!
CLICK HERE TO RSVP
Join No More 24 on Monday, December 18, 12PM at City Hall! (Broadway and Murray St)
Demand Speaker Adams stop stealing women's health and holidays! Click here to sign up for monthly protests.
March at City Hall December 19th!
Please join NYC Families, NYIC, the UFT, Advocates and Elected officials next week for the Childrens March for Our Schools. Key Information: What: The Childrens March for Our Schools When: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 3:45pm Where: Meet inside City Hall Park at Jacob Wrey Mould Fountain. Enter the park at Broadway and Park Place. Who: You, your family, your school community! We Encourage You to Bring Students to this Rally to Uplift their Voice in this Fight!
Check HERE for a list of "Dem Facts" to help counter GOP misinformation. Share with friends and foes alike! Thanks to grassroots activist group, Downtown Nasty Women for putting together these weekly facts.
Mayor Adams budget proposal eliminates 100% of funding for community composting and curbside composting outreach in 2024. This will eliminate 115 greens jobs and the support for community composting at 8 organizations - Big Reuse, GrowNYC, LESEC, Earth Matters, Queens Botanical Garden, NY Botanical Garden, Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Snug Harbor.
Rally on Monday 12/11 at 9AM at City Hall Park
MOMS DEMAND ACTION: RSVP HERE
Thursday, December 14, 2023
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM ET
Hebrew Union College
1 W 4th St, New York, NY 10012
We are gathering to honor victims and survivors of gun violence on December 14th.
The 11th Annual Vigil of Remembrance will be an in-person event and will include speakers, music and a candle-lighting ceremony (candles will be provided).
Marking the 11th year since the Sandy Hook shooting and the founding of Moms Demand Action, the vigil is always moving and memorable.
Please join the CB2 Schools & Education Committee for a discussion panel about NYC's 60-Day Shelter Eviction Policy and its effect on student well-being and academic outcomes. Mon. Dec. 11 @ 6:30PM. Attend via Zoom: https://bit.ly/CB2-schools
Guide to Plastic-Free Sustainable Holiday Gifts! Click HERE and Happy Holidays from VID!
Please submit a brief comment by Dec. 7th. Please follow the instructions here to submit your comments.
If you could each take just 5 minutes to submit a comment to the DOJ? The AFT (Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, and Tobacco has proposed a rule change that would mandate ALL gun sellers to conduct background checks. Details and instructions on how to submit rules are below (can you please forward this email to 5 friends).
Close the Loophole and Demand Background Checks on New Guns Sold!
1 in 5 legal gun sales happen without background checks due to loopholes in current federal law. A new proposed rule would crack down on unlicensed gun sellers and expand background checks to more gun buyers. But first, we need to drive as many public comments of support as possible before the December 7 deadline. The gun lobby will fight tooth and nail to oppose this rule—they want to sell more guns, even to people convicted of domestic abuse or violent felonies. We need to drive as many comments as possible.
Every year, millions of firearms are sold in the United States without a background check, no questions asked. Only federally licensed firearm dealers are required to conduct a background check—but people can sell guns without being a licensed dealer. That means someone convicted of a violent crime could be turned away from a licensed gun dealer, walk across the street, and buy an AR-15 at a gun show—no questions asked. If you sell guns for profit, you should be required to run a background check on gun buyers. It’s just common sense.
Source: Giffords Courage to Fight Gun Violence
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Please sign the petition to Mayor Adams and city council members to keep community composting which is at risk from being cut from the budget
https://www.grownyc.org/petition
Message from Postcards to Voters:
New Campaign: Dec 5 Special Election
Your Help Needed A.S.A.P.!
A Republican Florida State Representative resigned and a Special Election was called. It will be held December 5 and many speculate that this date was chosen to enjoy low turnout to keep the seat in Republican hands.
What they were not counting on was you. When you pitch in to write at least 5 fun, friendly election reminders to Democrats in Florida's 118th State House District, you're following a long line of similar writing campaigns where red seats were flipped to blue. It's almost one of our hallmarks since conditions that would normally spell super low voter interest make what we do even more powerful.
We're writing for Democrat Johnny Farias and we have plenty of addresses to share with you. If you can help by writing to 5 voters (or more), we can get through the list in time to make a difference. Your mailbox magic can both lift Democrats' spirits and flip this seat!
Click link below to get addresses, for additional information and also to sign up with Postcards to Voters if you haven't written with them before:
Click here for postcard information.
Message from VID
VID has worked with Postcards to Voters (and Tony the Democrat) and they need our help! You can also contact [email protected] with any questions.
THANK YOU for helping to save democracy!
Monday, 11/27, 8pm (and 11/30 and 12/1)
Team Hour of Action with Climate Changemakers!
Online
Join Team Monday (or Thursday or Friday) for the most productive Hour of your day! In 60 minutes, we get up to speed on a timely climate policy issue, learn how we can impact it this week, and then actually take action. Curious what to expect on the Hour of Action? Read more here. There's no need to prepare — come as you are. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or brand new to political action, this space is for you. If you're curious to preview the resources we'll use, check out our Action Hub. Register above and check your email or calendar invite for the Zoom link. Check out the Climate Changemakers 2022 impact report with all the juicy results of last year's advocacy. (Does that say 3,500 calls to Congress?! Yes, yes it does.) We can't wait to see you and make some waves together! Register here: https://lu.ma/climatechangemakers
Tuesday, 11/21, Noon-1pm
Truth Tuesdays at FOX “NEWS”
Outside the NewsCorp Building at 1211 6th Ave, NY, NY
Join us every Tuesday for FOX LIES DEMOCRACY DIES. We will be right outside the NewsCorp Building at 1211 6th Ave. Fox continues to spread misinformation about COVID-19, the outcome of the 2020 Presidential election, and the January 6 insurrection. It's time to push back against Rupert Murdoch's right-wing propaganda machine. More info here:
https://www.truthtuesdays.org/