From CNY Solidarity Coalition
- Please read our Annual Report: https://www.cnysolidarity.org/coalition-updates/
Our plan for the winter months, dependent on health warnings:
- We will schedule one in-person meeting per month. Next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 12.
- An additional Zoom meeting each month will likely be scheduled, depending on issues.
- Meetings will start at 2 PM, followed by in-person Committee Meetings
- In case of inclement weather or other issues, a notification and a Zoom link will be sent no later than 10 AM on the day of the meeting.
- Please wear a mask, and practice reasonable social distancing.
Newsletter note: This newsletter now comes from: CNYSolnews@gmail.com You can still send newsletter-related comments and information as a response to this email. For other topics, use CNYSolidarity@gmail.com
New Mailing address for CNY Solidarity Coalition:
CNY Solidarity Coalition
P.O. Box 6137
Teall Post Office
226 Teall Ave.
Syracuse NY 13217
ARTICLES OF THE WEEK:
Michelle Breidenbach hits another one out of the park!
Why An I-81 ‘Skyway’ Would Be Costly And Unworkable: ‘Who Wants To Live Under A 70-Foot Bridge?’
“…construction of a skyway over land would cost too much, take too long and knock down up to 40 functioning buildings, some of them historic landmarks. The owners of those buildings, and others that would be dwarfed by a monster bridge, would sue the state…”
“It would be so tall, it would not be possible to build off ramps to get to the Syracuse University campus or the hospitals.” Read it on Syracuse.com
Also see the Syracuse Newspapers Editorial:
Stop Indulging The Fantasy Of An I-81 ‘Skyway’ Over Syracuse (Editorial Board Opinion)
New Law Lets Upstate New York Renters Sue To Correct Housing Codes Violations
“It gives tenants a way to ensure landlords maintain their properties, keeping them in good condition and improving the quality of our Upstate housing stock,” said Sen. Rachel May, a sponsor of the bill.
Read it on www.CentralCurrent.org
From Dustin Czarny, Onondaga County Democratic Elections Commissioner:
Lawsuit Against Onondaga County Legislative Maps Wins First Major Legal Milestone.
On January 12, 2023 we won a major victory in our lawsuit against Onondaga County Legislative maps. The County has spent the last three months delaying our suit asking for it to be dismissed on a technicality instead of defending their illegal maps. Their motion has now been dismissed and we can now move to trial. Read Dustin’s article Here
We still need help. As this lawsuit progresses we will have appeals and depositions. We can win this suit with your help. Please donate what you can to our cause here
A 230-Year-Old Map Gives Insight Into The Former Reach Of The Onondaga Nation
The Land You’re On: Acknowledging the Haudenosaunee investigates the original story of our area, insights on Onondaga ways of life, policies that changed history, and aspects of the culture of the native people who originally called it home. This limited podcast series is based on interviews and conversations with Indigenous community members and allies, providing the context and perspective needed to understand the complicated history of the land we’re on. Find the podcast on www.WAER.org
This is the Year that Climate Action Turns the Corner
“…the once-staid International Energy Agency declared that the decline of fossil fuels has begun, with clean energy already employing the majority of the world’s energy work force, renewables set to deliver 90% of the world’s new electricity supply through 2025, energy efficiency gaining momentum, and heat pumps on track to eliminate half a billion tonnes of CO2 emissions this decade.” Read it in The Energy Mix Weekender
ACTION ALERTS:
Invest in Our New York 2023
New Yorkers are being crushed by rising costs and an uneven COVID-19 recovery. Corporate landlords have driven up the cost of housing (40% in the last two years), essentials like food & energy are more expensive than ever, and employers continue to deny workers fair wages despite historic profits. We must fund programs that will put money back in people’s pockets in the short term and ensure that the state invests long-term in our communities.
Demand that Governor Hochul pass a budget that funds $40 billion in new investments, and makes the wealthiest people and corporations pay New York what they owe.
Read more Here and see the proposed tax reforms Here.
Coming soon: We will soon have more on specific “asks” for our legislators and the Governor.
Clean Slate legislation is crucial to ensure that the 2.3 million New Yorkers with conviction histories — who are disproportionately Black and Brown — can fully and fairly participate in our shared communities and be a vibrant part of our state’s economy. We all need access to jobs, housing, and education in order to live safely and securely, but people with convictions are repeatedly blocked from these life essentials, sometimes serving a civil life sentence. Urge your legislators to immediately to pass the Clean Slate Act (S211/A1029). New York State must not delay justice any longer for the 2.3 million New Yorkers shackled by their convictions and perpetually excluded from basic necessities. Clean Slate can’t wait! www.cleanslateny.org/take-action
Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE) works to bring about a just transition to 100% renewable electricity, heating, and transportation. We’re #hiringnow! AGREE is growing and we’re looking for:
1) A Regulatory Attorney
2) A Communications Director
3) An Outreach Manager for the new Central New York Clean Energy Hub
4) Four Energy Advisors for the CNY Energy Hub
Please see the position descriptions for application materials and instructions for applying: https://www.allianceforagreeneconomy.org/join-our-team/
AGREE is fiercely collaborative with other organizations and deeply committed to pursuing a renewable energy transition that is rooted in racial, economic, and social justice. Our work is focused on transforming New York State policy to move away from fossil fuels and nuclear energy, driving state resources toward effective and equitable community clean energy programs, and helping residents and businesses in Central New York make their own transition to clean energy.
If you’re excited by a fast-paced working environment that matches the urgency of the crises we face; if you see the connections between our unjust energy system and other forms of injustice; and if you love to collaborate and strategize to bring about a better world, we invite you to consider joining our team.
Volunteer needed: Help keep CNY Solidarity’s website up to date! We are looking for a volunteer to post our weekly newsletter to our website once a week. No experience needed, we will train you. To volunteer, send an email to cnysolidarity@gmail.com with the subject Website Volunteer.
EVENTS/ACTIONS CALENDAR
The Sum Of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together
Heather McGhee Virtual Speaking Event
Tuesday, January 17, 2023 7:00pm – 8:00pm EST
CNY Community Foundation
You’ll hear from Heather McGhee, New York Times best-selling author and one of today’s most insightful and influential thinkers. McGhee reveals the devastating true cost of racism — not just for people of color, but for everyone. Join folks from across the state to hear what McGhee learned from interviewing Americans of all races during her journey across the country. This virtual event is free. Registration is required.
The Workers Center of CNY Press Conference
Wednesday 1/18/ 2023 at 2PM. – Center for Peace and Social Justice, 2013 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY (top floor)
The Workers Center of CNY is holding a regional press conference this Wednesday to launch our Upstate campaign to win the Unemployment Bridge Program to extend unemployment benefits to immigrant workers, self-employed/freelance workers, cash economy workers and recently incarcerated. We’ll explain how it will work and who it will cover. We’ll be joined by Worker Justice Center of NY and Justice for Migrant Families.
We welcome anyone interested in learning more to attend, we’ll put on some coffee and hang around after for questions. You can also learn more here and sign the petition here. If you have been excluded from unemployment benefits in the past, or qualified for Pandemic UI but not regular UI, and might benefit from this bill or if you work with community members who might benefit and are interested in speaking at the press conference, please let me know with a direct message at jmaxwell@workerscentercny.org or 315-751-7242.
NYS for Abortion & Queer Liberation Mass Meeting
Jan. 18th at 5:30 p.m. – Soule Branch Library community room.
NYS For Abortion & Queer Liberation
If you are concerned about the growing attacks on reproductive freedom for women and the queer community, join the first mass meeting in Syracuse to work with other activists on building local and statewide movements to demand reproductive justice. A mass meeting involves dialogue and group problem-solving to build consensus on a plan of action; we know Syracuse and CNY have the creativity, imagination, and determination to advance the struggle for abortion and LGBT liberation right now! Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/2fAPQTuDT
Human Rights Violations in Turkey – Panel Discussion
Thursday, Jan. 19, 6 PM; 275 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse NY 13207
CNY Rise Center and Onondaga County Commission on Human Rights
Panelists: Nodesia Hernandez, Christopher Gilkes, Kamersah Cetintas Arli, Agnes McCray, Bishop H. Bernard Alex.
Please RSVP to cnyrise@gmail.com
FOCUS Forum on the Future
Jan 20, 12:05pm ET
FOCUS Greater Syracuse
Tell FOCUS which topics to cover and suggest panels and strategies for engaging the community in forums.
Registration: https://tinyurl.com/33cj34u3
Reducing the Threat of Nuclear War Conference
Saturday January 21, 1-6 pm (Eastern).
This annual gathering is one of the major national conferences addressing this acute problem. Given the tragic events in Ukraine, tensions with China over Taiwan, and provocations from North Korea, we need to accelerate effort toward clear analysis, peaceful resolutions and nuclear disarmament. The subtheme this year will be “The Social and Economic Costs of the Nuclear Weapons Buildup”. Particular attention will be given to the destructive effect of excessive weapons spending on human needs. Attendees should sign up for one Breakout in the first set (3 pm) and one in the second set (4:30 pm). Register HERE for this event.
We Are Marching In Recognition Of 50th Anniversary Of Roe!!!
January 22, 2023, 12-2 PM
Wilson Park, 1117 S. McBride St., Syracuse
Women’s March Syracuse FB Event Here
We will march to University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse 13210
January 22, 2023, is the anniversary of Roe V Wade. Together with our sisters in the states and across the world we acknowledge their loss of nearly 50 years of constitutional protections, and mourn the many other global challenges to equality and gender.
Rally & Lobby Day: Join Renewable Heat Now Campaign And Gas Free NY Coalition to KICK FOSSIL FUELS OUT OF BUILDINGS
January 24, 2023
Climate groups from Buffalo to Long Island will converge on Albany to demand that Governor Hochul and the legislature pass key climate legislation THIS YEAR to kick fossil fuels out of buildings.
We will start the day with a rally and press conference in the State Capitol to push Governor Hochul to include these vital bills in her proposed budget. Then we will break into lobby teams (no prior lobbying experience necessary) to talk to our elected representatives and win their support for these important bills. Register for the Lobby Day here.
SAVE THE DATES
2023 State of the City Address
Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. Corcoran High School Auditorium, 919 Glenwood Ave., Syr. 13207
This will be the first State of the City Address in three years that will be open to the public. Join us in-person at Corcoran as we reflect on the past year’s progress and prepare for what’s next in 2023.
The address will also be broadcast on WCNY Public Broadcasting Channel 24.
Please RSVP by Friday, January 20 at syrsotc2023.eventbrite.com
BFP Forum: “War in Ukraine: Making Sense of a Senseless Conflict,” with Medea Benjamin
Thursday, January 26, at 7:00 pm EST Register
Russia’s brutal February 2022 invasion of Ukraine has attracted widespread condemnation across the West. Government and media circles present the conflict as a simple dichotomy between an evil empire and an innocent victim. In this concise, accessible and highly informative primer, Medea Benjamin and Nicolas Davies insist the picture is more complicated.
Syracuse Tenants Organizing for Power (STOP) Coalition Community Teach In
January 28th at 2PM at the Westcott Community Center, and online, for everyone interested in Syracuse housing organizing. Get to know like-minded individuals, hear from organizers about their work over the past two years and collaborate with fellow organizers to create the next phase of organizing against Syracuse slumlords.
Topics will include:
– Forming Tenant Associations
– Legislation
– Advocacy
– Protesting
– Research & Writing
Can’t attend but want to support? Donate to our Mutual Aid fund here. All proceeds fund events like these as well as Mutual Aid projects. The event will be in-person as well as through Zoom. If you RSVP to attend the Zoom event, you’ll get the Zoom link. Please contact syrdsa.mutualaid@gmail.com with any questions. Thank you.
Abundant Housing for a Stronger Syracuse
Thursday, February 2, 2023 At 7 Pm – 8:15 Pm on Zoom
Uplift Syracuse invites you to join us for a webinar to learn more about an abundant vision for housing. Housing abundance is the simple vision of a community where everyone can find a home they can afford, that meets their needs, in their neighborhood of choice, and where they can live in sustainable and diverse communities.
NY22 Summit
Organized By Grassroots Groups In Oneida, Madison, Oswego And Onondaga Counties
Saturday, February 4th; 10am to 4pm in Cazenovia. Hampton Inn, 25 Lakers Lane
This will be an exciting opportunity to build relationships with others across the district and work collaboratively together on goals, strategies, and tactics to flip NY22 blue together, something we’re all committed to.
The agenda outline includes:
- Relationship building
- Brainstorming ideas about local elections, a unified approach to our new member of Congress, and how we will win in 2024
- UP PAC (Upstate Progressive PAC) presentation
- Fair Elections campaign matching program presentation
- Laying the groundwork to build a 10-year vision for the district
- Creating working teams to flush out goals, strategies, and tactics
The expectation for attendance is that people will commit to working collaboratively on the ideas and next steps that come from the brainstorming sessions at the Summit. Your voice, talents, and perspective will be valuable at this event and for moving forward. Please save the date Feb. 4th, and if you’re already a YES, register here.
CNY Solidarity is considering organizing some carpooling. If you have registered and need a ride or can drive, please respond to this newsletter an use the subject line: Ny22 Summit.
Syracuse DSA’s Annual Convention
Sunday, February 5th starting at 2pm
ArtRage Gallery at 505 Hawley Ave, Syracuse, in-person; and virtually on Zoom.
Please RSVP here, and the Zoom link will be emailed to you.
See agenda on the DSA Calendar Here
Anyone may attend convention, but in order to vote, you must be a dues-paying member of DSA in good standing. Confirm your DSA membership status here, and please pay or renew your annual or monthly membership dues if needed.
Masks will be required for those attending convention in person. Please email Keller at Keller.Shelton@gmail.com if you have any questions, concerns, or childcare or other accommodation requests.
ONGOING EVENTS:
Looking For Flexible — No Meeting, No Committee — Opportunity To Oppose War And Oppression And Work For Peace And Social Justice?
We call it STREET HEAT: an easy, uncomplicated way –in solidarity with a handful of others — to stand up and out for what we stand for. Greeting passing traffic at rush hour with hand-held signs, we want to get them thinking about the day’s crucial issues.
First Tuesday Of The Month…4 to 4:45 p.m.: Killer drones
Hancock AFB (home of the 174th Attack Wing of the NYS National Guard), 6000 East Molloy Rd.
across from the main gate. Park on the south shoulder.
Every Friday…4 to 4:45 p.m.
West sidewalk of the broad intersection of Erie Blvd East & East Genesee St. in De Witt (across from the Fire Dept.)
For years our focus has been on solidarity with the people of Palestine; while the invasion of Ukraine persists, we also address that tragedy.
Our current stalwart team: Julienne, Les, Leslie, Geoff, Ed, Ann, Peter…. To learn more: Ed or Ann 315 478 4571
CNY Solidarity Coalition
Check out our Website and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Sign up for this newsletter Here
Twitter: @CNYSolidarity and @IndivisibleNY24
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cnysolidarity/ and
www.facebook.com/groups/IndivisibleNY24
Mailing Address:
CNY Solidarity Coalition
P.O. Box 6137
Teall Post Office
226 Teall Ave.
Syracuse NY 13217
To contribute: Donate Here through PayPal. Or send checks to mailing address above
Our Committees: To sign up for each of the committee mailing lists, contact the person listed.
Indivisible Onondaga County (Formerly Indivisible NY24): Contact: Deborah Rose: dcurryrose@gmail.com
Climate Justice: Contact: Dick Kornbluth dick@dickkornbluth.com
SLAT (State/Local Action Team) Contact: Peter McCarthy – pmccar1100@gmail.com
Beyond War and Militarism. A joint committee of CNY Solidarity Coalition and the Syracuse Peace Council. Contact: Ron Van Norstrand; ron@vannorstrandlaw.com
CNY Solidarity Coalition contributes regularly to local progressive organizations: Syracuse Peace Council, National Action Network, and Urban Jobs Coalition, as well as to our mailing list provider, RiseUp. We also make occasional donations as needed to other local groups. We depend on our supporters’ contributions for this.
To contribute: Donate Here through PayPal. Or send checks to the mailing address above.
Peter McCarthy
Coordinating Committee
CNY Solidarity Coalition