From CNY Solidarity Coalition
Next In-Person Meeting
Sunday April 16, 3-4:30 PM
Agenda:
3-3:30 Announcement and Updates:
- NYS Budget
- Local Races
- NY 22 Town Halls
- Other
3:30-4:30 Committee Meetings
Watch our last meeting with Oceanna Fair of Families for Lead Freedom on YouTube Here and sign up for our YouTube channel – we need a few more subscribers!
May/June Dates and Locations TBD: We are planning a special meeting on the Micron project’s environmental impacts, particularly water and energy use. More information to come!
CNY Solidarity’s current plan for meetings, dependent on health warnings:
- One in-person meeting per month.
- An additional Zoom meeting each month will likely be scheduled, depending on issues.
- Meetings will start at 3 PM, followed by in-person Committee Meetings when scheduled.
- In case of inclement weather or other issues, a notification/Zoom link by 10 AM on the day of the meeting.
- Please wear a mask, and practice reasonable social distancing
ARTICLES OF THE WEEK:
Rep. Brandon Williams Calls Trump Indictment ‘Political Grandstanding’
“Alvin Bragg releases violent criminals and uses his office for political grandstanding,” Williams said in a statement issued by his campaign. “Justice should be blind, and everyone should be held to equal standards…Blind justice should also apply to the rapists, drug dealers, and violent criminals Bragg lets off the hook – not just presidents.”
Read it on Syracuse.com
Onondaga Nation’s ‘Seven Buffalo Maple Syrup Co.’ Taps Into Traditions
The Onondaga are one of three Haudenosaunee communities managing Nation-owned or affiliated syrup tapping operations. Read it on www.CentralCurrent.org. and sign up and donate while you’re there!
Tax the Rich, Because Inequality Is Bad for All of Us
Economic inequality undermines democracy, hastens environmental destruction, fosters anxiety, and erodes social trust. We can start to solve these problems by taxing the rich. Read it in https://portside.org/
“…New York State is the most unequal state in the nation: 1 percent of households take home 31 percent of all income in the state, whereas the top 1 percent of households nationally capture 21 percent of all income. That is because the very wealthy in the state are exceptionally wealthy. While the top 1 percent in the United States has an average annual income of $1.3 million, New York’s top 1 percent makes $2.2 million.”
Improving The Prognosis Of Health Care In The USA
“…a single-payer, universal health-care system is likely to lead to a 13% savings in national health-care expenditure, equivalent to more than US$450 billion annually … The entire system could be funded with less financial outlay than is incurred by employers and households paying for health-care premiums combined with existing government allocations. This shift to single-payer health care would provide the greatest relief to lower-income households. Furthermore, we estimate that ensuring health-care access for all Americans would save more than 68,000 lives and 1·73 million life-years every year compared with the status quo.” Read it in The Lancet.
(“The Lancet is a weekly peer-reviewed general medical journal and one of the oldest of its kind. It is also the world’s highest-impact academic journal” – from Wikipedia)
Review of Not Too Late, edited by Rebecca Solnit and Thelma Young Lutunatabua
“It is not too late… the outcome is not decided” – we still have time to act on the climate crisis, say authors in this hopeful collection. Read the Review in Yorkshire Bylines.
Not Too Late is a collection of climate hope messages from climate scientists, organisers, and activists, who challenge us to recognise that the future is yet to be decided and that our actions do matter. Rebecca Solnit opens the collection in a powerful manner, saying of the current state of affairs: “It is late. We are deep in an emergency. But it is not too late, because the emergency is not over. The outcome is not decided. We are deciding it now.”
ACTION ALERTS:
NYS Climate Law is At Risk! Can You Make Three Calls?
Sen. Parker and Assembly Member Barrett have a new bill with language that could cut off the CLCPA at the knees – pushed by fossil fuel industry, it would allow polluters to pollute more and pay less, on the grounds that this is in line with federal standards per the IRA. This is bogus – NY, like CA, is free to set its own standards, and if we don’t we won’t make the CLCPA benchmarks.
Governor Hochul: 518-474-8390? (Press 3 to skip the COVID announcement; then press 2 to speak to someone or press 1 to leave a message)
Assembly Speaker Heastie: (518) 455-3791
Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins: (212) 298-5585 or 914-423-4031 or (518) 455-2585 (switch numbers once voice mails fill out)
Call script: Hi, my name is [ — ]. I’m calling to urge you to reject bill S6030/A6039 (Parker/Barrett) and keep it out of the NY state budget. This bill would change the way that New York State accounts for greenhouse gas emissions and erode the nation-leading standards codified in New York’s Climate Act. Our state’s 20-year standard accurately accounts for methane, meaning that fossil fuel companies will have to pay their fair share for their emissions under any pollution pricing system. This bill would change the accounting standard to a 100-year timeline, making it more dangerous and less expensive for polluters to release their toxic emissions. If passed, we’ll miss our shot to massively slash emissions—and we’d weaken NY’s powerful Climate Law. I’m calling on you to protect our future and reject S6030/A6039 today!
Urban Jobs Task Force: Executive Director Job Posting
The Urban Jobs Task Force of Syracuse (UJTFS) seeks its first full-time Executive Director who will lead the organization in its mission to realize a Syracuse where all prosper through good paying jobs and meaningful careers. UJTFS is a collaboration of individuals and organizations advocating for and with disadvantaged Syracusans for equitable employment and economic opportunity. More info and application: https://www.ujtfs.org
From Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation (NOON):
Increase Funding for Healthcare Needs at the Onondaga Nation, Tonawanda Seneca, and Tuscarora Health Clinics. These three traditional nations were guaranteed healthcare support as part of treaties signed in the 1700s. Funding has not increased in at least 13 years, despite massive increases in healthcare costs. As a result, the Native people in need of services are left in dire situations. This article published today in the Syracuse Post Standard has valuable background information.
Please ask your NYS Assemblyperson (find yours here) and Senator (find yours here) to support increased funding for healthcare as part of our historic and treaty responsibilities. Ask them to add $5 million in funding for the 3 clinics for the coming year and to increase the base funding for future years so it adequately meets the needs.
This document provides a good overview of the budget process and links to very detailed background information.
Syracuse Peace Council is Looking for A Database Expert
We are looking for a person to help us in upgrading our database. SPC uses the database for outreach, organizing, and fundraising. It is crucial that we have accurate and up-to-date information on which to build. If you have skills in this area please consider giving us a hand. Information: contact lee@peacecouncil.net or call 315.472.5478
FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc. Program Manager Needed. Info Here
The Program Manager supports the Board of Directors and Board-led programs, overseeing the organization’s communications, marketing, public relations, and website management; and by managing the FOCUS office. Resume and cover letter to focus@syrgov.net by April 7, 2023.
EVENTS/ACTIONS CALENDAR
Transforming the Worldview – Political Education Institute
The information in this training directly relates to our interactions with others and how we use MESSAGING. This is the first step toward developing our common vocabulary, creating effective and consistent messages, and communicating as a group. Presenter: Sam Rini, political education organizer for Citizen Action
Register Here for access to this virtual event.
Transforming the Worldview (Tues April 4, 6-7:30 PM): In order to live in the world we know is possible, we have to be able to share our vision with those around us. In this workshop, we talk about how we strategically communicate our values so we can energize our base, persuade persuadables, and alienate our opposition.
Framing (Weds April 5, 6-7:30 PM): Part two of our informative Transforming the Worldview. We will introduce activists and leaders to the skill and philosophy behind progressive framing. Folks will come to understand cognitive frames in order to develop strong messages that strengthen progressive frames through conversation and practice.
SANCTUARIES Book Launch – Vince Sgambati
Tuesday, April 4, 2023 – 7:00 PM at ArtRage Gallery, 505 Hawley Ave, Syracuse, NY 13203
A long-time Board member and supporter of ArtRage, Vince Sgambati has published a new novel, Sanctuaries. Join him as we celebrate this achievement with food and friendship at the gallery. Vince will both read from and sign/sell his books at this event. Sanctuaries is the tender story of caring and personal healing, set against the larger turmoil of the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, Stonewall, and the lingering ashes of the Holocaust.
Syracuse Citizen Review Board (CRB): Acknowledging 30 Years!
Wed., April 5, 2023
10:30 AM Assembly @ Dunbar Center and Hopps Memorial Church; March to City Hall
12:30 PM Speakers: City Hall Steps
5:30 PM @ Nancy Cantor Warehouse: Reception; Discussion of the CRB’s Past, Present, and Future
Join us to acknowledge the work of the CRB! March with us on April 5th from Dunbar Center to the Steps of City Hall at 12:30 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. at the Nancy Cantor Warehouse to learn about the CRB.
Center for Native Peoples & the Environment Film Series
Thursday, April 6th Moon Library at ESF, Room 110, 5-7pm
Our last film screening of the semester – a double feature!
The Good Mind: Onondaga Nation fights for environmental stewardship of their ancestral lands that were stolen by New York State in violation of a treaty with George Washington. (66 min. 2016)
The Haudenosaunee Canoe Journey is an adventurous firsthand account of one Onondaga man, Hickory Edwards, who has devoted his life to the rediscovery of the path of the “Peace Maker.” Relying on knowledge from elders and intuition to guide his team in the right direction, Hickory hopes to navigate the full waterways and traveling routes long forgotten by his people. (45 min. 2020)
Congressman Brandon Williams Has Announced 4 Town Halls.
Start planning now which one(s) you can attend. Watch for updates.
Chittenango – 6:30 p.m. Mon. April 10, Chittenango High School, 150 Genesee St.
Rome – 6:30 p.m. Tues. April 11, Lyndon Strough Middle School, 801 Laurel St.
Morrisville – 6:30 p.m. Thur. April 13, Morrisville-Eaton Middle/High School, 5061 Fearon Road
New Hartford – 6:30 p.m. Mon. May 1, Bradley Elementary School, 33 Oxford Rd. (New date: changed from Apr. 6)
Sign up for the Congressman’s mailing list: https://brandonwilliams.house.gov
Save the Dates
Climate Connections: Artist Talk with Christine Chin, Carrie Drake, and Anita Welych
Wed. April 12, 2023 – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM @ ArtRage Gallery 505 Hawley Ave, Syracuse, NY 13203
Join us for Artist Talk with the three artists featured in our current exhibition CLIMATE CONNECTIONS: Our Shared Future; Christine Chin of Ithaca, and Carrie Drake and Anita Welych of Syracuse.
Fundraiser To Benefit The Syracuse Democratic Slate
Thursday, April 13, 2023. 5:30-8:30. Harvey’s Garden, 1200 E Water St, Syracuse, NY
Please join Towns Chair Diane Dwire and City Chair Jimmy Monto. https://secure.actblue.com/donate/cityslate
Checks may be made payable and mailed to: OCDC, 615 W Genesee St, Ste 103 Syracuse, NY 13204
Nonviolent Action from Civil Rights to Climate Justice
Thurs. April 13, 6-7:30pm. Peter Graham Scholarly Commons, Bird Library at SU, Room 114.
Activist and author George Lakey discusses his work with the Earth Quaker Action Team (EQAT), a mostly youth-led coalition, which he co-founded to pursue ecojustice at the intersections of race, class, queerness, and the climate crisis. Series info: https://envirostorycny.com/
Climate Justice Nonviolent Direct Action Training
Fri., April 14, 9am-12pm. Community Folk Art Center (CFAC), 805 E Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13210
Civil rights leader and author George Lakey works with community leaders and university students, faculty, and staff to think carefully about how they can craft nonviolent social change campaigns to be inclusive, powerful, and successful. Open to the public, but space is limited. Please register by Friday, April 7, 2023. Series info: https://envirostorycny.com/
Family Day: Climate Connections
Sat. April 15, 2023 – 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM@ ArtRage Gallery 505 Hawley Ave, Syracuse, NY 13203
Join us for a Saturday open house for families and children of all ages. We will have several hands-on activities planned to further engage with the themes of our current exhibition, Climate Connections: Our Shared Future.
The Letter: A Message for Our Earth
Saturday April 15th, 2:00-4:00 p.m.. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St, Liverpool, NY 13088
First Showing: Co-Sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse and Liverpool Public Library
FREE but you must register: https://tinyurl.com/2p9zycmt
Pope Francis has written a document called Laudato Si’ where he calls on “all people of good will” to care for our common home. He also highlights the importance of open, respectful dialogue with scientists and people of other faiths in addressing the ecological crisis. Based on the Laudato Si’ document, this film demonstrates how common ground can be found in people of different faiths and backgrounds by addressing shared values and delivering hope. The approximately 90 minute film showing will be followed by time for dialog, discussion, and calls to action. Film Trailer: https://tinyurl.com/2ud82md5
Second Showing: Co-Sponsored byThe Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse and ArtRage Gallery
April 26, 2023. Film screening 7pm; doors open at 6:30pm for patrons to view exhibit, Climate Connections.
ArtRage Gallery, 505 Hawley Ave, Syracuse, NY 13203 A light snack will be available.
FREE but you must register: https://tinyurl.com/2mmr25bj
Syracuse DSA General Meeting
April 16; 4:00pm-5:30pm for the agenda portion of the meeting; 5:30-6:00pm for a social
Artrage Gallery and Zoom RSVP Here
Our April general meeting. We’ll have discussions about our ongoing campaigns and work off the progress we made in our organizing committee meetings!
BLM, BHM, DEI, CRT: Alphabets Against American Amnesia
Fri., April 21. 4 PM EDTRegister Here
Michael Eric Dyson, is Distinguished University Professor of African American and Diaspora Studies, College of Arts & Science, and Distinguished University Professor of Ethics and Society, The Divinity School, and NEH Centennial Chair at Vanderbilt University.
Given the polarization surrounding conversations about race in America, how do we adequately respond to the crises and catastrophes occasioned by white backlash, resurgent white supremacy and resilient white nationalism? Historic and contemporary forms of Black struggle offer instructive resistance to these socially malignant forces and position the contemporary debate about race in relation to preceding epochs of racial malaise and racist terror.
An Evening With Medea Benjamin
Friday, April 21 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Bishop Harrison Center, 1342 Lancaster Ave. Syracuse, NY
Join us for a discussion and book signing by Medea Benjamin for her latest book release, War in Ukraine: Making Sense of a Senseless Conflict, co-written with Nicolas Davis.
Medea has been an advocate for social justice for 50 years. She was one of 1,000 exemplary women from 140 countries nominated to receive the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of the millions of women who do the essential work of peace worldwide. https://peacecouncil.net/event/madea-benjamin-book-discussion/
Electronics Recycling Event Sat. April 22, 2023 8:30AM – 2:30 PM Destiny USA- Register Here
Novelis Party for the Planet
Sat. April 22, 2023, 11am-3pm Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Information: https://tinyurl.com/c6uf5ua6
GreeningUSA is working with the Rosamond Gifford Zoo to bring this to the Central NY Community!
Earth Day celebration brings dozens of conservation groups to the zoo to spotlight nature conservation and saving species. Features animal demonstrations and keeper chats focused on endangered species, conservation-themed games and activities, puppet shows, green infrastructure and garden tours, and more. Our Conservation Stations and Eco-partners offer fun activities, giveaways and tips on how we can all help protect our planet.
Palestinian Poetry Night
Tues. April 25th at 7 pm. ArtRage Gallery. 505 Hawley Ave, Syracuse, NY 13203
Join us for a poetry event hosted by the SPC Justice for Palestine Committee! We will have renowned poet, essayist, and short story writer, Mosab Abu Toha, sharing his poetry with us on his experiences as a Palestinian from Gaza. He is the proud author of Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear: Poems from Gaza (2022, City Lights), which earned him the prestigious 2022 Palestine Book Award. Abu Toha is also the founder of the Edward Said Library, the first English-language library in Gaza. His talents were recognized in 2019-2020 where he served as a visiting poet and librarian-in-residence at Harvard University. He is currently a graduate student at Syracuse University studying English.
Central Current Virtual Town Hall: Commentary & Perspectives Edition
Thursday, April 27, at 6 p.m. -Central Current has heard a lot of interest from our readers in submitting letters, opinion, creative writing and commentary. Our staff will lead a roundtable discussion about opinion and readers’ submissions. We’ll discuss Central Current’s vision and what it would take to execute this addition to our website in the future. To attend: sign up for newsletter, membership, or donation: https://centralcurrent.org
EarthFest 2023
Sat., April 29, Canal Landing Park in Fayetteville
Sustainable Manlius and Renewable Fayetteville will be hosting a large, outdoor environmental and sustainability event. Informational booths, an EV car show, EV buses and many other educational and fun activities for both adults and children. Learn about solar power, native plants, EVs and bicycles, composting techniques and sustainable practices, among other things.
Vincent Intondi is a Professor of History and Director of the Institute for Race, Justice, and Civic Engagement at Montgomery College in Takoma Park, Maryland
Sat. April 29 1-2:30 pm Barnes and Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd East. Dewitt, NY More Info
Intondi regularly works with organizations exploring ways to include more diverse voices in the nuclear disarmament movement. His research focuses on the intersection of race and nuclear weapons. He is the author of the books: African Americans Against the Bomb: Nuclear Weapons, Colonialism, and the Black Freedom Movement and Saving the World from Nuclear War: The June 12, 1982, Disarmament Rally and Beyond.
Central Current Spring Fundraiser Kick-off at Harvey’s Garden. Thursday, May 25, 6 pm
Join Central Current in-person at Harvey’s Garden for local food, drink and music. Hear about what we’ve accomplished since our launch in June 2022, see what’s in store for 2023, and mingle with the community and our staff. There may just be a surprise or two in store! To attend: sign up for newsletter, membership, or donation: https://centralcurrent.org
Central Current In-Person Focus Group: Commentary & Perspectives: Thursday, June 22, 6 Pm
There was a real interest in this topic. We hear you – and that’s why we’ll have a virtual AND in-person discussion around this. If you’d like to participate, email membership@centralcurrent.org
Election Day: Tues. November 7, 2023 County, town, and village elections. More info: NY State Board of Elections page and at the Onondaga County Board of Elections Primaries will be in June.
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 our Instagram.
Sign up for this newsletter Here
Twitter: @CNYSolidarity and @IndivisibleNY24
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cnysolidarity/ and
www.facebook.com/groups/IndivisibleNY24
Mail/Donations 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