Community Newsletter & Events
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December 9 – December 16, 2025
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CNY Solidarity & Indivisible Onondaga County
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CNY Solidarity & IOC’s Meeting This Sunday:
Sunday, December 14th at 2:00pm
All Saints Parish Center, 1342 Lancaster Ave, Syracuse
Join us for our December Meeting where we will meet in our working groups first at 2:00pm. At 3:00pm we will gather to celebrate 9 years of CNY Solidarity & IOC! We will have snacks and refreshments to mingle and meet fellow attendees. Let’s get to know one another more as we head into 2026! 2026 will be a big year as we continue to work towards economic, social, racial & environmental justice. All are welcome. Bring a friend!
After our meeting, consider attending the Syracuse Community Choir’s Winter Solstice Concert. Details here. We understand if you need to leave our meeting early to get to the show on time.
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Upcoming Meetings: January 11th at 2:00pm
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Upcoming Protests, Meetings and Campaigns
Upcoming Meetings of CNY Solidarity Coalition:
Sunday, April 27 @ 3 PM
Tentative Agenda: Panel Discussion: SAVE Act, then Committee Breakouts
Special Presentation:
Syracuse: A Hidden Military and Surveillance Hub
Aren Burnside, Maxwell PhD Program
Beyond War and Militarism: A joint committee of Syracuse Peace Council and CNY Solidarity Coalition
This presentation will look at the history of militarization in the Syracuse area and how this history of militarization impacts a number of social issues in Syracuse.
Special Presentation:
Syracuse: A Hidden Military and Surveillance Hub
Aren Burnside, Maxwell PhD Program
Beyond War and Militarism: A joint committee of Syracuse Peace Council and CNY Solidarity Coalition
This presentation will look at the history of militarization in the Syracuse area and how this history of militarization impacts a number of social issues in Syracuse.
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Thank You!
You can still donate through our campaign or donating directly to the food bank.
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Weekly Pop-Up Protest
Saturday Dec 13th at 11:00am at Butternut Street & North State Street.
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Note: Due to the holidays, there will be no Pop-Up protest for the next 3 weeks. Our organization of concerned community members has met the moment in 2025! Rest, rejuvenate, and enjoy quality time with loved ones over the holiday break. 2026 is going to be an active year for standing up in protection of our Constitution. See the January 6th newsletter for details.
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Organization Spotlight: Empowering People’s Independence (EPI)
A core intention of CNY Solidarity Coalition is to bring together and support organizations already out there helping directly affected communities in the Central New York area. Each week we’ll spotlight one of the over 100 organizations in our Directory; there’s a LOT going on!
For more than forty years, EPI has provided personalized care, education, training, advocacy, and support solutions to meet the needs of people with developmental disabilities, epilepsy, and brain injury. We have an enduring legacy of partnering with those we serve and with their families.
EPI was founded by parents who could not find the services they needed for their children. With dedication, courage, and creativity, these families built a better world for their loved ones.
Learn more about EPI
Find other Organizations in our Directory
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Micron Air & Water Permits – Submit Public Comments; Attend Hearings
NYSDEC has opened two public comment periods which close in December. The first is for the Micron factory air emissions permit which closes on December 17 and which will be the subject of virtual comment hearings on December 9 &10. The second is for the Onondaga County Oak Orchard water permits, including the discharge of the expanded wastewater plant (SPDES) as well as the wetland disturbances, which closes on Dec. 23 and includes virtual public comment hearings on December 16 & 17.
A template has been developed that contains information about how to comment and some suggested talking points.
More Information
Access Public Comment Template
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Defend New York’s Climate Laws
Here are several actions you can take to defend and improve our state’s climate:
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Urgent: Gov. Hochul has 10 days to sign the 100-Foot Rule Repeal (A8888). Last night, AGREE and the Renewable Heat Now Campaign got exciting news that the 100-foot rule repeal bill we’ve been fighting for was called up by Governor Hochul. That means she now has ten days to sign it or veto. We’re almost there – but we cannot stop fighting! We’re feeling cautiously optimistic about this. Keep all those fingers and toes crossed and give Governor Hochul a call today!
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Sample phone script for your call to Governor Hochul at 518-474-8390 (dial 1 right away to leave a voicemail):”Hello, I’m _____ and my zip code is _____. In June, the legislature passed A.8888/S.8417, a bill that repeals the 100-foot rule. I’m calling to ask Governor Hochul to sign this bill into law before the end of the year. New Yorkers shouldn’t be charged for gas pipes we don’t need! I’m asking the Governor to deliver on her promise to save us money and hold the utilities accountable! Thanks!”
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Stand up and be vocal in support of NY’s climate laws; Governor Hochul and her administration are definitely not immune to pressure from the Federal administration. We hope that 100s of people from across the state will join AGREE on December 11 when we travel to Albany to ask that Governor Hochul not delay the All-Electric Buildings Act and sign the 100-Foot Rule Repeal.
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Contact Governor Hochul: Sign the RAISE Act
AI systems are being developed faster than our laws can catch up. The Responsible AI Safety and Education (RAISE) Act ensures that companies building the most powerful AI systems, with budgets in the hundreds of millions, must follow common-sense safety standards to guard against catastrophic risks.
The Act has passed the NY State Assembly and Senate, and just needs Governor Hochul’s signature to become law.
Take Action Now!
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Run for Office
Have you thought about running for office? Interested in learning more about how to run for office. Check out these How to Run for Office videos by the Syracuse 17th Ward Democrats.
Onondaga County Democratic Committee designation process is open! If you are interested in running for office in 2026 on the Democrat line, send a letter of intent and resume to OCDC by December 30th!
Learn More Here
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Letters to the Editor
CNY Solidarity Coalition encourages letters to the editor regarding issues affecting us locally and nationwide. We also recommend that letters are written in response to recent articles or other letters; these are more likely to get published. Links to these articles will be included each week.
If you’re looking for a subject to write about, here are this week’s suggestions:
Guidelines for writing Letters to the Editor, with a link to previously submitted letters, can be found here.
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Tele Town Hall with Congressman Mannion
Wednesday, December 10, 6-7pm
Registration closes at 2 pm that day.
Register
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December Banned Book Club: The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 7:30- 9pm
Red, Wine & Blue Zoom event
The House of the Spirits is the first novel by world-renowned author, Isabel Allende. The novel is a family saga that spans three generations of a Chilean family living through a turbulent time. The book uses magical realism to explore political and social issues. Parents in North Carolina and California have attempted to have Allende’s book removed from school curriculum because they felt it was too graphic.
Register
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SIRDN Weekly Protests
Thursday, December 11, 12-1pm
Corner of East Fayette & South Salina Streets, Syracuse
Join the Syracuse Immigrant & Refugee Defense Network Pop-Up Protest, focused on promoting NY4ALL legislation and educating the community on how to respond to ICE/CBP activity.
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Renewable Heat Now Albany Mobilization
Thursday, December 11, 11am-3:30pm
State Capitol Building, State St & Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12224
Free bus transportation available at registration
Spend the day in community with climate advocates from across the state to defend our hard-fought wins and strategize for more victories in 2026! We’re gathering in Albany to call on Governor Hochul to stop gas infrastructure expansion in NY by signing the 100-Foot Rule Repeal, the first pillar of the NY HEAT Act (more info below) and implementing the All-Electric Buildings Act in 2026. These two actions will move us closer to meeting our climate goals while protecting our wallets, our air, and our futures! The day will include a lunch & learn with dynamic speakers from New York State’s climate movement who will identify strategic opportunities for advocacy in 2026.
Register
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Campaign for New York Health Virtual Events
Thursday, December 11, at 7:00pm
CNYH State-Wide Hub Meeting (on zoom). If you are interested in local organizing for NYHA, this meeting is for you.
Register
Monday, December 15, at 7:00pm
NYHA 101 (on zoom). The NYHA 101 is a foundational explainer on the NYHA. We’ll be joined by special guest, Dick Gottfried.
Register
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Energy Literacy Workshop
Thursday, December 11, 5:30-7pm
Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave, Manlius
Join EnergySmartCNY in Manlius for an interactive workshop to learn about energy-saving tips and programs that can help you save money year-round, such as insulation, air sealing, solar, and heat pumps. Co-hosted by and located at the Manlius Public Library and with a light meal and hot beverage provided. Registration is required to secure your seat, and attendance is required to secure your energy kit.
Register here
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Fair Trade Holiday Sale
Friday, December 12, 2-6pm
Saturday, December 13, 11am-4pm
ArtRage Gallery, 505 Hawley Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13203
Come to ArtRage Gallery for your Holiday Shopping and support craftspeople from around the world.
Featuring:
Guatemalan goods from Mayan Hands; Handmade sandals and embroidered shoes from Mexico; West Bank Pottery from Palestine; Palestinian Olive Oil and Preserves.
Plus chocolate, coffee and unique gifts from India, Bangladesh, Nepal and more from SERRV International and Ten Thousand Villages.
Our gift shop will also be open and we’ll offer Fair Trade Cocoa and cookies to our guests. It’s a fun and warm holiday tradition and we hope to see you there.
More Information
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“Coming Home”: A Winter Solstice Concert
Sunday, December 14, 4pm
St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 220 E. Fayette Street, Syracuse, NY
Presented by the Syracuse Community Choir.
Sliding Scale Tickets: $15 – $30 (More if you can, less if you need to; no one turned away), children free. Tickets online or at the door.
The concert will be live-streamed by St. Paul’s, for which free and sliding scale tickets may be purchased below. The concert will also be recorded.
Tickets
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FOCUS Forum – New York State Master Plan for Aging: A Blueprint for Communities
Friday, December 19, 12-1pm
Zoom Event
This virtual forum will present the findings and recommendations of the NYS Master Plan for Aging for achieving the goal of “ensuring that older New Yorkers and New Yorkers with disabilities can live fulfilling lives in good health, with freedom, dignity and independence to age in place for as long as possible.” The plan is based on an extensive engagement process involving government and community stakeholders statewide and a system-wide assessment of current services, which led to the development of solutions and priorities for improvement.
Register
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Syracuse Street Heat is just one, very unencumbered way to work for peace and social justice. We’re part of a decades-long grassroots tradition here, in Ithaca and elsewhere. We stand out and stand up for what we stand for.
A handful of us stand at busy intersections, for 45 minutes at rush hour, pivoting to the traffic with hand-held signs. We want to get the public thinking about issues often underrepresented in the media. We’re there weekly in almost all of Syracuse’s weather (we seldom cancel). Bring your own sign – or use one of ours. No meetings or committees, so participation time is minimal (yay!) Our Team: Ann, Dick, Ed, Geoff, Jim, Julienne, Les, Leslie, Peter….
To learn more, call Ann or Ed: (315) 478 4571.
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Winter Schedule
Year round: Every Friday afternoon. 4 to 4:45 pm, unless the temperature is below 20 degrees: justice for Palestine; no more U.S. funding Israeli genocide; U.S.: stop terrorizing families in Gaza; and so on.
West sidewalk of the intersection of Erie Blvd. East Genesee St, Dewitt (across from the Fire Dept.)
upstatedroneaction.com spc@peacecouncil.Net
Addtional dates and locations will resume after April 1, 2026.
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Watch past meetings about Micron, Good Jobs Town Hall, Rallies and more on our YouTube Channel.
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Donate to the CNY Solidarity Coalition
CNY Solidarity Coalition contributes regularly to local progressive organizations: Syracuse Peace Council, National Action Network, & Urban Jobs Coalition. We also make occasional donations as needed to other local groups. We depend on your donations for this. Please note donations are not tax deductible.
Donate Online Here
Mail donations to:
CNY Solidarity Coalition
P.O. Box 6137, Teall Post Office, 226 Teall Ave., Syracuse NY 13217
Sign up for one of Our Committees
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Elaine Denton
Peter McCarthy
Coordinating Committee
CNY Solidarity Coalition
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