Celebrate 💥July 4th💥 by Protecting Voting Rights
Deadline for Democracy: We're Still On It
In a 6-3 decision yesterday, the extreme right wing Supreme Court majority undermined what was left of the 1965 Voting Rights Act when it ruled in an Arizona case that Republican lawmakers were free to restrict voting rights in most situations. This does not bode well for the fate of voters across the country who have been the targets of hundreds of laws proposed by Republican state legislatures over the past nine months. But we are not giving up. The fight for S1 For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act is just heating up.
Here's our new Race Class Narrative message from Indivisible:
"Whatever our color, background or zip code, most of us believe that voters should pick our leaders—our leaders do not get to pick their voters. When it comes to our elections, we want a transparent process we can trust, where Americans have equal freedom to vote, whether we live in a small town or big city, the south or the north. But today, a handful of extremist politicians have put up barriers to silence our voices based on what we look like or where we live. It’s time for national standards for voting so all of us have a say in key decisions like affordable care, quality jobs, and a healthy future.
Together, we can ensure Americans can safely and freely cast our ballots so that every voice is heard and our elections reflect the will of the people. But every day, we get closer to a very real deadline to take action to pass the For the People Act." That's why we need to keep contacting Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand and make sure that saving democracy is at the top of their priority list for July.
IMV and Citizen Action held a successful rally at Oneida Square in Utica on Monday, with 50 attendees, and a thunderstorm that caused us to end the event a little early. Thanks to all who made it! Whether you attended or not, another chance to hold up signs about voting rights and democracy will be the Racial Justice Honk 'n Wave in Clinton on Friday, July 9th. Rallies are being held all across the country during the July recess. Please make sure your friends and family around the country are participating in their local events. We won't get a do-over if majority rule democracy with free and fair elections is lost.
Call for Diaper Donations
Citizen Action is on a mission this summer to close the diaper gap and understand the childcare needs of underprivileged families in our area. Diaper donations are still needed! Please consider dropping off your donation Wednesday, July 14, 2-4 pm, at the Citizen Action Diaper Drive at Mohawk Valley Latino Association office (28 Scott Street, Utica). To donate diapers, bring them to our IMV picnic on July 13th, contact Chelsea at carcuri@citizenactionny.org for a drop off location near you (for example, at 12 Sanger Ave, New Hartford), or use this link to make a monetary contribution: https://secure.everyaction.com/mlBdfrtBu06Qgpzz4NEjvg2
Letters to the Editor
At its meeting last Sunday, the letter writing group decided not to meet again until they feel a meeting is needed. Eleven people attended, and several committed to writing new letters. Already a dozen or so letters have been published on 18 occasions in a wide range of local newspapers.
Looking ahead, letters are still needed about S1 and voting rights, about Rep. Tenney's poor representation, the stellar job that the Democratic Congress is doing to support the Biden agenda, and especially about the great work that President Biden and Sen. Schumer are doing in their critical leadership roles. As always it is a good idea to write about the issues that matter most to you, whether that is racial justice, health care for all, the climate crisis, reducing poverty and runaway economic inequality, affordable housing and child care, and the needs of rural communities.
Everybody, keep writing, and if you want a little help with your letter, you can always email IndivisibleMV@gmail.com, and we will connect you with one of our experienced LTE writing buddies.
IMV Summer Potluck Picnic July 13
In longstanding tradition (five years minus Covidsummer) we are holding our IMV Summer Potluck Picnic in July. Join us Tuesday, July 13, 5:30-8:00 pm at the New Hartford Town Park. We'll be at the pavilion on the right when you come in, the other direction from the farmer's market).
Please bring a dish share. We will have plates, flatware, etc. but if you are climate conscious, please feel free to bring your own water bottle and non-disposable dishware. This is a great time to socialize and catch up with your progressive politics community. We didn't have nearly enough time to do all that at our full-agenda meeting at Cherrywood last month. Finally, please bring diapers to donate to Citizen Action. See you on the 13th!
Justice Works 2021 Registration is Open
If you've never attended Justice Works, you don't know what you're missing! This bi-annual event brings together more than 500 progressive activists from more 100 organizations across New York to learn, celebrate, and connect on justice issues and progressive politics. This year's event will be held on Zoom July 17th and 18th. Registration is happening now if you want to be part of even some of the action--workshops, speakers, and entertainment. Sign up here: https://www.justiceworksny.org/
Follow us on Twitter using @indivisiblemv and of course our Facebook page and IMV Activism Group.
