Actions for Week of June 14, 2020
Invest in people not fear, NY primary, join us for virtual voter registration
MONTHLY MEETING RECAP
As you know, Rebecca Seawright failed to get on the ballot on the Democratic line, because of a petition snafu. However, there will be petitioning and signature gathering coming up to put her on an independent line. Someone on her team attended the meeting and will let us know the particulars.
We're also going to fight for a better budget here in NY, and keep pressuring our local officials to do so.
Since we can't canvas, we're going to focus on phone banking, text banking, and letter writing to register more voters and elect more Democracts (see virtual letter writing below). Markers for Democracy, as well as Vote Save America, have adopted states for text banking and phone banking and other supportive efforts, which we can join. If you want to adopt a state, you can do that here.
MONEY FOR PEOPLE, NOT FEAR
The NY state legislature passed 10 reform bills in 3 days. They include removing secrecy from police disciplinary records, banning chokeholds statewide, and creating a special investigative office to look into police-caused deaths and any misconduct.
This is a direct result of all our calls and emails. They really do listen and pay attention.
Meanwhile, the City Council is debating next year’s budget. The current NYPD budget is a whopping $6 billion (that’s with a b) — enough to make them the world’s 38th largest military. And that's just the operating budget. It doesn't cover pensions, benefits, buildings and cars. At least $1 billion of that should be redirected to schools, healthcare, and housing.
Contact your council member and tell them you want to fund people, not deadly force. More details on where the money should go.,
EMAIL THE NY CITY COUNCIL
Just click the link and you’ll get a per-written email to the city council. Just fill in a few blanks.
CALL YOUR COUNCIL MEMBER
Keith Powers (District 4)
Phone: 212-818-0580
KPowers@council.nyc.gov
Ben Kallos (District 5)
Phone: (212) 860-1950
BKallos@BenKallos.com
Every Night
SOCIALLY DISTANT VIGIL
7 PM
Carl Schurz Park, East End Avenue and 86th Street
This takes place in front of Carl Schurz Park each evening. If you want to show your support, but can't march, this is a quiet way to do that.
Thursday, June 18
****VIRTUAL LETTER WRITING*****
5:30-6:30 PM
We're going to write letters to potential voters, urging them to register and vote. This is similar to what we did last year, except virtual. Sign up at the link to join us.
NYS PRIMARY EARLY VOTING SITES
If you haven’t gotten your absentee ballot (not the application, the ballot), or would rather vote in person, early voting starts this weekend and goes through June 21. Look up your early voting site and times. Also, every site has protective gear at the entrance.
FILLING OUT YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT
If you do have your ballot, here’s how to fill it out (it’s more confusing than you would think).
FUN AND EDUCATION UNDER QUARANTINE
ADULTS
Jewels
George Balanchine's three-part "Jewels.” This performance by the Mariinksy company, where Balanchine was trained, features some of its biggest stars.
Sports (from a certain point of view)
If you’re missing sports, this Scottish broadcaster is doing play by play commentary for his dogs.
Yellowstone
An online tour of the main attractions in the park (go by particular features, or by map).
The Solar System
The fascinating story of how the planets formed, the possibility that Mars produced life, and how Jupiter both hurt and protected the solar system and the Earth. This is a PBS series, available online.
Car and Carriage MuseumA virtual tour of the antique cars at the Frick in Pittsburgh.
KIDS/GRANDKIDS
Wildlife lessons
If you're missing the Museum of Natural History, here's a quick lesson about the okapi (which is a sort of antelope).
Choo choo
Virtual train rides from around the world
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man
Make your own tambourine and make some music. DIY instructions with ordinary household supplies
Lazer Maze
Be a ninja! Keep the kids moving, and entertained, with their own lazer maze (no actual lasers required).
Mac and Cheese
Sure you can make it from a box, but it's much better when you make it from fresh ingredients.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo1siQ4_4uM
Recipe: https://www.mychildsmuseum.org/docs/default-source/video-recipe-cards/spinach-mac---sh.pdf?sfvrsn=54de4513_2