Philly Neighborhood Networks joins fair-minded people across our nation to laud the conviction of Derek Chauvin for the despicable crime he committed against George Floyd. And we breathe a sigh of relief that this time was different, that this time Black Lives Mattered in the eyes of the law.
Yet, while we are hopeful that this moment may be the turning point for racial justice in America, we recognize that one conviction does not change the ongoing pattern of systemic racism that plagues people of color in virtually every walk of life.
Changing that historical stain on our country is Job One for all of us. Below you’ll see a range of activities that PNN invites you to participate in which reflect our commitment to rooting out injustice – from working to re-elect Larry Krasner, to fighting environmental racism in Chester, to fighting for a fair budget right here in Philly that drastically curtails police power over vulnerable communities. Please join us in one or more of these activities during the week.
Join Our Election Kickoff, Saturday, April 24th
10AM-Noon, 5535 Lena Street
Join us on Saturday at the Art Studio at 5535 Lena Street starting at 10AM to collect your materials to distribute flyers in your neighborhood.
Endorsed Common Please candidates Caroline Turner and Michele Hangley will be joining us to introduce themselves and then go out to doors with us, so come over and say hello.
We know we're still not out of the woods with the pandemic, so we're going to do this easy lift - we're going to put a flyer at every door to make sure that everyone has the information they need to vote in the primary. And we'll provide them with our recommendations on the candidates and ballot measures.
Knock & Drop Your Neighborhood: You can make a big impact in this low-turnout election by distributing a flyer to the doors of your neighbors in the few blocks around your home. Let's not sit home while the other side organizes.
Can't Make it Tomorrow, but Want to Help? Click the link below.
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Krasner Press Conference, City Hall, Thurs, April 29th at 1PM
Larry Krasner, our endorsed candidate for DA, will have a press conference on Thursday, April 29, at 1 pm at city hall. The Working Families Party, of which we are a member, is helping to put this together. You are invited to show your support at this socially distanced press conference in front of the Catto Statue at City Hall.
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PNN Endorsements & Recommendations
Folks are receiving their mail ballots this week and the process may be a bit confusing. So we want to give you some information that will help you. First, here are our endorsements and recommendations for offices, judgeships and ballot measures.
How to Vote by Mail: You have until May 11th to apply for a mail-in ballot and until May 18th for your ballot to be received. To apply, go to www.philadelphiavotes.com , click "Voters" and then "Mail-In and Absentee Ballots".
Please make sure your ballot is properly completed. Fill out your selections (be sure to vote on the ballot measures on the back side of the ballot). Put your ballot in the security envelope BEFORE putting it in the outer envelope to mail it.
You can return your Completed Ballot by mail or at a Drop Box:
Voting in Person on May 18th Go to https://atlas.phila.gov/voting to find your polling place. Got Questions? Call the Commissioners at 215-686-3460
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Environmental Justice Day in Chester, Sat., April 24th
Join allies Chester Resident Concerned for Quality Living to protest the fact that Chester has become the nation's garbage burning capital. Trash from all over the tri-state area ends up being incinerated in Chester City . There will be a caravan and march starting at 10:30. Kickoff will be at Chester City Hall at 1 East 4th Street.
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Join the People's Budget May Day Action, May 1st
Join PNN and our allies on Saturday, May 1st at 12PM @ LOVE Park to celebrate International Worker's Day with a rally on the City Budget. We'll march at noon to demand that the corporations and massive nonprofits that have undue influence in our City pay their fair share of taxes, so we can build a budget that addresses the needs of all residents.
At 1:30PM we'll start our Community Day at Love Park with some local performers and artists. Take advantage of resource tables connecting community members with the vital services they need. Hear from speakers with a vision of the City we deserve to live in and then sign up to testify at the upcoming City Council hearings to demand a just Philly budget.
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Join an Action Committee or Working Group
Committees meet to discuss the broad range of issues we should work on within a variety of categories, and our Working Groups develop specific campaigns to take on and develop plans. Take this opportunity to join any of our Action Committees and Working Groups as we begin to decide our work for the year.
Here are our scheduled meetings:
:: Energy Working Group Meeting, Sat, April 24th, 4PM
We’ll decide the action we’ll take on supporting the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), review the latest challenges to the fracking ban and the Governor’s new solar initiative. Get the Link
Or access by phone at 1-929- 205-6099, Meeting ID 819 5416 6731. If you can’t get through text 917 822 -9445 and include your email to receive the correct link or a direct invitation into the meeting.
Isn't it Time You Joined an Action Committee?
Join an Action Committee for Economic Justice, Education, the Environment, Healthcare, Housing and Electoral Politics. To get started, email Tim@phillynn.org
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This Week in History
April 24, 1800 – Library of Congress. On this day, John Adams approved legislation for $5,000 to purchase “such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress,” thus establishing the Library of Congress.
April 25, 1990 – Hubble Telescope. The Hubble telescope was put into its orbit on this day, giving scientists a view of the universe unobstructed by atmospheric distortions.
April 26, 1954 – Polio Vaccine Starts. Jonas Salk started polio vaccine trials on this day to find a way to stop the spread of this deadly disease.
Thanks for your activism!
Tim Brown, Organizing Director