We've got some important political events taking places this week. On Wednesday, we'll join allies on Independence Mall to demand action on the "For the People Act" to protect our democracy. We'll also participate in the "Stitching Our Futures" quilt presentation at MSB plaza. If you've ever dreamed of running a co-op, then sign up for the Studies Circle program. Watch this month's "Financing Philly's Future" with Councilmember Derek Green. And be sure to check out what happened this week in history.
Voting Rights Matter: Join “For the People Act” Rally
Wednesday, June 30th, Independence Mall, 5th & Market, 5PM
Let our voices ring out loud and clear as a bell - We will protect our freedom to vote! Join our neighbors, allies and freedom fighters at the SW corner of Independence Mall to demand that our senators pass the “For the People Act” to protect everyone’s right to vote.
On Tuesday, Senate Democrats voted unanimously to open debate on the "For the People Act" (S1) that would create national standards to protect our right to vote - no matter who we are or where we live in our nation.
Alarmingly, Senate Republicans voted unanimously against even talking about protecting every citizen's right to vote; while, their cohorts in state legislatures are attempting to ram through laws to make voting even more difficult for people who threaten their minority rule - black and brown people, college students, the poor.
Allies in the Senate are telling us that only national action will give reluctant Senators the courage to do what is right. Rallies across the country are planned for this day. So, early Wednesday evening we're going to do our part in Philly.
Philly Neighborhood Networks folks will first gather at the NW corner of the Mall at 6th & Market (you'll see our banner) and at exactly 5PM we'll walk into the event together. Bring flags and signs and help us make a great noise!
And while you’re at it, please make calls everyday to our senators to tell them to support the For the People Act:
Sen. Toomey: Phila office 215-241-1090; D.C. 202-224-4254
Sen. Casey: Phila office 215-405-9660; D.C. 202-224-6324
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"Stitching Our Futures" Budget Event
Wednesday, June 30th, MSB Plaza, corner of JFK Blvd & 15th St, 4PM
Come out to see the patchwork quilts created by "Stitching Our Futures", a collaborative art project sponsored by Mural Arts Philadelphia to highlight the City's budgetary process and imagine the possibilities of reallocating funds towards community investment. Each quilt square lifts up the budget priorities that residents believe we should be supporting. The event will take place at MSB Plaza, across the street from City Hall. PNN's own Stan Shapiro will be a guest speaker.
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Thinking of Starting a Co-Op? Join the Studies Circle Program
Applications Due July 11th
Education is the first step to action! PACA is running its 2021 Study Circles program, to assist groups in exploring how cooperative enterprise in the Philadelphia area can be used to create, steward, or support more equitable economic impacts from our public and community spaces. See below for info sessions and the application!
This year, PACA will host seven groups to explore community ownership and cooperative enterprise through study over the course of six months. Drawing on African American and Philadelphia cooperative history as well as PACA’s 20 Book Clubs → 20 Cooperative Businesses program, this year’s Study Circles will center on utilizing cooperative enterprise to steward the public spaces we currently share and foster what can be.
Applications to participate are due on Sunday July 11 at 11:59 p.m. and Study Circles will run from August until February 2022.
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Recap of "Financing Philly's Future" Zoom Meeting
On Tuesday, Councilmember Derek Green hosted the monthly zoom meeting on public banking called "Financing Philly' Future". This month's guest speaker was Nicole Levy, Compliance Director of Fair Lending & Compliance Analytics, who discussed ways to find funding for our public bank and revealed the enormous amount of money that flows through City banks, but mainly goes elsewhere.
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This Week in History
June 25, 1876 – Custer's Last Stand. On this day, General Armstrong Custer led his men into Little Big Horn River to remove the Lakota Sioux from land where gold was discovered. It did not end well for the invaders.
June 26, 1948 – Berlin Airlift. U.S. and British pilots begin delivering food and supplies by airplane to Berlin after the city is isolated by a Soviet Union blockade.
June 28, 1969 – Stonewall Riots. Regarded as America's first major protest on behalf of equal rights for LGBTQ people, a police raid of the popular Stonewall Inn was met with staunch resistance from patrons and local sympathizers.
Thanks for your activism!
Tim Brown, Organizing Director
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