Justice in Action
Justice in Action: Ruth Messinger + Brad Lander on NYC and COVID
A weekly virtual conversation series on the challenges and opportunities of this unique moment in New York City focusing on how justice issues are being impacted and amplified by the global COVID-19 pandemic and what each of us can do to create positive change from within our own homes. Featuring the JCC's Social Justice Activist-in-Residence Ruth Messinger and NYC City Council Member Brad Lander.
You'll find information on each week's session below including the session recording, related resources and readings, and opportunities to take action.
You can sign up for our next session here.
Special thanks to our Co-Sponsors: Avodah, B'nai Jeshurun NYC, Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, JTS Hendel Center for Ethics and Justice, National Council of Jewish Women New York, Repair the World Brooklyn, Romemu and Central Synagogue, and Repair the World Harlem.
Educational Inequities, Part II, May 21, 2020
Learn:
- The Shift to Online Learning Could Worsen Educational Inequality
- Listen to Mark Winston Griffith’s podcast School Colors
Educational Inequities, Part I, May 14, 2020
Learn:
- Learn about and connect with The Brotherhood/Sister Sol and EduColor.
- The Class Divide: Remote Learning at 2 Schools, Private and Public
Take Action:
- Participate in NYCLU's petition and ask Governor Cuomo not to make cuts to NY's public schools.
- Ask Mayor de Blasio to restore funding to NYC's Summer Youth Employment Program.
Workers' Rights, May 7, 2020
Learn:
- Learn more about what you can do to support the nannies, home attendants, and house cleaners who work for you during the coronavirus crisis from Hand in Hand.
- "Scores of NYC workers have died on the front lines of the coronavirus fight"
Take Action:
- Sign Councilmember Brad Lander's petition for the NYC Essential Workers Bill of Rights
Housing and Homelessness, April 30, 2020
Learn:
- Recording
- NYC Community Land Initiative
- #CancelRent Is New Rallying Cry for Tenants. Landlords Are Alarmed.
- See the diverse stories of folks who can't pay rent due to Covid-19, are facing eviction, or other housing challenges.
- Picture the Homeless
Take Action:
- Take a look at the work Housing Justice for All is doing surrounding the current housing crisis.
Immigrant Communities in Queens, NY, April 23, 2020
Learn:
- Session Recording
- “Despite Their Impact From COVID-19, Undocumented New Yorkers Have Few Options For Financial Help”
Take Action:
- Participate in Make the Road's Excluded Workers Relief petition. They are asking Governor Cuomo to create a $3.5 billion Excluded Workers Disaster Income Replacement Fund for undocumented workers who have thus far been excluded from federal relief efforts.
Domestic Violence, April 17, 2020
Learn:
Take Action:
- Contact Senator Schumer and ask him to support vital funding for domestic violence and sexual assault programs and the survivors they serve during the COVID-19 pandemic. The next stimulus package must address survivors' needs through additional funding to critical programs.
If you or anyone you know needs assistance, please check out Safe Horizon's website or call NYC's 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-621-HOPE.
Voting Rights, April 8, 2020
Learn:
Take Action:
- Send a message to your Senators, urging them to pass legislation to require all states to provide vote at home options to protect our health and safety during a public health emergency.
Food Justice and Access, April 2, 2020
Learn:
Take Action:
Criminal Justice, March 26, 2020
Learn:
Take Action: