I have gathered a partial roundup of healthcare reform events in NY, NJ and PA. Please attend if you are in these areas and please spread the word. Not sure what else to say in the intro except NOW is the time for us to be doing actions like this lest we lose the initiative altogether.
Actions below the fold.
I. Bus Trip from NYC to Canvass Pennsylvania
During last year's election, a friend of mine from IND organized an amazing number of bus trips to Pennsylvania to campaign for Obama. I have no doubt that his efforts made a difference.
But it takes a particularly amazing organizer to KEEP organizing even after you win an election. And he is continuing his organizing efforts, this time on behalf of healthcare reform. We all complain that we wish Obama and the Democrats were fighing harder for healthcare reform. Well, the same applies to us. We have to fight for healthcare reform as well because so far the right wing extremists and their media pals at Fox News are dominating the discussion. Here is your chance to help seize the initiative for healthcare reform. This comes from an email from Tom:
We’re going back to Pennsylvania to campaign for health care reform.
Last year we were called to turn back the reactionary forces that had gripped our country for too long, and to win an election. I often told people that it was a war fought house by house, block by block. We won that war. But now we must win the peace, and that’s the hardest part.
I am so angry at the Republicans right now, it’s hard to write this without sounding a little crazy myself. But what’s really crazy is the towering wave of lies and deceit the conservative right has sent crashing down upon President Obama, his allies in Congress, and all you courageous Americans who worked so hard to bring change to our nation. Some senate Republicans played at bipartisanship just long enough to push negotiations into the August recess. Then, the wave struck. At town hall meetings, in vicious, viral lies circulated on the internet, on television talk shows, these irresponsible snake oil peddlers are repeating again and again lies and nonsense.
I’ve had enough. I’m going back to Pennsylvania, and I want you to join me. Thankfully, our congressional delegation here in New York is onboard the president’s program. But, once again, it is congress members from swing states and congressional districts who will hoist the dream to rescue or kill it. If they kill it, the chance to provide health care to all Americans will be lost for a generation. Believe me, if we fail this time, no president, no Congress will expend precious political capital on this issue. The crashing wave will swamp us, the desperate hand of hope will loosen its grip and slip beneath the swirling sea.
Please, Get Back on the Bus for Health Care!
We will depart from Port Authority Bus Terminal (South Terminal, 8th Ave. btwn 40th & 41st St.), Saturday, August 29th, 9:00 am, aboard Trans-Bridge Bus Lines. The bus to Easton should depart from Gate 4 or 6. Please arrive early to purchase your ticket on the South Terminal main floor and make your way downstairs to the gate. Bus tickets are $36.05 round trip. Return buses are at 4:05 and 6:10 pm, arriving back in the city at 5:55 and 8:00 pm, respectively.
Thank you to everyone for your time and commitment. Please RSVP to this e-mail address so I can provide a headcount to our Organizing for America (OFA)* hosts.
Very best wishes,
Tom Predhome
(917) 723-3442
*OFA is the successor organization to the Obama campaign.
II. Some Key Events in Pennsylvania:
Phone Banking in Support of Health Insurance Reform (Health Care Phonebank)
The time for health insurance reform is now! Please join other community members--and hundreds of volunteers statewide--to help us build support for meaningful health care reform. Last fall we, pushed for change in the White House; now we need to push even harder to bring quality, affordable health care to all Americans. At this event we will be calling other supporters of health care reform and getting them activated to help win this fight.
We are asking that people bring their own cell phones. We will provide lists, scripts, and training. Even an hour or two of help will have a huge impact. If you have questions, please contact Peter Lesser at 646-894-8457. See you there!
--Pete
Peter Lesser
Regional Field Director, Western PA
Organizing For America
"Victory alone is not the change we seek-it is only the chance for us to make that change." –President Barack Obama, November, 4th, 2008
Times: Thursday, August 27, Monday, August 31, Tuesday, September 1, Thursday, September 3, from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Host: Peter Lesser
Contact Phone: 646-894-8457
Location:
Panera Bread, Oakland, Conference Room (Pittsburgh, PA)
3800 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Health Insurance Reform Writing Campaign (Health Care Organizing Event)
Every Sunday at 7 p.m., from 8/9/09 until health care insurance reform passes that the President is proud to sign, you are welcome to join in a workshop to communicate and clarify the President's position. Part I (about 40 minutes): discuss what happened in the week previous, what has been published, and what your response can be to Congressional legislators and the media. Part II: write a letter (or article or email) reflecting your views or prepare a list of "message points" you can use to write at home. It will help to bring a copy of an article or story you would like to discuss / respond to, but this is not a requirement.
Time: Sunday, August 30 from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Host: Ninamary Langsdale
Contact Phone: 412 279 7899
Location:
Langsdale Residence (Pittsburgh, PA)
419 Glaids Drive
Gather Support for Health Insurance Reform at Monroeville Farmers Market (Health Care Canvass)
The time for health insurance reform is now! We will be asking people to sign our petition in support of the President's principles for health insurance reform. They sign the petition, we show congress that the people are demanding change!
Last fall we, pushed for change in the White House; now we need to push even harder to bring quality, affordable health care to all Americans. Even an hour or two of help will have a huge impact.
If you have questions, please contact Peter Lesser at 646-894-8457. See you there!
"Victory alone is not the change we seek-it is only the chance for us to make that change." –President Barack Obama, November, 4th, 2008
Time: Saturday, August 29 from 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Host: Peter Lesser
Contact Phone: 646-894-8457
Location:
Monroeville Farmers Market (Monroeville, PA)
Gateway High School parking lot
3000 Gateway Campus Blvd
Monroeville, PA 15146
Narberth Health Care Phonebank (Health Care Phonebank)
The anti-reform opposition is spending millions per day to spread blatant, sensational and emotionally-charged lies about the President's health care reform agenda. They are screaming and using scare tactics! All we have is us; we must get out to where the people are, show them where to get the facts about health care reform and help them send a message to Congress to keep working to produce meaningful & lasting change to our system of health care. All of us, including YOU, must also keep working for the change we need.
The anti-reform opposition is spending millions per day to spread blatant, sensational and emotionally-charged lies about the President's health care reform agenda. They are screaming and using scare tactics! All we have is us; we must get out to where the people are, show them where to get the facts about health care reform and help them send a message to Congress to keep working to produce meaningful & lasting change to our system of health care. All of us, including YOU, must also keep working for the change we need.
Health Care Town Hall to Address Issues for People with Disabilities with Congressman Joe Sestak (Meeting)
Liberty Resources, a non-profit, consumer-driven organization that advocates and promotes Independent Living for persons with disabilities, will host Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, Congressman Joe Sestak for a Town Hall on health care Thursday. At the event, Joe will take questions about the health insurance reform bill, which he helped shape and pass through the Education and Labor Committee. He will specifically address ways in which the bill will help people with disabilities gain and maintain their independence. The event is open to the public.
Liberty Resources is the Philadelphia area's Center for Independent Living, serving more than 7,000 people with disabilities. The organization works with persons with disabilities to ensure their civil rights and equal access to all aspects of life in our communities.
Time: Thursday, August 27 from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Host: Joe Sestak
Contact Phone: 215-634-2000
Location:
Liberty Resources (Philadelphia, PA)
714 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Volunteers need to bring their own cellphones.
Time: Thursday, August 27 from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Host: Devorah Fried
Contact Phone: 215-605-5440
Location:
Narberth Health Care Phonebank (Narberth, PA)
300 N. Essex Avenue - Apt. 310A
Narberth, PA 19072
Pittsburgh, PA 15243
Friday, Aug 28 - York Health Care Petition Drive (Health Care Canvass)
The anti-reform opposition is spending millions per day to spread blatant, sensational and emotionally-charged lies about the President's health care reform agenda. They are screaming and using scare tactics! All we have is us; we must get out to where the people are, show them where to get the facts about health care reform and help them send a message to Congress to keep working to produce meaningful & lasting change to our system of health care. All of us, including YOU, must also keep working for the change we need.
Bring something to write/lean on (clipboard or comp book) and a pen. Contact Devorah Fried at 215-605-5440 for exact meet-up location
Times: Friday, August 28 at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM
Host: Devorah Fried
Contact Phone: 215-605-5440
Location:
Penn Farmers Market (East Prospect, PA)
380 W Market St in York
East Prospect, PA 17317
Petition Drive at Flourtown Farmers Market (Health Care Canvass)
The anti-reform opposition is spending millions per day to spread blatant lies about the President's health care reform agenda. All we have is us and we must get out to where the people are, show them where to get the facts about health care reform, and help them send a message to Congress to keep working to produce meaningful and lasting changes to our system of health care. All of us, including YOU, must also keep working for the change we need.
Times: Friday, August 28 at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM
Host: Devorah Fried
Contact Phone: 215-605-5440
Location:
Flourtown Farmers Market (Flourtown, PA)
914 Bethlehem Pike
Friday, Aug 28 Kennett Square Health Care Petition Drive 2-6 PM (Health Care Canvass)
Please join Organizing for America activists in an effort to collect petitions and champion the President's commitment to comprehensive Health Care Reform at the Kennett Square Farmers Market. Please contact event organizer Greg Myers at 215-512-1480 to meet up with him at the event, or to answer any questions.
Time: Friday, August 28 from 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Host: Greg Myers
Contact Phone: 215-512-1480
Location:
Kennett Square Farmers Market (Kennett Square, PA)
In the heart of downtown Kennett Square
Free parking available in the garage on N. Union Street
Kennett Square, PA 19348
Flourtown, PA 19031
Health Care Town Hall with Congressman Joe Sestak (Meeting)
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, Congressman Joe Sestak will hold a Town Hall on health care Friday at the Heinz-Menaker Senior Center. The discussion will be hosted by Pastor Martin Odom of Bethel Village AME Church. At the event, which is open to the public, Joe will take questions about the health insurance reform bill, which he helped shape and passed through the Education and Labor Committee. He will specifically address his strong support of the inclusion of a public health care option in the bill to create the competition in the health insurance industry that is required to drive down skyrocketing costs.
Time: Friday, August 28 from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Host: Joe Sestak
Location:
Heinz-Menker Senior Center (Harrisburg, PA)
1824 N 4th St
Harrisburg, PA 17102
Saturday, Aug. 29 - York Health Care Petition Drive (Health Care Canvass)
The anti-reform opposition is spending millions per day to spread blatant, sensational and emotionally-charged lies about the President's health care reform agenda. They are screaming and using scare tactics! All we have is us; we must get out to where the people are, show them where to get the facts about health care reform and help them send a message to Congress to keep working to produce meaningful & lasting change to our system of health care. All of us, including YOU, must also keep working for the change we need.
Bring something to write/lean on (clipboard or comp book) and a pen. Contact Devorah Fried at 215-605-5440 for exact meet-up location
Times: Saturday, August 29 at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM
Host: Devorah Fried
Contact Phone: 215-605-5440
Location:
York Central Farmers Market (York, PA)
34 W Philadelphia St
Gather Support for Health Insurance Reform at Monroeville Farmers Market (Health Care Canvass)
The time for health insurance reform is now! We will be asking people to sign our petition in support of the President's principles for health insurance reform. They sign the petition, we show congress that the people are demanding change!
Last fall we, pushed for change in the White House; now we need to push even harder to bring quality, affordable health care to all Americans. Even an hour or two of help will have a huge impact.
If you have questions, please contact Peter Lesser at 646-894-8457. See you there!
"Victory alone is not the change we seek-it is only the chance for us to make that change." –President Barack Obama, November, 4th, 2008
Time: Saturday, August 29 from 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Host: Peter Lesser
Contact Phone: 646-894-8457
Location:
Monroeville Farmers Market (Monroeville, PA)
Gateway High School parking lot
3000 Gateway Campus Blvd
Monroeville, PA 15146
Phoenixville Farmer's Market - Saturdays 9 AM - 1 PM (Health Care Canvass)
The anti-reform opposition is spending millions per day to spread blatant lies about the President's health care reform agenda. All we have is us, and we must get out to where the people are, show them where to get the facts about health care reform, and help them send a message to Congress to keep workin' to produce meaningful and lasting change to our system of health care. All of us, including YOU, must also keep workin' for the change we need.
Time: Saturday, August 29 from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Host: Greg Myers
Contact Phone: 215-512-1480
Location:
Bridge Street & Taylor Alley (Phoenixville, PA)
Bridge Street & Taylor Alley
Phoenixville, PA 19460
York, PA 17401
Saturday, Aug 29 West Chester Health Care Petition Drive 9AM-1PM (Health Care Canvass)
Please join Organizing for America activists in an effort to collect petitions and champion the President's commitment to comprehensive Health Care Reform at the West Chester Growers Market. Please contact event organizer Bill Moffett at 610-235-7349 to meet up with him at the event, or to answer any questions.
Time: Saturday, August 29 from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Host: Greg Myers
Contact Phone: 610-235-7349
Location:
West Chester Growers Market (West Chester, PA)
Corner of North Church and West Chestnut Streets in downtown West Chester
West Chester, PA 19380
Get Support for Health Insurance Reform at the Lebanon Farmers Market (Health Care Canvass)
Join others in collecting declarations for an hour or two outside of the Lebanon Farmer's Market. You can be a huge help to the President. Feel free to call me with any questions at 215 380 9558.
We are looking to go from 9 to 1 on Saturday. Come just for an hour or two.
Mike
Time: Saturday, August 29 from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Host: Michael Shapiro
Contact Phone: 2153809558
Location:
Lebanon Farmers Market (Lebanon, PA)
19 North 9th Street
Lebanon, PA 17042
Petition Drive at Bryn Mawr Farmers Market (Health Care Canvass)
The anti-reform opposition is spending millions per day to spread blatant, sensational and emotionally-charged lies about the President's health care reform agenda. They are screaming and using scare tactics! All we have is us; we must get out to where the people are, show them where to get the facts about health care reform and help them send a message to Congress to keep working to produce meaningful & lasting change to our system of health care. All of us, including YOU, must also keep working for the change we need.
Bring something to write/lean on (clipboard or comp book) and a pen.
Time: Saturday, August 29 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Host: Devorah Fried
Contact Phone: 215-605-5440
Location:
Bryn Mawr Farmers Market (Bryn Mawr, PA)
Lancaster Pike
Reform Health Insurance Now (Health Care Organizing Event)
The Williamsport Teabaggers are organizing to hold a rally in Brandon Park on Saturday, August 29th @ 10:30. We need to get out in force and show them that shouting does not overturn the facts.
Let's get out there and show Williamsport that insurance reform is something we value!
Health Insurance Reform? Yes we can!
Time: Saturday, August 29 from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Host: Douglas Young
Location:
Brandon Park (Williamsport, PA)
Williamsport, PA 17701
Myth Busting - We need Reform NOW! (Let's Get It Done: Health Care Phone Booth Events)
Myth Busting - Discussion of misinformation perpetuated by the media. Addresses and Phone numbers of our local representatives to call in order to register our desire for true reform; insisting on Insurance Industry reform as well as a Public Option for all citizens.
Summary of Arlen Specter's visit to local Democrats with a plan of action to be followed.
Time: Saturday, August 29 from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Host: Catherine Rossiter
Location:
Rossiter/Tolhurst Home (Sayre, PA)
89 White Birch Lane
Sayre, PA 18840
Sunday, Aug 30 - York Health Care Petition Drive - 10am-2pm and 1-5pm (Health Care Canvass)
The anti-reform opposition is spending millions per day to spread blatant, sensational and emotionally-charged lies about the President's health care reform agenda. They are screaming and using scare tactics! All we have is us; we must get out to where the people are, show them where to get the facts about health care reform and help them send a message to Congress to keep working to produce meaningful & lasting change to our system of health care. All of us, including YOU, must also keep working for the change we need.
Bring something to write/lean on (clipboard or comp book) and a pen. Contact Devorah Fried at 215-605-5440 for exact meet-up location
Times: Sunday, August 30 at 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM
Host: Devorah Fried
Contact Phone: 215-605-5440
Location:
Fine Arts Festival (York, PA)
Downtown York
York, PA 17401
Keep callin' for Health Care Reform (Health Care Phonebank)
The health care industry lobbyists aren't taking a vacation, and neither can we. The opponents of change want us to kick back and relax while they devise new ways to lock us into that lazy, hazy, crazy health care system to which we're so accustomed. But this is our time to resolve anew to keep what's working, fix what's broken, and develop a healthcare system worthy of our great nation. This is our chance to pick up a phone and work to bring about that change we voted for!
Time: Sunday, August 30 from 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Host: Greg Myers
Contact Phone: 215-512-1480
Location:
Chester County Democratic Headquarters (West Chester, PA)
37 S. High St.
West Chester, PA 19380
Sunday, Aug 30 West Chester Health Care Canvass 12:30 - 4:30 (Health Care Canvass)
Help the President enact Health Care Reform by reaching out to neighbors and gaining their support for the President's three bedrock principles of good health care reform. You do not need to be an expert on health care reform; all you need to be is a concerned citizen. Training materials supplied. Meet at the Chester County Democratic Committee Headquarters. Contact Bill Moffett at 610-235-7349.
Time: Sunday, August 30 from 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Host: Greg Myers
Contact Phone: 610-235-7349
Location:
Chester County Democratic Committee Headquarters (West Chester, PA)
Chester County Democratic Committee Headquarters
37 S. High St
West Chester, PA 19380
Town Hall on Women's Health Care and Other Issues with Congressman Joe Sestak and Lynn Yeakel (Meeting)
Democratic Senate candidate Joe Sestak will honor Women's Equality Day at Bryn Mawr College, Sunday, with a Town Hall to discuss women's health care and other women's issues. Bryn Mawr College is one of America's most prestigious women's colleges. The event will also commemorate the 89th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women the right to vote.
Lynn Yeakel will moderate the Town Hall. She is a former Democratic nominee for Senate, the founder of Women's Way and a life-long advocate of women's issues. This Town Hall follows Joe's previous health care reform Town Halls held in his Congressional District and throughout Pennsylvania, with several more to follow.
Time: Sunday, August 30 from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Host: Joe Sestak
Location:
Bryn Mawr College (Bryn Mawr, PA)
101 North Merion Ave
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Health Insurance Reform Writing Campaign (Health Care Organizing Event)
Every Sunday at 7 p.m., from 8/9/09 until health care insurance reform passes that the President is proud to sign, you are welcome to join in a workshop to communicate and clarify the President's position. Part I (about 40 minutes): discuss what happened in the week previous, what has been published, and what your response can be to Congressional legislators and the media. Part II: write a letter (or article or email) reflecting your views or prepare a list of "message points" you can use to write at home. It will help to bring a copy of an article or story you would like to discuss / respond to, but this is not a requirement.
Time: Sunday, August 30 from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Host: Ninamary Langsdale
Contact Phone: 412 279 7899
Location:
Langsdale Residence (Pittsburgh, PA)
419 Glaids Drive
III. New Jersey for Healthcare Reform
Mercer4Obama Health Care Table (Let's Get It Done: Health Insurance Reform Now Events)
We'll be staffing a health reform table in East Windsor this upcoming Saturday and Sunday - Aug 29 & 30. Still waiting final confirmation on location, but we need volunteer sign ups now! We will be passing out literature from OFA explaining the President's priorities for health care reform, and collecting signatures on a petition.
Times: Saturday, August 29 at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM
Host: Elizabeth Lempert
Location:
East Windsor - exact location pending (East Windsor, NJ)
East Windsor, NJ 08520
SIGN UP HERE TO HELP
DESTROY ANTI-HEALTH CARE MYTHS (Meeting)
meeting to destroy anti-health care myths,and distribute information on the same.
Time: Saturday, August 29 from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Host: BARBARA RUSSO-SALCINES
Contact Phone: 973-751-0218
Location:
ST.PETER'S CHURCH BASEMENT (Belleville, NJ)
155 WILLIAM ST
Belleville, NJ 07109
Directions: CALL 973751-0218
Promote Real Health Care Reform (Health Care Canvass)
Health Care reform proponents are invited to a neighborhood door to door canvas in Bloomfield NJ to thank congressman Pascrell for his continued support of a public health care option and to urge him to assure that legislation includes coverage for women's preventive health services, including mammography, maternity coverage and same fee structure as men.
Time: Sunday, August 30 from 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Host: Jodi Godfrey
Location:
CVS Bloomfield (Bloomfield, NJ)
331 Broad Street
@ James Street
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Mercer4Obama Health Care Reform Table (Let's Get It Done: Health Insurance Reform Now Events)
We'll be staffing a health reform table in East Windsor this upcoming Saturday and Sunday - Aug 29 and 30. Still waiting final confirmation on location, but we need volunteer sign ups now! We will be passing out literature from OFA explaining the President's priorities for health care reform, and collecting signatures on a petition.
Times: Sunday, August 30 at 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM
Host: Elizabeth Lempert
Location:
East Windsor - exact location pending (Hightstown, NJ)
Hightstown, NJ 08520
SIGN UP HERE TO HELP
Town Hall with Congressman Bill Pascrell (Meeting)
Congressman Pascrell will hold a town hall meeting to discuss issues facing New Jerseyans today.
We need supporters like you to come out and thank the Congressman for his hard work, and ask him to continue his strong support of President Obama.
Please plan to arrive EARLY.
Time: Thursday, September 3 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Host: Organizing for America NJ
Location:
Monclair State University (Quad Area) (Montclair, NJ)
1 Normal Ave
Montclair, NJ 07043
Rally for Health Care Reform NOW! (Let's Get It Done: Health Insurance Reform Now Events)
The Mendham/Chester Citizens for Change (MCC4C) group is hosting its next health care Information station and RALLY at Once Upon a Table, 105 Main Street in Chester, N.J. The booth staffers will offer information on healthy living and on universal health care options and personal health advocacy. Come learn about what we can do to pass health care reform this year! We are also running a postcard campaign to our NJ Congressional representatives and national elected officals to support the reform we want THIS YEAR! In addition to the helath care reform information, local businesses will be there with books, pamphlets and experts on healthy living and on health care information, blood pressure screening, cancer information, information on healthy living and personal health advocacy.
Come meet some local sports and music celebrities. Be sure to bring your camera! Also, meet local author Heather Walters, PhD - a nutrition and food scientist - who will be there signing her numerous publications on living healthily!
Have lots of fun meeting and sharing with other advocates for health care reform, speaking to local candidates and learning about local, state and national health care initiatives.
Come with your cell phone and bring your friends, relatives and neighbors from across the 4-state region to help us educate all our citizens on the wonderful opportunity we have to bring about change in America's health care system, NOW! We at MCC4C support universal access to health care. We want YOU to learn the reasons why all Americans will want a single-payer way to organize and pay for all Americans to have the health care the need and deserve here in the country that has always said... YES WE CAN! Change is required and the power is in YOUR hands, hearts, minds and voices! Help our President Barack Obama to get a great health care reform bill passed this Fall, 2009!
Come to the Health Care booth and join the RALLY to get informed and then work to spread the word and get all your friends to spread the word.
Make change happen yourself!
WE CAN have affordable health care for our country's people... YES WE CAN! You believe it; we at MCC4C believe it... so let's get working for good change. NOW!
Times: Saturday, September 12 at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM
Host: Karen Bonner
Contact Phone: 908-879-6631
Location:
Once Upon a Table (Downtown Chester, NJ) (Chester, NJ)
105 Main Street
Chester, NJ 07930
Pittsburgh, PA 15243
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
IV. Please add events in the comments!!!