Newsletter for the Movement for Economic, Climate, and Racial Justice
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This month marks the 10-year anniversary of the People’s Climate March, at the time, the largest climate march in history. Hundreds of thousands of people marched the streets of New York City to demand a call to action on the biggest existential crisis our planet has ever faced. We are proud to have been a key coordinator of the march, following the lead of Environmental Justice organizations and long standing partners such as NYC-Environmental Justice Alliance, UPROSE, WE ACT, and more.
In the past decade, ALIGN has helped pass the state-level Climate Law and the city-level Dirty Buildings Law, Local Law 97 — two groundbreaking initiatives that created nation-leading policy models for climate action and green jobs. And as NYC students, teachers, and workers go back to school this month, we’re calling on our City to fund school infrastructure improvements, ensure NYC prioritizes Green, Healthy Schools, and chart a path toward a healthy and sustainable New York for all.
The People's Climate March built huge momentum in the movement for a healthier, sustainable future, including the creation of our Climate Works for All coalition. We’re proud to continue the fight for climate justice 10 years later. We keep marching.
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Help Defend NYC’s Strongest Climate Law: New York City's strongest climate law is in danger. A new bill, Intro 772, has been introduced in the City Council which could weaken NYC’s Dirty Buildings Law. Take Action to say #NOto772!
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Join us at the 2024 Movement Builders Awards!
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At our annual Movement Builders Awards (MBAs), we honor leaders who have been fierce partners in the movement for worker and climate justice. This year we had big wins, securing protections for Amazon warehouse workers and climate action funded by New York’s worst polluters. But there’s still much to be done, and our movement is powerful because we don’t do it alone.
The MBAs are our biggest fundraiser of the year, and we rely on contributions from allies like you to fund our year-round work addressing the root causes of racial and economic injustice. We are so grateful for your support, and if you’re able to purchase a ticket or make a donation, it will go a long way in ensuring ALIGN can continue fighting for clean air, green jobs, and dignity and justice at work.
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This year’s honorees are:
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Teamsters Local 804 President Vincent Perrone, who has been a champion for working people across New York State, working in coalition with ALIGN to raise the minimum wage, combat the abusive practices of big corporations, and win worker protections. Local 804’s leadership in organizing Amazon workers has been essential to building worker power in this growing sector.
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New York State Labor Chairs Senator Jessica Ramos and Assemblymember Harry Bronson, steadfast labor leaders and passionate allies who helped us shepherd the Warehouse Worker Injury Reduction Act to victory, protecting thousands of New York workers.
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Benjamin Arana, IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local 3’s Business Representative who recently retired, for his contributions to winning and implementing NYC’s Dirty Buildings Law, Local Law 97—the cornerstone to our city’s climate future.
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Tompkins County Votes to Raise the Wage
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New York’s cost-of-living crisis has full-time workers taking on second and third jobs and commuting hours away from work to make ends’ meet. It’s simply not sustainable.
In Tompkins County, New York, 40% of workers earn below the living wage — up 11% since last year — and local lawmakers are taking action.
On August 7, Tompkins County legislators passed a resolution directing the county to consider legislation raising the local minimum wage. This is a huge victory for workers, businesses, and the future of a close-knit community, and adds fire to our fight for a living wage across New York State. Despite a raise this year, workers are still only making $16 an hour downstate and $15 upstate.
What’s next? After surveying local workers and businesses, the County will introduce legislation to raise the wage locally, and our Raise Up NY coalition will continue to support the effort alongside the Tompkins County Worker Center, UAW Local 2300, and others. By investing in working families and the local economy with a living wage, Tompkins County can lead the way to fair, dignified wages for other municipalities and our state.
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Join us for Climate Week!
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Sunday, September 22nd - The Climate Works for All coalition will be tabling at the 2024 Street Works Earth, a free street arts and climate action festival created by artists committed to fostering joyful, community-led action in public spaces.
Tuesday September 24th - At the 2nd annual Climate Justice Forum, Executive Director Theodore Moore will be moderating a panel called ‘Building Power: Climate Organizing in NYC’. Panelists include Stewart-Martinez, We ACT’s Director of Civic Engagement and Organizing; Arif Ullah, Executive Director of South Bronx Unite; and Costa Constantinides, Former New York City Council Member and CEO of Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens.
Saturday, September 28th - Join us at Borough President Donovan Richards’ annual Climate Expo at the New York Hall of Science, highlighting Queens’ resilience in the face of climate change and connecting borough job seekers to the green careers of the future. This is a great event if you’re looking to learn how to make your property more resilient, find a new job, or be a part of Queens’ green revolution.
Saturday, September 28th - Join UPROSE for the “Climate Justice Lives Here!” community festival. This significant event concludes NYC Climate Week and marks the 10th anniversary of the People’s Climate March, celebrating the pivotal role of frontline communities in advancing climate justice. The festival will take place at the Brooklyn Army Terminal waterfront, offering a vibrant array of activities including cultural performances, poetry readings, learning circles, and art projects, all centered around raising awareness for climate justice.
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Tal Frieden honored at Tompkins County Worker Center’s annual Labor Day Picnic!
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Let's talk trash! Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Sanitation Committee Chair Councilmember Shaun Abreu joined the Transform Don’t Trash coalition to tour waste transfer stations in North Brooklyn.
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Theodore Moore at the West Indian Day Parade with partners at the Working Families Party.
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Lisa Thomas and Theodore Moore joined Jobs with Justice affiliates in DC to discuss movement strategy and leadership.
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