A quick chat:

July was a very busy and productive month for the chapter and we're rolling into an August that is going to be even bigger. Part of what we're doing this month is a little more political education - and we've worked very hard to bring some really cool people to join us in sharing with you (and the public at large) critical perspective on the biggest issues facing the country as a whole.

We're really encouraging you to go to those videos and to spread the word, they're going to be fun to watch and hopefully you feel more connected to the work MADSA is doing.

The first of these events is actually TONIGHT at 8PM. We'll be doing a panel discussion on safe schools and equity in education. Very excited about that, and you should watch it even if things seem quiet on the surface in Atlanta.

Take action before August 4 to advocate for Nelly:

Nelly is in a detention center in Texas and can be deported to El Salvador this coming Tuesday. She is DACA eligible and should be able to apply for an initial application, but because USCIS refuses to open up the application process for new applications regardless of the SCOTUS decision, ICE is refusing to allow her to apply and stay.

Before Tuesday August 4th, you can help Nelly by calling or emailing ICE at the contact info above, as well as:

[email protected]

Not quite sure what to say or write? View a sample letter here.

Coming up this week:

Monday

6pm: Defund the APD Working Group Zoom meeting (PW: 5hqHDw)

8pm: Local Elections Working Group Zoom meeting

Tuesday

5:30pm: Labor Working Group Zoom meeting (PW: 509071)

7:30pm: Just Transition Georgia Working Group Zoom meeting (PW: 405114)

Join the Eco-socialism Working Group on Slack for more info (#ecosocialism_wg)

8pm: East Atlanta (Inner & Outer) Block Zoom meeting (PW: 184349)

Also on Tuesday:

Wednesday

7pm: OTP Northwest Block Zoom meeting (Email OTPnorthwest@madsa.ga for call info. For more info on MADSA Blocks, check out the Google map on our COVID-19 page.)

Thursday

7pm: Rainbow Roses: MADSA LGBTQ Caucus Zoom meeting (PW: 250576)

Also on Wednesday:

Here's an easy way to take action against evictions in our community:

Many of the 4,600 Atlanta households who received an eviction notice during the past few months do not know they missed the deadline to file their answer or that they will face a default judgment in the landlord's favor if they don't respond. The Supreme Court of Georgia has said that "courts should be generous in granting extensions particularly when based upon health concerns, economic hardship, or lack of child care." That's why Housing Justice League is canvassing with information on how to file a Motion to the judge asking for an extension. If the judge accepts late answers, these households should be able to stay in their homes until courts reopen in November. If these households do not file an answer, they may be forced to leave just as COVID-19 infections are rising in Atlanta.

Here's how you can help:

1. Claim an apartment complex that you can flyer on this spreadsheet

2. Read the instructions at the top of the spreadsheet for instructions on flyer pick-up and Canvassing Tips.

3. Deliver the flyers to tenants' individual apartment units. Make a note on the Google spreadsheet of the date that these tenants have been contacted - and please be sure to wear a mask.

Show up for Rayshard Brooks

Our solidarity with the Rayshard Brooks Memorial & Peace Center is crucial. You can keep up-to-date with their latest events on Instagram at @rayshardlaw or visit their website to donate and subscribe to their newsletter.

Don't see your event here?

MADSA members can make their submission for the weekly Monday newsletter no later than Friday at 8pm via this form.

Join us on Slack

Not finding what you're looking for here? If you’re a member, you’ve got access to the Slack channel. (Email [email protected] if you have questions about your access to the Slack.) There’s no faster way to get plugged in to committees, working groups, and find answers to your questions.