Winning and transforming our economy for workers, communities, and our planet.

October 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic, an extraordinarily dangerous wildfire and hurricane season, and an economic collapse are the intersecting crises of this unprecedented moment. Yet, this moment is not purely defined by anguish and despair. The ALIGN in Action monthly newsletter is about people choosing hope in the face of adversity and oppression, and the movement building work that ALIGN and our partners are doing in order to rebuild an economy that prioritizes the needs of the workers, communities, and our planet.  We hope that you join these movements and take action with us too.

We are on the verge of another Covid-19 crisis in NY.

We need to pass the NY HERO Act.

We are months into the pandemic and workers and their communities are still inadequately protected. With new cases arising in various parts of New York City, we are on the verge of another Covid-19 crisis. That is why a coalition of unions, labor, and community groups have come together to push for the NY HERO Act. You can show solidarity by sending a letter to your state legislator urging them to pass the NY HERO Act so we are protected and prepared for this pandemic and the next.

Join the Movement for Climate, Jobs, and a Just Recovery.

As part of the Climate Works for All coalition, we are moving forward an agenda to create 100,000 jobs to the frontline communities most affected by the economic and climate crisis. The Climate and Community Stimulus Platform is our path forward out of this crisis and toward an Equitable Recovery for New York City.  You can use this form if you would like to be part of this campaign. 

At the state level, we are working with NY Renews on continuing the implementation of the groundbreaking Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. This summer, NY Renews took the next leap with the Climate, Jobs, and Justice Recovery campaign that lays out a plan for a polluter penalty, good green jobs, and 100% renewable energy.  To support these various climate initiatives, we are also proud to have  Executive Director Maritza Silva-Farrell appointed to be part of the Just Transition working group to ensure that the voices of the grassroots climate and labor movement are heard.

Climate and Community Stimulus Platform Digital Forum

with labor, climate, and community organizations

During the Covid-19 pandemic, workers and small businesses suffered against Amazon’s monopoly and worker abuse.

At a time when Amazon is raking in billions of dollars during this pandemic,  CEO Jeff Bezos, the richest man on Earth, and his corporation continue to  spy on, surveil, underpay, and fire workers who demand better working conditions. In addition, this corporation is using its monopoly power to thwart competition from small businesses. That is why we are continuing to fight alongside the Athena coalition which has continued their work on mass surveillance, deportations, gentrification, dirty energy, monopoly, and worker abuse. Stand against Amazon’s worker abuse by signing this petition.

We are excited to be recognized by our partners WE ACT at the Advancing a Just Transition Gala. Join us to support their incredible work.

For over 30 years, WE ACT has been at the forefront for fighting for environmental justice in New York City. That is why ALIGN is proud to have our Executive Director, Maritza Silva-Farrell honored at the WE ACT 2020 Gala: Advancing a Just Transition. It has been ALIGN’s commitment  to create green jobs for those most affected by climate change, and we are privileged to have an incredible organization like WE ACT to fight alongside us for an economy that works for the people and our planet. You can help support this incredible organization here.

Meet Lynda Nguyen, our new Research and Strategy Analyst!

As you can see, there is a lot of work to do. That is why we are growing our team and incredibly proud to have Lynda joining ALIGN as our new Research and Strategy Analyst.  Lynda started doing movement work within the Vietnamese refugee community in DC around housing justice and language access. Prior to ALIGN, Lynda was the Senior Manager of Community Organizing and Public Advocacy at the New York City Anti-Violence Project, where she supported queer and trans survivors of violence. Lynda has already begun her work at ALIGN and has been focusing on the NY HERO Act and the Climate and Community Stimulus Platform. Welcome Lynda!

We are growing our team.  Check out the career opportunities below:

- Director of Finance and Operations

- Strategic Research and Policy - Climate Initiatives

Take Action

ALIGN is honored to work with many organizations that are committed to climate and economic justice.  Here are some action steps to help their incredible work:

Make the Road NY: Join the call  to urge Governor Cuomo to immediately establish a $3.5 billion fund to ensure that excluded workers get the relief they need to survive this crisis.

District Council 37: Tell NY State Leadership to Stop Harmful Layoffs of NYC Essential Workers!

NY Renews: You can take action with NY Renews for a plan to create good, green jobs, invest in communities hit hardest by Covid, pollution, and the climate crisis, and to get our state to 100% renewable economy.

NYSNA: Nurses are being forced to take on 9, 10, or more patients at once. That's too many.  NYSNA is fighting for a law to set safe staffing ratios. 

Jobs to Move America: New Yorkers need long-term solutions that spur a Covid-19 recovery, invest in racial justice, and combat the climate crisis. One such solution is on its way in the form of a legislative package called Green Transit, Green Jobs. Learn more about Green Transit, Green Jobs bills here. 

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