We teamed up with Women’s Voices for the Earth, Clean & Healthy New York, and the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter on a report that highlights ingredients in period products for the first time. These products are used on and in highly sensitive and absorptive parts of our bodies, which makes understanding the potential chemical exposures associated with their use all the more important - especially among people of color, who face disproportionate levels of toxic exposure. Learn more and read the report here.
Vote for WE ACT's Membership Planning Committee
At our May Membership Meeting, you all had a chance to meet the candidates for our Membership Planning Committee (watch the video replay here). And you can learn more about the candidates here. Once you have had a chance to get to know these candidates, we encourage you to cast your vote here. Our Membership Planning Committee serves a leadership role in our membership and does a lot of the work planning and preparing for our Membership Meetings and other events. The committee also works toward more effective communication between the membership body and staff and helps set goals for membership participation.
Peggy Shepard to Speak at a Moral Call for Peace & Climate Justice
Peggy Shepard will be among the speakers at Dayenu’s free interfaith event at 5:00 PM on Sunday, May 22 at the Marble Collegiate Church (Fifth Avenue & West 29th Street) to urge our leaders to pursue peace, good jobs, justice, and a rapid and equitable transition to clean energy for all. It will be livestreamed on their Facebook channel. Learn more and reserve your spot here.
LJ Portis on the Waterfront Alliance's Youth Climate Movement Panel
LJ Portis will be part of a panel discussing the youth climate movement on Tuesday, May 24 at 11:20 AM as part of the Waterfront Alliance’s 2022 Waterfront Conference. Tune in to learn how the youth movement can work together to meet the expectations placed on their collective shoulders. Learn more here.
Workshop to Report Truck Idling
On Thursday, May 26 at 6:30 PM we will have a virtual workshop to help you better understand New York City’s Citizens Air Complaint Program, which enlists the help of New Yorkers in identifying trucks that are illegally idling, and how you can get compensated for participating. RSVP here.
Too Hot to Handle: Webinar Addressing Extreme Heat in NYC
Join us on Wednesday, June 1 at 12:00 PM for this comprehensive webinar on extreme heat, the deadliest impact of climate change, on the residents of Northern Manhattan, and how you can help address it. We will be presenting the findings from our 2021 Cooling Center Report, based on in-person audits of Northern Manhattan’s cooling centers, along with our 2022 Heat Plan, which includes policy and strategy recommendations to proactively prepare New Yorkers for rising temperatures and mitigate the corresponding health risks. RSVP here.
Help Get Harlem Ready for Climate Change
Tune in on Saturday, June 4 at 10:00 AM for a webinar on how to prepare for this summer’s extreme weather events fueled by the climate crisis, including heatwaves and flooding. Learn more here.
Help Clean Up Harlem
Join us for Team Up to Clean Up on Saturday, June 25 at 10:00 AM as we come together to tackle trash in our community. Read about it in Harlem World Magazine and sign up here. Cleaning supplies will be provided. And we thank West Harlem Development Corporation for funding this event!
Sonal Jessel was quoted in People’s World on the importance of the cumulative impacts bill being passed by the New York State legislature. And Jasmine Graham was among the voices calling attention to the utility debt crisis in Inside Climate News.
Environmental Racism in the South Bronx Come Learn & Get Involved with South Bronx Unite
The South Bronx is one of New York City’s epicenters for pollution. Children there are twice as likely to be hospitalized for asthma and more likely to die from asthma than other U.S. children. Join our friends South Bronx Unite this Saturday, May 21 at 11:00 AM to discuss environmental racism in the South Bronx, learn about projects to address air pollution, and share your feedback on zero-emission trucks to reduce pollution, job trainings for green jobs that pay well, E-bike subsidies for delivery workers, and electric vehicle charging stations. They will also be offering free health screenings and health education (no ID required). The event will be held at 349 East 140th Street in the Bronx. Contact Ashley at South Bronx Unite with questions.
New Yorkers Can Get Help with Cooling
As you may recall from a few newsletters back, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul expanded eligibility for and accessibility to cooling assistance through Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). This is something we’ve been advocating for because extreme heat is the deadliest impact of climate change, and people of color are far more likely to be harmed by it. Click here to learn more, see if you are eligible, and apply for these funds.
Get Affordable Internet Access via NYC Program
In addition, New York City has a program where you can save up to $30 per month on internet service. Click here to learn more about the program and see if you are eligible.
Arts & Jazzfest NYC Returns!
Mark your calendar for the return of Arts & Jazzfest NYC this summer. Head to Governor’s Island on Saturdays June 4, July 23, and August 13 from 1:00-6:00 PM. Artist, educator, and Arts & Jazzfest NYC Founder (and WE ACT member) Gwen Black is the force behind this annual festival, celebrating its 19th year. And on Friday, June 10, she is hosting the 6th annual Visual Arts Jazz Day, which is an intergenerational celebration of music and art. That will be at the Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park at 145th Street from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Learn more here.
