That Seasonal Holiday Song “Sleigh Bells Ring.. Are You Listening, in the lane Snow is Glistening“, is a changing to “Climate Change is Happening, without Action the Earth is Melting” and we know, it’s not a beautiful sight! World Leaders are headed to Paris for The 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP 21 or CMP 11 which is being held in Paris from November 30 to December 11 to make major agreements to save the our land, seas and air. The movements have grown across the world .. the “Climate Deniers” have lowered their rhetoric and for one 12 day period the fate of our world rests in their hands.
Today, we (NWSOFA Climate Change Team and members of our chapter along with Climate groups in the Northern Suburbs came together in Palatine to March, to participate, to show solidarity with the Paris Climate Change march, which while canceled due to security reasons was held in cities across the world. It was fun and it was something spectacular. Last month we talked about what to do with the extra 1 hour that we received as we moved the clocks back.. Several times this month we really spent that hour well. We used that found 60 minutes again and again by taking ACTION: 1) Save the world by altering the devastating effects of Climate Change, 2) Ensure Equality for all, 3) Stop the senseless gun violence in the US, 3) Provide Healthcare for all as a right of all our Citizens, 4) Make sure the women in our lives: wives, daughters and grand daughters are paid the same for equal work, 5) Break some Glass Ceilings, 6) Help students and new voters understand the political process and 7) Make Comprehensive Immigration Reform a reality.
As we celebrate the Holidays, think what you can do to make a difference. Maybe you can’t break away for 60 minutes on a Sunday afternoon, but, you can make 60 phone calls to people like you and get them involved. in 60 minutes you can call all the state and national legislatures in your area and go “on the record” for your you expect them to do achieve those 7 above goals, in 60 minutes you can write a letter to the editor or several state and local papers, in 60 minutes you can attend one our our 8 Issue teams and learn what can be done to change the world we live in, in 60 minutes you can create action and add your voices to the progressive issues that are so important to the future for the US and it’s citizens.
As you read down past all the events what WILL happen in December (especially the first two weeks), take a look at what Did Happen over the last month and was accomplished as a Chapter by NWSOFA in November. It’s awesome! Every team, team Lead and Co-Lead has surrounded themselves with highly dedicated team-mates. The results are captured in the photograph’s, the Tweets and the “Energy”. It’s fun to be part of ACTION on behalf of the progressive movement.
It’s Time to Get up, off the Couch or the Easy Chair and Stop yelling at the TV (Faux news) and Make a Difference.
Reading below .. you will see that YOU are invited to celebrate the Holiday’s with the NWSOFA Chapter at Kathy Carters house in Arlington Heights on December 15th and also to join OFA members at the Chicago HQ Holiday Event on December 10th. (Details below).
Join the NWSOFA Team as we continue to move our social issues forward this Fall…
Sara & Bill
NWSOFA is Action..
in 2013 we Found our Voices..
in 2014 we Amplified our Voices..
in 2015 we added More Voices to our Community
for Social Change
We sometimes FORGET how Powerful a Force We are….
and that Creating Social Change is a PROCESS not a Destination!
Your Invited to Attend the Free Screening of the
NWSOFA Stand w/Women
“Empowerment Project”
Movie Night
Friday, December 4, 2015 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
To see the full Brochure from OFA COI and NWSOFA Click on the Image Above
Arlington Hts. Library
500 N Dunton Ave
Arlington Heights, IL60004
2nd floor Meeting / Film Screening …
Hendricksen Room
We are screening a film, the Empowerment Project, and hosting a panel of local, successful women to engage and inspire women and men alike to feel like their gender does not limit their options and potential success.
NWSOFA ‘s Chapter was selected to be
one of five Chapters (of 250) nationwide to show
the “Empowerment Project Screening”.
Critical to See… Important to Know ..
Bring your family for a fun Friday movie night!
“NWSOFA & OFA stands with women-from expanding women’s leadership and economic security to protecting health care choices.”
So our volunteers on the ground reach targeted communities where health insurance education and ACA education are low.
General Information on the ACA OPEN ENROLLMENT
NWSOFA’s goals for the 3rd ACA enrollment period. This ACA enrollment period will be November 1, 2015 — January 31, 2016, with 3 important deadlines:
December 15th: deadline for coverage to begin January 1, 2016
January 1st: deadline for coverage to begin February 1, 2016
January 31st: deadline for coverage to begin March 1, 2016
OFA will have three key roles during this enrollment period:
Gather stories touting the success and benefits of the ACA
Collaborate with national and local partners in the health care service and enrollment space.*
Utilizing chapters and volunteers on the ground to reach target communities where health insurance education and ACA education are low.
*Note: Neither OFA nor volunteers on behalf of OFA should be participating in the actual enrollment of people. This is the same as in the previous enrollment periods.
Please Join Us for the December 9th Gun Violence Vigil
December 14th, 2015 is the third anniversary of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Over the past three years, other terrible incidents have repeatedly and tragically been in the news, but gun violence isn’t limited to a few high-profile events. Every year, 30,000 people are killed by a gun in this country. Congress has failed to act, but we are making progress on this issue. Vast majorities of Americans support common-sense gun safety legislation, and we have passed important measures at the state level. But we must do more to show our dedication to this issue, and to ensure that it is no longer ignored.
Our partners at the Newtown Foundation are hosting vigils across the country in the days leading up the anniversary — to show our solidarity with the victims and families who have been affected by gun violence, and recommit ourselves to working to end gun violence in America.
#EndGunViolence
NWSOFA Gun Violence Prevention Team Action Event – 2015 National Vigil to #EndGunViolence in Partnership with Newtown Foundation, Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence and Everytown Survivor Engagement Network
Northwest Suburbs Organizing for Action is partnering with a local, non-denominational, religious community, to stage an interfaith, candlelight vigil to #EndGunViolence in commemoration of the third anniversary of the Sandy Hook School tragedy, as well as the 90,000 American victims of gun violence who have been killed since December 2012.
The vigil will be part of a nationwide tribute also in partnership with the Newtown Foundation, Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence and Everytown Survivor Engagement Network. This event will take place from 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Wednesday, December 9, 2015, at the Living Faith Cathedral Worship Center Church located at 2367 North Quentin Road, Palatine, IL.
Please join us and help shine a light on the dark shadow of gun violence in America. Your presence at the vigil on December 9th will help give a voice to the tens of thousands of victims and survivors of gun violence and allow you to play a vital part to help #EndGunViolence in across our nation. Light refreshments will be served following the vigil.
Who: Northwest Suburbs Organizing for Action (a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization with a focus on progressive political change) in partnership with Living Faith Cathedral Worship Center Church, Newtown Foundation, Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence and Everytown Survivor Engagement Network
What: an interfaith, candlelight vigil to #EndGunViolence
Where: Living Faith Cathedral Worship Center Church, 2367 North Quentin Road, Palatine, IL
When: Wednesday, December 9, 2015, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm with light refreshments following the vigil
Why: To remember the 30,000 victims of gun violence in America who lose their lives each year (90,000 since Sandy Hook), to give each of them a voice and to stand with the survivors to demonstrate our dedication and commitment to help #EndGunViolence across our nation. We are holding this vigil to also reinforce the fact that gun violence affects all people regardless of age, income, location, religion and race.
To RSVP to Newtown Candelight Rally.. Click here!
“In Review: a Wild Ride in November .. Lots of Well Attended Events“
NWSOFA Climate Change Team Participated in the:
Climate March in Palatine, 11/29!!
At the Palatine Village Square
in Palatine and rallied for in support of:
The Paris climate talks (COP21)
Friends and Fellow March Organizers:
In an attempt to keep some momentum going here in the NW ‘burbs in the fight against climate change, I registered a climate march in Palatine for Sunday, Nov. 29. This is a “KISS” event — no meetings required, no fancy logistics needed. People just show up (or not) at ~1:00 p.m. and walk (or stand) carrying signs for about an hour. We may do some chanting, if there are enough of us.
I wanted us (here in the ‘burbs) to again answer a call for a global march (as we did back in October). This march is in support of the opening of the Paris talks, and now I feel it is more important than ever, because the big march that was to be held in Paris has been cancelled, due to security concerns.
Please publicize this through your friends and e-mail lists, etc. I don’t expect a huge crowd, but I will feel it is a big success if we can get ~20 people to come. It’s too early to know what the weather will be like, but I’m resolved to be there, regardless (even if it’s miserable, like today!).
People can read about the march details (and RSVP) in two places:
Meet at the Palatine Village square (Smith St. & Palatine Rd.) at 1:00 p.m. and rally for an hour or so with signs and banners in support of the Paris climate talks (COP21). There’s plenty of parking in the area, but it is suggested that small groups of people walk (march) to the square from all directions, carrying signs.
One group will walk from Countryside Church (1025 N. Smith St.), south down Smith St., starting at about 12:30 p.m.. Others may self-organize to arrive walking north on Plum Grove, or east or west along Palatine Road. This could give the event a little bit of a “flash-mob” feel, with different cohorts arriving from different directions. Walk a mile or a couple of blocks.
So make a sign and come join us!! We can do some chanting in the square, and show solidarity with those marching in Paris. Hope to see you there!
This event is part of the Global Climate March. On November 30th, world leaders meet in Paris to start negotiating the next global climate deal. That’s why, the day before, people around the world will take to the streets and push leaders at every level of government to commit to 100% clean energy. Together, we can push the world towards a climate deal that gets us off dirty energy and unleashes clean energy for all. Let’s make history!
++++++++++
75 Folks braved the 40 degree weather .. Marched two (2) miles .. sang songs and listened to a great speech by Dan Huntsa
Highlights of the November 19th GVP Planning Meeting
“those attending want to make a difference”
The November 19th NWSOFA Gun Violence Prevention Planning meeting offered lively discussions and lots of new information. We covered all of the following topics and more:
Information about meetings people from our group have held with local mayors about the proposed state regulations for Gun Dealers
Petitions asking for signatures to show support for the proposed state regulations for Gun Dealers were distributed to everyone at our meeting. We will post the petition on our website for anyone else who would like to help collect signatures.
Possible participation in the 3rd Annual National Vigil for victims of gun violence being sponsored by the Newtown Alliance
Plans to reach out to faith-based groups in 2016 were discussed
Good news seems hard to find at times but we talked about several developments that are encouraging
Midwest Sport Good in Lyon, IL (considered one of the major “Bad Apple” Dealers in the Chicago area has agreed to instate stringent new rules in relation to their gun sales business.
Law enforcement in the Moline, IL area personnel have been collecting FOID cards and some firearms from local residents who have lost their gun owning privileges (for committing felonies etc.)
Public opinion polls U.S. are continuing to show strong support for background checks
Our next meeting will be Thursday January 21, 2015
Corner Bakery Café Arlington Heights at Rand and Palatine Road
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
On Wednesday, November 18th, the College Outreach and CIR team
partnered with Nina Sedeño at
Northwestern University
along with the
Alianza – Latinx Student Alliance
for an immigration education/reform event titled
“The UndocuEducation: A discussion on immigration.”
NWSOFA DO / CIR & ICIRR meet with Northwestern University Students to discuss DACA / DAPA
OFA held it’s first ever Campus Organizing Summit over the summer. It is by far one of the best Campus Organizing Summits in the country. Kym Garnett, NWSOFA College Outreach Co-Lead and Nina Sedeño, Secretary | Alianza – Latinx Student Alliance at Northwestern University, attended the Summit and made a connection immediately and have been working closely on CIR as well as Campus Organizing.
On Wednesday, November 18th, the College Outreach and CIR team partnered with Nina Sedeño at Northwestern University along with the Alianza – Latinx Student Alliance for an immigration education/reform event titled “The UndocuEducation: A discussion on immigration.” There was a presentation on DACA/DAPA by Cindy Murillo from ICIRR (Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights).
Marlene Rivera, CIR Co-Lead, Kym Garnett and Cindy Murillo spoke on the panel before 30 students explaining where the U.S. stands on immigration as of now, an explanation of President Obama’s executive action, Immigration and the upcoming presidential election and how important immigration will be on this event as well as shedding light on Central America and why people are immigrating.
Kym and Marlene also spoke on how OFA is organizing and educating the public on Immigration Reform. Kathy Carter, NWSOFA Social Media Lead, attended the event as well and kept our members and followers up to date on the evenings event.
NWSOFA and the Alianza – Latinx Student Alliance formed a great partnership. Stay tuned for future organizing efforts between the groups.
The NWSOFA’s
Fiscal and Economic Issues
Had a Great Discussion at the November
Discussion Group Meeting On Jobs, Deficit and Debt for the US and Illinois at the November 16th meeting.
Click on Image for Larger Vi
Karl Faulstich lead a great discussion as we moved through the Agenda (link below) and the Data and Graphs (also linked below) from the Bureau of Labor Static’s and the Congressional Budget Office latest data.
Other discussions and Deep Dives: Congress raised the debt ceiling at the end of October so that threat is behind us. They also determined total spending for FY’s 2016 and 2017, but have not yet passed the appropriations bills. Therefore, there is still a small threat of a partial shutdown on December 12th, but it is much less likely. We will be discussing this legislation at our 11/16 meeting, as well as updating jobs data through October. The October numbers will come out Friday, November 6th.
Deep Dives into the BLS Jobs reports, the US Budget and Illinois Jobs and stalled Budget..
October Jobs Gains 271,000
August and September Jobs report had +30,000 new jobs added
We had a good Start and then..the Streaming Broadcast from Paris was canceled due to the Terrorist assault on Paris….
NWSOFA: “24 HOURS” OF
REALITY CLIMATE CHANGE BROADCAST
We will Reschedule as Soon as we know when!!
To Be Rescheduled .. Soon!
What makes this such a special event is that right now we will be having a special viewing of the documentary as world leaders are about to head to Paris to create a global climate agreement.
So 24 Hours of Reality is bringing millions of people together all around the world to send a clear message to our leaders and make sure they take action. EVENT DETAILS: When: Friday November 13, 5 ;00 – 8:00 Where: The Arlington Heights Library, 500 N Dunton Ave, Arlington Hts, IL 60004 Hope to see you there!
Click on the above Image for the full video _ remarks
NWSOFA Leadership Participated in the
OFA Summit Weekend in Washington, D.C. November 7-9th, 2015 With Keynote Speaker President Barack Obama
This year NWSOFA is represented at the OFA Summit, November 7-9th, 2015 in Washington DC by Kym Garnett, Karl Faulstich, Kathy Carter and Bill Davis. Activities include seminars on Organizing skills, Meeting with other Chapter Leaders across the US, Exchanging ideas, and on Monday 11/9, a meeting with the Senior Executives of OFA and the President Obama as he explains the administrations efforts on behalf of the Progressive Issues OFA champions.
Even Boo, the Obama’s dog got into the action Welcoming our Social Media Lead, Kathy Carter during our tour of the White House on Saturday prior to the Summit
Boo knew a friendly face as he ran up to Kathy and rolled over to let Kathy rub his belly.
NWSOFA was pleased to participate in the Harper College Student
Involvement Volunteer Fair.
The NWSOFA College Outreach Team Exhibited a display showing a video promoting all our teams, and publicity for our chapter.
The College Outreach Team explained what OFA is and what we do as a Chapter of OFA.
Great Results.. Over 16 Students signed up to become part of the CO team and expressed interest in getting involved with our other teams.
“Partner November Events”
Great News from Get Covered Enroll
Get Covered Enroll is getting their Call Teams back together every … Every Monday for this short enrollment period from now thru January!
Every Monday night at Panera and Arlington Heights on Rand Road! The Get Covered Enroll Team will be making calls from our cell phones, recording information on the computer, call sheets will be available.
Training starts at 4..calls follow till around 7,or so!
Please RSVP to Chris Ross, cjr60089@gmail, 847-668-4922 or Michael King directly 312 288 5279
Per Chris and Michael…. Hope to see or hear from you one way if you can help this enrollment period!
In January 2013 we started as a gathering of friends and neighbors from the NW Suburbs who wanted to continue to have impact on the progressive issues we voted for in 2012.This grassroots, bottom up movement spread across the country and sparked the creation of Organizing for Action, OFA National which now has Chapters all over the country. This is a non-partisan, volunteer organization that focuses on progressive issues we are committed to taking Action on to make a difference locally, statewide and nationally.
NWSOFA’s 1st Issue Team was right after the tragedy at Sandy Hook. The Gun Violence Prevention (GVP) team felt we needed accurate information and facts, events to teach others and actions we could take to make a difference on pushing for common sense gun violence prevention. That has been our basic format as new issues arose and team developed. We now have the GVP, ACA/Obamacare, Climate Change,Fiscal Issues and Stand with Women Issue Teams.Check out their individual pages to see all the events they have scheduled and to join the teams you want to make a difference with. Other teams are developing such as for Comprehensive Immigration Reform.
OFA National coordinates “Days of Action” that Chapters across the country will all do on the same day. Each team also has local events and may work with affiliate organizations i.e. Sierra Club, Al Gore Reality Project, etc. to combine like-minded groups on a local, state or national event.
In this type of organization there are numerous ways you can be involved with the teams and in other roles.
Thanks for stopping and hope you’ll stay and join us.
Follow NWSOFA on Social Media
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NWSOFA “November Events” In Pictures
NWSOFA Climate Change Rally in Support of the Paris Climate March November 29th, 2015
NWSOFA GVP (Gun Violence Prevention) Focused on Il Gun Dealers State Licensing on Thursday 11/ 19
NWSOFA Diversity Outreach / Comprehensive Immigration Reform Team Meet on Wednesday 11/18 with Students at Northwestern University to explain DACA and DAPA
NWSOFA Fiscal & Economics Team Reviewed the BLS November Report on Monday 11/16
NWSOFA Climate Change 24 Hr.Climate Reality Projects’ “The World is Watching”
NWSOFA Attendees at a the “White House” Before the Weekend Meetings begin
NWSOFA College Outreach Team Exhibits at Harper College Volunteer Fair
November 5th
NWSOFA Receives the
Jim Hightower “Community Organizing Award”
from the Greater Palatine Area Democrats (GPAD)
Matt Flam of GPAD Presents the Award to Members of NWSOFA: Bill Davis, Renee Gladstone, Patrick Watson & Harold Whyte
It’s time to Act .. It Is Time To Get Involved
Over the years the American Citizens have lost their voices, believing that we can not make a difference. We have been beat down by the constant droning noise of the conservative right. This onslaught has made us like sheep .. afraid to express our views. Not anymore! OFA gives us back our voices and by working together we are making change one issue at a time. Together we can and will make a difference.
Just Click on the Photo to link the NWSOFA e-magazines daily & archived articles
Climate’s Changing ..Are You Listening,
In January 2013 we started as a gathering of friends and neighbors from the NW Suburbs who wanted to continue to have impact on the progressive issues we voted for in 2012.This grassroots, bottom up movement spread across the country and sparked the creation of Organizing for Action, OFA National which now has Chapters all over the country. This is a non-partisan, volunteer organization that focuses on progressive issues we are committed to taking Action on to make a difference locally, statewide and nationally.
