ACLU

Quick Actions – Take Three Minutes Right Now to Resist!

Quick, easy ways to take action and resist right now:

piaraymond.jpgCall and email your state and national congresswomen and men. Don’t know who they are? Go to Find My Senator and Find Your Representative or just do a quick Google search. You can email or leave messages about specific bills and issues, or you can be more general and say something like, “I am urging you to vote for more money for public schools.” If this still seems daunting, follow me on Facebook for regular updates on specific reasons and ways to make calls/send emails.

Use the Resist bot – text RESIST to 50409 to contact your officials. “You’ll be prompted to provide your name, zip code, and a message you’d like to send to your senators. Once you’re happy with your message, Resistbot will format it to look professional and fax it to both of your senators.” (Thanks Aviva Buivid of #100Daysofgoodstuff for the tip – check out her site if you’re looking for some hope right now).

Share your ideas, opinions and ways to resist on social media. Don’t fall into the trap of keeping politics off your Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Snapchat feeds. This is exactly where politics should be. We need to unite and spread the word, and this format makes it easy. Tip: When you want to share someone else’s post on your Facebook feed, copy/paste the message instead of using the sharing button – it reaches more people this way.

Get educated. Know your rights and spread this info. Knowledge is power.

Donate! Pick whatever organization you want (like Planned ParenthoodACLU, American Refugee Committee – you’ve got a plethora of choices when it comes to organizations under attack right now!), go to their website, and give some money. Even just $10 helps.

Host a fundraiser. If you’re an artist of any kind, turn your next gig into a way to support an organization you can get behind. The NYCLU even has a DIY kit! Obviously this takes more than three minutes, but it’s worth your time, it’s fun, and you’ll feel good afterward, I promise.

Participate in local elections. Do a quick Google search on your local government and candidates. Find one you like, support him/her, and vote in your local elections. Your voice is louder at this level and you’ll directly see more of the effects of your vote. If you’re in Brooklyn, let me make this even easier for you: vote Pia Raymond for City Council (pictured)She’s a badass activist, organizer, social worker, and mama, and she’s exactly what our government at all levels needs more of.

Stay strong and keep it up! We’ve had some important victories so far, including the latest Supreme Court ruling that shut down Muslim Ban 2.0, and there are only many more to come. 

“Home Grown” Was a Blast – The Resistance Is Strong!

What an inspiring and motivating night! Many thanks to poet Terence Degnan, novelist Nora Fussner, blues/rock band JSanti, and folk/country group Brotherhood of the Jug Band Blues for killin’ it this past Saturday, and to Sidewalk for having us. And thanks to all of YOU for supporting us artists and the NYCLU! We raised over $200, wooo! Stay strong, ya’ll, and check back every Friday for a new post + info on all the happenings with The Brooklyn Players Reading Society.

The BPRS Presents “Home Grown”- An NYCLU Fundraiser @ Sidewalk Cafe on Sat, March 4th!

The BPRS Presents “Home Grown” – An NYCLU Fundraiser at Sidewalk Cafe, Saturday, March 4th, 6-9 pm, $10+ suggested donation! All proceeds go to the NYCLU!

untitled-by-anthony-finePhoto by Anthony Fine

Join us on Saturday, March 4th at Sidewalk Cafe (94 Avenue A) for a night of words and music featuring poet Terence Degnan, novelist Nora Fussner, singer/songwriter John Santiago, rock/poetry duo The Brooklyn Players Reading Society (that’s us!), and folk/country group Brotherhood of the Jug Band Blues. Literary door prizes, too!

In light of the recent executive order telling refugees, immigrants, and even legal green card holding residents that America is no longer their home, the reading portion of the night will revolve around the question, “What is home?” We’ll also provide you with resources and ways to join the resistance so that you’ll leave ready to act.

$10+ suggested donation – all proceeds go to the New York Civil Liberties Union!

Come share ideas, enjoy some art, and get motivated. RSVP on Facebook! #artistsresist

There’s more great music after our show so please stick around! Blues band Victor V. Gurbo goes on at 9, followed by The Line Up, a hip-hop/soul/rock showcase presented by CPP and The Band Called FUSE. Hosted by Silent Knight. (Read: dance party!)

Please note that Sidewalk has a two item minimum (including delicious food, beer, wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks).