Upcoming Action Opportunities - Open Letter from Joyce Elliott

Dear Friends -- I hope you will join Cindy and me at these upcoming events:

1. The Albany Inaugurate Resistance March on Saturday January 21 from 4 to 5:30 PM. This will be the biggest, most unified local action on the day after the presidential inauguration. This is a sister event to the national march in Washington D.C. We stand together in support of the many vulnerable and intersecting communities who have been targeted by the incoming administration. There will be workshops at 12:30 and 2 PM on community organizing at 155 Washington Ave (1199/SEIU Building). The march begins at 4 PM at 155 Washington Ave and ends at the West Capital Park at the NYS Capitol with a rally and speak out. For more information, see Inaugurate Resistance on Facebook. 

FYI, a group called Saratoga Unites has been formed to bring together residents and organizations from our region to take action to stop racism, bigotry and inequality. An initial meeting held on Sunday the 14th at the Parting Glass drew over 200 people. A variety of break out groups were formed. An LGBT group, convened by Reverend Joy Block, will meet again on Sunday January 22 at 4:30 PM, location to be announced. For more information, join the Saratoga Unites group on Facebook. 

2. The Winter Party for Planned Parenthood Mohawk Hudson (PPMH) on Saturday January 28 from 6:30 to 9:30 PM at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame at 191 Union Ave in Saratoga. This fundraiser is an elegant cocktail party just when we need one. Open bar, music by The Sheiks of Third Street, silent auction, wine raffle, and delicious, hearty hors d'oeuvres by our dear friend Kim Klopstock of the Lily and the Rose. The cost is $75 for return guests and $50 for first-timers. Please register online at http://weblink.donorperfect.com/TWP2017.   

3.  Family Planning Advocates (FPA) Annual Day of Action on Monday, January 30 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. Beginning at 10 AM, we will rally with over 1,000 supporters. Speakers will include Cecile Richards, President and CEO of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, possibly Governor Andrew Cuomo, NYS legislators and community leaders. The afternoon will feature workshops on community organizing and lobbying at the legislature. If you register in advance, a box lunch and a vibrant pink scarf are included. Register at familyplanningadvocates.com.    

The two Planned Parenthood events support reproductive justice and health care for youth, women, men, the LGBTQQ community, and others who typically have no other access to the health care -- of any kind -- they need.  

As Chair ofthe Board for Planned Parenthood Mohawk Hudson, I can tell you the communities we serve are the same communities we march for on the 21st. The need for what we do is greater than ever, as is the threat to shut us down. Please stand with us all and with Planned Parenthood!  

My very best wishes to you in 2017 -- Joyce