Action Alert 1: Rally and support Chicago teachers
Background: On Thursday, the Chicago Teachers Union
voted unanimously to go on strike September 10, unless the school district agrees to a fair contract. The union will continue negotiating, but warns the district's educators are "tired of being bullied, belittled and betrayed." The Chicago Board of Education
wants to add two weeks to the school year and 85 minutes to the school day, eliminate pay increases for seniority, evaluate teachers based on student test scores, among other worrying changes.
Take Action: On Monday September 3, from 10:30 am to 12 pm at Daley Plaza in Chicago, there will be a
Labor Day rally for jobs, dignity and a fair contract. The Chicago Teachers Union also welcomes small donations to its new
CTU Solidarity Fund.
Contact for more info: Chicago Teachers Union, 312-329-9100,
leadership@ctulocal1.com
Action Alert 2: Donate books for prisoners
Background: Since 2006, the all-volunteer group WI Books to Prisoners has sent over 150,000 books to prisoners. They get many requests for U.S. and world history books, urban lit, books by or about African Americans, the sciences, learning to draw, speak Spanish, current affairs, trades of all kinds, and how to start a business. These prisoners are doing what they can to prepare for a successful re-entry to Wisconsin communities, reading to develop skills and abilities so they can live with dignity, help their families and contribute to society.
Take Action: WI Books for Prisoners is in desperate need of book donations. By stipulation of the WI Department of Corrections, donations must be
paperbacks in good condition with
no highlighting, underling or marks of any kind. Donations to cover postage are also gratefully accepted. Books can be dropped off at Rainbow Bookstore at 426 W. Gilman St in Madison or contact WI Books to Prisoners for other options.
Contact for more info: WI Books to Prisoners, 608-233-3170,
camy.matthay@gmail.com
Action Alert 3: Volunteer for peace and justice
Background: As a small, grassroots-based organization, WNPJ relies on the skills, energy and commitment of our volunteers. We recently compiled a list of volunteer needs on
our website, including help with mailings, tabling at events (including Fighting Bob Fest on September 15 in Madison), updating our website and more.
Take Action: View WNPJ's
list of volunteer needs. If there's one that appeals to your interests, skills and availability, please let us know!
Contact for more info: WNPJ, 608-250-9240,
diane@wnpj.org
608-250-9240, Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice, 122 State Street, Suite 405A, Madison, WI 53703, Send an email to the office diane@wnpj.org.