VOP fighting for Healthcare Reform

As most people know, change arises out of dedication and hard work. With this in mind, the members of the UMW chapter of the Virginia Organizing Project have been following these guidelines, along with the rest of the Organization, making strides towards health care reform in the state of Virginia. The UMW chapter is brand new to the Mary Washington campus this semester. The Virginia Organizing Project is a statewide organization that focuses on a variety of issues and was able to team up with the UMW chapter to conduct phone bankings. To read more about VOP and UMW chapter click the link provided below: http://umwbullet.com/2009/11/11/phone-banking-for-healthcare/

Virginia's Ranking

Virginia has consistently excelled in attracting competitive businesses to the state, remaining fiscally sound, and providing a high quality education to its children and young adults. For over 70 years, Virginia has maintained a AAA bond rating. In addition,Virginia is ranked:• #1 state for business [Forbes Magazine ]• #8 nationally in per capita personal income ($42,876 a year in 2008)• Best managed state [Governing Magazine ]Yet, by many measures, Virginia has failed to achieve as much success in the availability and delivery of health care to its citizens. The Commonwealth lags behind many states in maintaining safety net protections and ensuring affordable private insurance options. To learn more click the link provided below:http://www.havcare.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=eJLbYURv8RQ%3d&tabid=928&mid=2150

Virginia Citizens & Health care Providers

Virginia's Medicaid program contributes to cost shifting in the Commonwealth, because it does not provide adequate payment to our hospitals, physicians and nursing homes. This is not a sustainable model. HOSPITALS: Paid $.72 on the Dollar All of Virginia’s hospitals accept Medicaid patients. This year, Medicaid payments to hospitals were reduced. As a result, hospitals are now only compensated $.72 for every dollar of care provided. The graph illustrates the downward trend of underpayments. To learn more about provider information click the link provided below:
http://www.havcare.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=wuzAgSRwL%2bQ%3d&tabid=928&mid=2150

Provider Facts about Health care Insurance

WHAT is cost-shifting?Cost shifting occurs when providers do not receive sufficient payment to cover what it costs them to render treatment, either because their patients are uninsured, or Medicaid payment is too low. This causes them to charge private insurers more than it costs to render treatment, thus “shifting” the cost burden. Cost shifting occurs everyday, in Virginia and nationwide. It is estimated that this added $1,107 to the cost of each family premium, and $368 to the cost of each individual premium throughout the country in 2008.

Importance of Healthcare for Children

Health care insurance is so important for our children. Well-child exams ensure they are developing on schedule and properly immunized. 32% of children without health insurance had no usual source of care in 2007. Uninsured children were also six times more likely to go without needed medical care because they could not afford it. There is a direct connection between health insurance and educational achievement. Uninsured children lose 30% more school days than insured children, resulting in lower academic performance.Currently only 68% of Virginia’s children have private health insurance. Another 8% have military coverage. For more information on health care for children click the provided link below:http://www.havcare.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=gwHtQW3tDvw%3d&tabid=928&mid=2150

Health care for Parents

Health care insurance is important for parents because parents need to remain well and productive so they can effectively raise their children. A study by the Institute of Medicine found that working age Americans without health insurance are more likely to receive too little medical care and receive it too late; and they are more likely to be sicker and die sooner.Parents with health care coverage are more likely to make sure their children obtain preventive and wellness services. Many of Virginia's working low income parents do not have health care insurance. In fact 44% of working, low-income adults in Virginia are uninsured. For more information about health care for parents visit the click provided below:http://www.havcare.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=AnLzzly8efM%3d&tabid=928&mid=2150

Affordable Health Care for America Act Promotes Competition

Insurance reforms and Health Insurance Exchange will promote healthy competition in the market. Affordable Health Care for America Act: · Implements insurance reforms and standardized benefit packages that will require insurers to compete on the basis of price and quality, not on the basis of the medical underwriting of sicker patients. · Establishes the Exchange, a transparent marketplace that replaces today’s dysfunctional small group and individual market, to lower administrative costs and provide incentives to insurers to maintain lower premiums in order to attract millions of Exchange enrollees.· Injects further competitive pressure into the Exchange by adding a public health insurance option in many markets that have little competition. · The public option will be a low cost, transparent insurance option that can exert price pressure on all other plans in the Exchange.

Strengthening Primary Care

Primary care providers can provide lower-cost and higher-quality care for many ailments. Affordable Health Care for America:· Improves payments for family doctors and other primary care providers· Increase training of primary care doctors· Expands Community Health Centers.· Encourages physician training outside the hospital, where most primary care is delivered.

Health Care Reform: Prevention & Wellness Programs

Benjamin Franklin was right- “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Prevention and wellness programs will help Americans live longer, healthier lives, and help reduce the need for more costly treatments of health conditions later in life. Affordable Health Care for America Act:· Eliminates patient co-pays for preventive services in Medicare, Medicaid, and private plan· Creates community-based programs that deliver prevention and wellness services· Creates a new grant program to encourage small employers to develop employee wellness programs· Invests in the science of prevention so that physicians know which preventive treatments work best

Improving Accuracy & Eliminating Waste

In trying to get health care costs under control, it’s important that we know what we-re paying for. That means cracking down on waste, fraud, abuse, and making sure that payments are made accurately and for the right services and coverage. Affordable Health Care for America Act:· Improves screening and requires providers and suppliers to adopt compliance programs as a condition of participating in Medicare and Medicaid· Increase funding for the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Fund to fight Medicare and Medicaid fraud· Eliminates wasteful overpayments to Medicare Advantage plans that increase private plan profits, not patient care· Improves payment accuracy for numerous other providers, following recommendations by the non-partisan Medicare Payment Advisory Commission· Requires drug and device companies to disclose their payments to physicians to reduce excessive utilization of services

More Peace of Mind to put You at Ease

Rate review to prevent insurers from price gouging. Discourages excessive price increases by insurance companies through review and disclosure of insurance rate increases. (2010)Allows individuals to keep their COBRA coverage until the Exchange is up and running. (2010)Immediate help for the uninsured. Creates a fund to finance an immediate, temporary insurance program for those who are uninsurable because of pre-existing conditions. (2010)Provides for a 50% discount on brand-name drugs in the Part D donut hole, and immediately shrinks the size of the donut hole $500 in 2010.

House Care Bill means to You

Lower Costs· No more co-pays or deductibles for preventive care (2013, 2010 for Medicare)· Requires State Medicaid programs to cover preventive services recommended to the Secretary of HHS based on evidence. (2010)· No more rate increases for pre-existing conditions, gender, or occupation (2013)· An annual cap on your out-of-pocket expenses (2013)· Guaranteed, affordable oral, hearing, and vision care for your kids (2013)Stability & Peace of Mind· No more coverage denials for pre-existing conditions. (2013)· Insurers cannot consider pre-existing conditions beyond 30 days. (2010)· The waiting period for excluding certain benefits is reduced from 12 months to 3 months. (2010)

House Democrats Unveil $894 Billion Health Care Bill

The battle over health care reform reached another milestone Thursday as top House Democrats unveiled sweeping legislation that includes a highly controversial public health insurance option. The nearly 2,000-page bill -- a combination of three versions passed by House committees -- would cost $894 billion over 10 years to extend insurance coverage to 36 million uncovered Americans, according to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.However, the bill's total cost, including Medicare changes, is expected to be higher and could push the price tag over $1 trillion, according to an initial CNN analysis. The bill guarantees that 96 percent of Americans have coverage, Pelosi stated. The claim is based on an analysis by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. To learn more about this article click below: http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/10/29/health.care/index.html

Crushed with Cancer & No Insurance

In West Palm Beach, Florida, Leslie Elder's eyelids fluttered open, and through the fog of pain medication, saw the emergency room doctors pull back the curtain in her room. She could tell that the news was bad. They told her she had a tumor in both her left and right kidneys.The words "You have a tumor" were not new to Elder however; her grim financial situation was.Elder had cancer twice before in 1988, when doctors found a tumor in her right breast, and again in 2001, when doctors found one in her left breast; except back then she was insured. By the time she learned that she had kidney cancer in September 2005, she was uninsured.Elder and her husband, Jim, say their health insurance carrier, Nationwide Insurance, forced them into an impossible situation by raising the rates on their policy over several years. Eventually, they were forced to cancel. To learn more about this story click the link provided below:http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/10/13/cancer.insurance.finances/index.html

Small Businesses Support Health care Reform

We’re seeing more and more of Virginia's small businesses demanding their voice be heard on health reform. A recent survey of 200 small businesses in Virginia found that most think health insurance reform is important and most support a public option. The results of the survey are listed below:66 percent said health-care reform is important for getting the economy back on track.46 percent said they pay for health insurance for employees. Of those, 76 percent said they struggle to do so.79 percent support choice of a public or private plan; 13 percent want private-only options; 5 percent prefer only a public option.39 percent identified themselves as Republican, 23 percent as Democrat and 28 percent as independent.59 percent believe their company has a responsibility to offer health coverage to employees.To learn more about this article click link provided below:http://www.virginiainterfaithcenter.org/Default.aspx?tabid=485&EntryID=89

Nursing Home Industry Scares Senior Citizens

An influential Medicare advocacy group has called out a large skilled nursing home corporation for going into its facilities and scaring elderly residents into thinking their healthcare benefits will be worse if health reform provisions in H.R. 3200 are voted into law."The nursing home industry is scaring residents, telling them that healthcare reform will lead to poorer quality of care and the loss of the staff who provide them with essential care each day," says the Center for Medicare Advocacy's senior policy attorney Toby S. Edelman. "This outrageous misinformation campaign must stop." Click link to read article:http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/content/239622/page/1/topic/WS_HLM2_FIN/Nursing-Home-Industry-Frightening-Seniors-Against-Health-Reform-Says-Medicare-Group.html

PRSA lunch-in

On Oct. 28th I experienced a great opportunity to attend the PRSA lunch-in at the Sheraton hotel in Richmond, VA. The special guests for the lunch-in meeting were Tim Marburth and Kimberly Allen. Both speakers had much to say about the Virginia governor election. Although both support different candidates, Marburth for Bob McDonnell and Allen for Creigh Deeds, they encouraged everyone to go out and vote on November 3rd. Before the two ended their speeches, what I found most interesting were the social media tools they mentioned. Allen mentioned a social media tool called Google docks. Allen also added that the social media tool of radio helped Obama during the 2008 presidential election. Allen said it was wise tactic for radio waves to push the get out and vote efforts during drive times of commuting.

Health care @ VSU

On Thursday Oct. 22 the NOW! group held a forum in the basement of Byrd Residence Hall. The purpose of the forum was to bring awareness of Healthcare Reform to students of Virginia State University. VOP representative, Cathy Woodson, and SGA President, Cassandra Campbell, spoke to interested VSU students who wanted to gain more insight about the needed attention that this Healthcare reform needs. During the course of the forum, group members from NOW! conducted surveys as well as having the students participate in the phone banking.

Social and the Radio

The Men of New Water Organization, Inc. had a social on the VSU campus in the Trojan Corner of Foster Hall on Oct. 20th at 7p.m. There was a great turn out and I had a chance to perform a musical piece in memory of my mother Nicole Barber entitled Blind. In addition to the soical I had the pleasure of performing on the VSU radio station 91.3 WVST. I had alot of fun today and hope that it only continues. For more information on New Water events visit our website at www.newwater97.spruz.com

New Water Peace Walk

The Men of New Water Organization, Inc hosted a peace walk on the Virginia State University campus on October 19th at 5pm. The peace walk started at Virginia Hall and ended at the VSU fountain with the release of black and silver balloons into the air after a prayer of peace. The peace walk was the first event to begin Water Week. For more information about The Men of New Water Organization, Inc. click link below:
http://www.newwater97.spruz.com/

VOP Racial Profiling Campaign Update

Racial profiling and other biased policing practices are issues of concern to people of color around the Commonwealth. African-American, Latino, South Asian and other groups are concerned about this issue every time they drive a car, and even more so when their children begin to drive. Racial profiling is the result of patterns, often unconscious, that are in the minds of law enforcement officers before they even begin their careers, and that current training is not enough to get rid of. To learn more about racial profiling click the link below: http://www.virginia-organizing.org/campaign/racial_profiling_update.php

Over 500 Groups Demand End To Local Immigration Checks

Since taking office, the Obama Administration has been doing a carefully choreographed dance with both sides of the immigration debate in an attempt to place itself in a "sweet spot" where it believes it will be able to appease all concerned parties when the thorny issue of immigration reform finally moves up the legislative agenda. http://migramatters.blogspot.com/2009/09/over-500-groups-demand-end-to-local.html

Rural Virginians talk health care to Congress

Rural Virginians cleared the air about their position on health-care reform at the “Rural Issues in Health Care Reform” congressional briefing hosted this week by Reps. Tom Perriello (D-Va.) and Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.). Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) and Rep. Steve Kagen (D-Wis.) also spoke at the briefing. http://augustafreepress.com/2009/10/02/rural-virginians-talk-health-care-to-congress/

Virginia Lags in Restoration of Felons' Civic Rights

Convicted felons in Virginia who want their rights back must petition the governor in what can be a lengthy process. Once they are out of prison and off probation, there's a waiting period of three years for nonviolent offenders and five years for violent offenders and drug dealers.Although the governor has the power to restore most civil rights, felons still are prohibited from owning a gun. Once someone has his other rights restored by the governor, he can ask a circuit court judge for permission to have a gun. Restoring the rights of felons is left to the sole discretion of the governor, and the number of such actions has varied widely from administration to administration. Click link below to learn more about this story: http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/218048

2009 Virginia Votes

The 2009 VirginiaVoting information gives Virginians all the needed information for deadlines, election information,voters’ rights and responsibilities, regaining voting rights after a felony conviction and your local voter registration offices. In addition, the guide is filled with issues that affect you and fellow Virginians. We’re all in this together so check out more about Virginia Votes 2009 handbook! http://www.virginia-organizing.org/voterg.pdf

1 Million awarded to VSU

Virginia State University has been awarded a $1 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to study the effectiveness of interventions on the mathematics performance of minority middle and high school students. The goal is to increase participation of minorities within the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The three-year initiative, to be led by Dr. Oliver Hill, chair of the department of psychology, will promote partnerships between VSU and local school districts, while developing pedagogical modules to develop students’ capabilities to perform successfully in the targeted STEM areas. To learn more about this grant and its components click link below: http://www.vsu.edu/pages/2662.asp?item=12666

Career Fair at VSU

There is a career fair going on the Virginia State University campus today from 10am to 3:30pm in the Daniel's Gym. I think it's great that students have the chance to speak with companies that are offering full time positions and internships. Sadly I wish there were more positions or companies present in the field of Mass Communications. Every company and business deals with communications and public relations yet many of the companies I encountered today deal with retail or education. Most of these companies hire outside sources to take care of there marketing and advertising instead of doing it "in house". Man I really hope I can break into my field because I am seriously not trying to settle for less. Well here's to the future

Facts about the Men of New Water Inc.

Where was the Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated founded?

The Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated was founded on the Virginia State University campus by twenty-three founders in 1997.


How diverse are the members of the Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated?

The Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated has members from the states of New York, New Jersey, District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alaska and the country of Thailand.

What are some of the signature events of the Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated?

Signature events for the Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated are Dance Fever, The All-White, Poetry Night and the Miss New Water Pageant.

What are the official colors of the Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated?

The official colors of the Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated are black and silver.

What is the motto for the Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated?

The motto for the Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated is “Until the Well Runs Dry”

Programs for the Men of New Water Inc.

Freshmen Meetings: The Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated each semester holds one freshmen meeting per month. The purpose of freshmen meetings are to introduce the Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated to incoming freshmen men and to establish a support system for incoming freshmen to adapt to the college environment.

Male meeting workshops: The Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated once a month holds an all male meeting workshop. Each workshop addresses different topics for self motivation and self-improvement. Some of our workshop topics include time management, conflict resolution, team cooperation and stress management.


Food Drive: Twice a year the Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated holds a food drive called “Feed the Famished” usually during the thanksgiving holiday. Two families from the Petersburg community are identified and given canned goods, turkey, a dessert and juices. The rest of the food gathered from the food drive is donated to soup kitchens and the Salvation Army.

School Supplies Drive: The Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated cares about our youth. At the beginning of each school year, a school supplies drive is conducted to help local elementary students afford books, writing utensils and other scholastic items needed to assist them with their education.

Domestic violence: The Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated is firmly against all acts of violence especially domestic. For this reason, each semester our organization holds a forum on domestic violence and prevention.

New Water Highway Clean-ups: The Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated is rooted in the community. One of our most productive and featured community services is our highway clean-ups. Grove Street located in historic Old Towne Petersburg is cared for and maintained by the Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated.

Lobbying and Politics

The lobbyist enters the dark, smoke-filled room with pockets full of cash. The fat politician waits with a greedy grin, ready to vote for a sweet deal for the power behind the lobbyist. We’ve all seen this in the cartoons in the newspaper. Sometimes that picture is not so far from the truth. But lobbying is not quite that simple. We all know our political system directly affects our economic system. But how does lobbying fit in? The answer depends on your understanding of economics. There are many functions of lobbying such as free market and conflict theory. For more information on lobbying and our poliitical system click link below:
http://www.virginia-organizing.org/articles/lobbying.php

Payday Lending Fact Sheet

The payday lender must give you at least two pay periods to repay your loan.
If you are paid weekly or more often, the payday lender must give you at least 14 days to repay your loan. If you are paid every two weeks, your minimum loan term is 28 days. If you are paid twice a month, your minimum loan term is 31 days. If you are paid monthly or use your monthly benefit payments to get your loan, your minimum loan term is 62 days.
A payday lender cannot make a loan to you if you already have an unpaid loan from any payday lender. For more information on your rights when borrowing money visit
http://www.virginia-organizing.org/magazine/fall08_what.php

VOP in Southwest Virginia

Knocking on thousands of doors in one summer can really help change some power dynamics in the state of Virginia. Southwest Virginia VOP members are already seeing this new dynamic in action as they meet, and schedule meetings with, local elected officials this fall. Legislators have been much quicker to return calls to schedule the meetings and have been very interested in what thousands of people VOP talked to in their districts are saying are the major community issues. VOP members and allies have already had meetings with Senator Phillip Puckett in Russell County and Delegate Anne Crockett-Stark in Wytheville to talk about the summer project, local issues, and our statewide campaigns on health care and car title lending. For more information about VOP’s organizing in Southwest Virginia contact Brian Johns at bjohns@virginia-organizing.org or (276) 619-1920
http://www.virginia-organizing.org/magazine/fall08_southern.php

Men of New Water Inc.

The Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated is an all male organization which brings forth a big brother form of guidance to all undergraduate and graduate students at Virginia State University. I am proud to announce that the Men of New Water Organization, Inc. can now be found online. I encourage everyone to come and learn more about this fantastic organization. http://www.newwater97.spruz.com

Just the Facts

The Virginia Organizing Project, VOP, is a statewide multi-issue citizens' organization committed to challenging injustice by empowering people in local communities to address issues that affect the quality of their lives.

What type of issues does the Virginia Organizing Project campaign for?

The Virginia Organizing Project campaigns on issues of child care, economic security, education, environment, health care, immigrants and worker rights, leadership development, youth, racism, sexual orientation discrimination and voter registration and mobilization.

How long has the Virginia Organizing Project been an existence?

Since 1995, VOP has intentionally involved people who have never participated in working for change alongside those with many years of experience. VOP is intentionally diverse in its leadership development, and attempts to cultivate democratic skills amongst people who, regardless of differences in race, gender, class, sexual orientation, age, occupation, religion, geographic location or ability, believe in the importance of working through local, grassroots communities to ensure a better quality of life for all Virginia's residents.

What is the Virginia Organizing Projects’ motto?

“Real People, Dealing with Real Problems, Working for Real Solutions”

What other type of projects does the Virginia Organizing Project conduct?

The Virginia Organizing Project has entered into a Joint Plan of Work with a wide variety of organizations in the following areas: Environment, Human Rights, Transportation and Community Support.

How does one learn more about the Virginia Organizing Project?
The Virginia Organizing Project website is www.virginia-organizing.org. The Virginia Organizing Project also has a blog site at www.virginiaorganizing.blogspot.com.

Health Care Reform Awareness at VSU

The Virginia Organizing Project along with Virginia State University Mass Communication students will host a health care reform awareness campaign on the VSU campus during the month of October. The health care reform campaign will begin with a health care forum on October 14, 2009 in the basement of Byrd Hall at eight p.m.
The purpose of this health care reform campaign is to create awareness among Virginia State University students, faculty and staff about health care reform and to increase support of the public health insurance plan. The public health insurance plan is the only way to control costs, ensure quality and force private insurance companies to finally put our health before their profits. The week will conclude with a health care reform walk, phone banking and conducting surveys around the VSU campus testing students’ knowledge on health care.

Extending School Days?

This week President Obama proposed that American school children need to extend their time in class or spending less time during summer vacations. For this generation of students to remain competitive with their international peers as adults, they need to start spending more time in school. I am not oppose to the idea of extending school days or cutting summer vacation time for students. My issue is whether the American people (tax payers) can afford to fund it. Health care, the banking industry, auto industry etc are all coming out of the pockets of tax payers. It's a great and noble idea to help further our children's education but I don't think the money is there. If a cost efficient way is proposed to do this than I am for it but if not Obama we have to take one matter at a time. To learn more about Obama's proposal for extending school days click the link below: http://www.ask.com/bar?q=extending+school+days&page=1&qsrc=178&ab=0&title=Obama+Proposes+Longer+School+Days+%7C+Edu+in+Review+Blog&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eduinreview.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F03%2Fobama-proposes-longer-school-days-extended-school-year%2F

VOP Upcoming Events

The Virginia Organizing Project has many events scheduled during the months of October and November. On October 1st in Washington, D.C. there will be a Rural Health Reform dialogue with 5th District Congressman Tom Perriello. The Urban Rural Learning Linkage Living Institute International will provide help with transportation for volenteers interested in attending. On November 6th at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville there will be a Social Justice Bowl VI. This is a community-building soup and bread supper and those who attend receive handcrafted bowls made by local potters. This is a fun event which honors people who have done excellent social justice work in our community. For more information on VOP upcoming events, click link here: http://www.virginia-organizing.org/calendar.php

Virginia Organizing Project Motto

“Real People, Dealing with Real Problems, Working for Real Solutions” is the motto of the VOP. We believe that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity in all aspects of life, regardless of race, class, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, ability or country of origin.
We believe that every person in the Commonwealth is entitled to a living wage and benefit package that is sufficient to provide the basic necessities of life, including adequate housing, a nutritious diet, proper child care, sound mental and physical health care, and a secure retirement. We believe that every person is entitled to an equal educational opportunity. Click the link below to learn more about VOP statements of beliefs:
http://www.virginia-organizing.org/principles.php

Racism & Witch Doctors

Former President Jimmy Carter, let the “cat out of the bag” about racism still existing in America; some might say due to the harsh treatment the president has been facing. News flash for those who did not know, racism has always been in America and it will not go away for a black president. Sorry to ruin it for those who thought it would. I’ve seen some harsh pictures of the president. One picture he was a white face joker and the other he was an African witch doctor. I don’t think everyone who disagrees with the president is a racist but what I am clearly saying is racism is embedded in our society whether under the table or at the front door. I found these pictures not only unacceptable but repulsive. We should keep public policy issues the only issues relevant. For the protestors who choose to include these pictures and posters; they do nothing but hurt their cause and furthermore present themselves as fools.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/22/obama-tells-letterman-actually-black-election/?test=latestnews

Mankind becomes an Endangered Species

The issue of climate change is brutally severe for every man, woman and child despite where you are or where you come from. Both our health and safety are in massive jeopardy. Raising sea levels threaten every coast line, powerful storms and floods threaten every continent. There has been an increase in droughts and crops which breed hunger and conflict. There are so many big issues but America and all nations around the world, regardless of how big or small, must band together for this common cause. Worker’s rights, health care reform, predatory lending, education, auto market and Wall Street combined still does not have the potential to destroy the American society and every other nation like climate change. Hey you don’t believe me, then just turn on your television to the news. Better yet let me help you, just click the link: http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/09/22/obama.climate.change/index.html#cnnSTCVideo

Letter to the Editor

Virginia Organzing Project member Tammi Nichols writes a letter to the editor voicing her support for the Employee Free Choice Act.
I am writing to voice my support for the Employee Free Choice Act (S. 560, H.R. 1409) which has recently been reintroduced in Congress. The economic tailspin has put the middle class, our country's backbone, in peril. Rising health care costs, home foreclosures, stagnant wages, and shrinking retirement plans are all taking a huge toll. To revive the economy and rebuild the middle class in the long term, we need to empower workers to bargain for better wages and benefits. The Employee Free Choice Act will do just that - allowing workers to form a union when a majority of them want one. It will also stiffen penalties on employers who harass, intimidate, and fire workers for their support of a union.The Employee Free Choice Act is a critical piece of our economic recovery. I'm confident you'll continue to represent the best interests of workers in your district by supporting it. Scroll down to Employee Free Choice Day of Action. click link: http://sumofchange.com/index.html

Voter Education - Voter Registration - Restoration of Rights

The Virginia Organizing Project is pushing for reform. The Civic Engagement and Education event VOTER EDUCATION ~ VOTER REGISTRATION~ RESTORATION OF RIGHTSPetersburg Chapter is SEPTEMBER 26, 2009 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to come to 500 FLEET STREET, BENEDICT CLUB, PETERSBURG VA SPONSORS INCLUDE VIRGINIA ORGANIZING PROJECT, DELTA SIGMA THETA PETERSBURG ALUMNI CHAPTER, STREET CERTIFIED, PRINCE GEORGE-HOPEWELL VOLUNTEERS FOR CHANGE AND JIM WILLIAMS.

ARRESTED for asking about HIGH INSURANCE RATES

Joe Szakos leads the Virginia Organizing Project, an almost fifteen year-old community organization that Health Care for America Now works with in Virginia to organize for health care reform. Szakos's organization employs dozens of people, and they get their health care through Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield.This year, Szakos was informed that Anthem was going to increase the premiums on Virginia Organizing Project's health plan by 14.1%. Szakos immediately had questions. His first question was why Anthem using its resources to lobby against health care reform with a public health insurance option while at the same time increasing rates by 14.1%? When Szakos went to speak with Anthem about the matter he was arrested. Shocking but true, to view video footage click here: http://blog.healthcareforamericanow.org/2009/09/17/for-asking-why-your-insurance-rates-increase-you-can-be-arrested/

Obama's Healthcare Insurance Reform Plan

Some Americans are confused as to what exactly is President Barack Obama's healthcare reform plan. The President's plan clearly outlines his policy if you have healthcare insurance, if you do not have healthcare insurance and his plan for all Americans. click link to learn more about Pres. Obama's healthcare insurance reform plan. http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/hcsignon/?source=OM_LB_google_HC-search_hreform_tc&gclid=CPXBivPt_pwCFVRM5QodAUFhbg

I Support The Employee Free Choice Act

I am writing to voice my support for the Employee Free Choice Act (S. 560, H.R. 1409) which has recently been reintroduced in Congress. We need the Employee Free Choice Act to offset rising health care costs, home foreclosures, stagnant wages, and shrinking retirement plans. To revive the economy and rebuild the middle class in the long term, we need to empower workers to bargain for better wages and benefits. The Employee Free Choice Act will strengthen penalties against employers who break the law. The act strengthens workers’ ability to achieve a first contract within a reasonable period of time. The act gives workers a free choice and a fair path to choose to form a union.
The Employee Free Choice Act is a critical piece of our economic recovery. I'm confident you'll continue to represent the best interests of workers in your district by supporting it. Scroll down to Employee Free Choice Day of Action. click link here:http://www.virginia-organizing.org/media_releases.php#68

VOP Supporting Health Care Reform in VA

Virginia Organizing Project members are supporting health care reform around Virginia. "We’re closer than we’ve been to meaningful health care reform in 60 years. This reform will provide accessible, affordable, quality health care for ALL Virginians. Legislation has been passed by three House Committees and one Senate Committee that meets these goals." The Virginia Organizing Project and Health Care for America Now members across the state have attended Town Hall meetings, written letters to the editor, canvassed with their neighbors, and made phone calls to urge our Members of Congress to support this legislation. I insist that we MUST keep this up! Please take the time to call 1-877-264-4226 and ask Senators Mark Warner and Jim Webb and all of our 11 U.S. Representatives to support this health care legislation. http://www.virginia-organizing.org/healthcare.php

Young Black Males In Society

“Have a goal, work at it and always remember nobody has the right to take away your destiny. Your destiny is in your hands.” These are the words of Dr. Kanu, VSU Interim Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Education. Dr. Kanu gave this opening remark during the Young Professional Network Campaign to Empower Youth. Mario Van Peebles, director of film Bring Your “A” Game, said that 75% of whites graduate from high school. The amount of Asians that complete high school is at 77% and only 50% of African Americans receive their high school diploma. http://www.vsu.edu/pages/2662.asp?item=12627

VSU's 124th Annual Opening Convocation

Virginia State University’s 124th Annual Opening Convocation welcomed VSU alumni, students, family and friends to an exciting school year. President of the student government association, Cassandra Campbell told students during her speech, “I expect you all to take a proactive step and become involved in Trojan land.” After Campbell’s speech, President Eddie N. Moore was introduced by keynote speaker Dr. W. Weldon Hill. President Moore began his speech by saying to his audience to stand before them was an honor and he was pleased to be their speaker for the evening. From there Pres. Moore went on to say this will be the last academic year of his presidency. http://www.vsu.edu/pages/2662.asp?item=12619

V.O.P. on Capitol Hill

On Sept. 9, 2009 I visited Capitol Hill along with the Virginia Organizing Project to push the Employee Free Choice Act -- EFCA-- agenda. In attendance were members from various constituent groups such as civil rights activists, environmentalists, education advocates, worker’s rights advocates, women’s’ rights activists and faith based organizations. According to Father Les Schmidt, a Bishop Liaison for the forty-eight Catholic Church, the Employee Free Choice Act is an important issue to the faith community. The EFCA bill is an issue of justice in the workplace. Father Schmidt says, “A worker can always be left out or canceled. Our present system is broken. Employees need the right to organize without fear of intimidation from employers.” Father Schmidt says, “Justice delayed or justice deferred is always justice denied.” Srcoll down to Employee Free Choice Day of Action. click link:
http://sumofchange.com/index.html

Eugene Robinson visits VSU

Author of book “American Politics & Journalism in the age of Obama” was born 1968 in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The town of Orangeburg was governed by Jim Crow laws which legally segregated businesses and schools by race. During this time there was a protest -now known as the Orangeburg Massacre - that tried to counter the Jim Crow laws. The Orangeburg massacre was the motivation that sparked Robinson’s desire to write.

Robinson has worked as a columnist and editor for the Washington Post for over twenty-five years. In 2009, Robinson received a Pulitzer Prize award for his commentary on the 2008 presidential election. http://www.vsu.edu/pages/2662.asp?item=12601

Healthcare Reform, the Time is NOW!

The Virginia Organizing Project is a grassroots organization based in the community to assure that the average Virginian can make their concerns and voices heard in matters that involve public legalities. The VOP is demanding that the Public Health Insurance Plan is a choice for Virginians to establish better insurance health care reform. I support the Virginia Organizing Project in their efforts to secure a more sufficient health care plan for Virginians. I encourage all Viriginians to call Senator Warner at 1-888-436-8427 and tell him to support the choice of a Public Health Insurance Plan. The time more than ever is NOW! http://www.virginia-organizing.org/

Happily Natural Day for Richmond Black Owned Businesses

Happily Natural Day took place Aug. 29, 2009 at 2022 Sledd Street in Richmond, VA. The event was constructed by multiple small black owed businesses in the Richmond area. One of the most significant organizations sponsoring the event was Camp Diva. Camp Diva is an organization committed to the purpose of women’s empowerment starting with adolescent girls in the communities. The job Camp Diva has done with creating opportunities for healthy growth among young girls is priceless. I especially enjoyed myself during the Happily Natural Day event. People gathered together for the common goals of promoting self-expression, love and peace toward one another. I had a excellent time. http://www.campdiva.org/