Are You Ready for some Game Changing Action Ideas,
This weekend is the 50th Super Bowl game. It features two of footballs’ greatest quarterbacks and has the intrigue of a seasoned veteran quarterback vs. a young phenom. This 50th game will have all the up’s and down your can imagine and will depend almost exclusively on how the quarterbacks perform. Hopefully you will have an opportunity to watch the game and thus be part of it. When all the NFL teams started the year every one had one objective .. to be in the Super Bowl .. in fact, Win the Super Bowl, but it’s only two that achieve their goals, the Denver Bronco’s and thee North Carolina Panthers and only one that get’s the ring.
NWSOFA is just the opposite of this experience. While we are a team and we have issue leads and chapter leads, we depend on a network of folks, volunteering their time and the particular talents to enhance the team. Not only do the Issue Teams work together to accomplish their objectives but teh teams work in harmony to advance all Progressive Issues. We call this the Snowflake organizational model as you will see below … all members working together to achieve a better place to live. In fact our motto/theme for 2016 is not to win a physical contest but to use our voices to create change. Read out 2016 theme .. what resonates with you.. what does it mean to you!
“One Voice Can Change a Room – Together We Can Change the World”
This truly represents what “grassroots” Action is all about
2016 has already started with great events, all the teams are back and excited to be welcoming new folks who are ready to make a difference. As 2016 continues to unfold, think what you can do to use your voice to “change a room” or better yet join NWSOFA and “together we Change the World. Maybe you can’t break away for 60 minutes on a Sunday afternoon, but, you can use your voice and 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 February, take a few moments and make sure to take a look at what Did Happen and what was accomplished by NWSOFA in January. 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 and Make a Difference.
Join the NWSOFA Team as we continue to move our social issues forward this Fall…
Sara & Bill
NWSOFA is Action..
“One Voice Can Change a Room
– Together We Can Change the World”
We sometimes FORGET how Powerful a Force We are &
that Creating Social Change is a PROCESS not a Destination!
“Upcoming February Events”
Please Join the January
Fiscal and Economic Issues Discussion
February 8th
On Jobs, Deficit and Debt for the US and Illinois
Come get the facts about the economic recovery nationally and the status of ongoing appropriations challenges at both the state and national level.
Monday, February 8th, 2016
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Schaumburg Library
130 S Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL
2nd Floor Conference Room (to the right of the elevator when getting off)
Excerpts from the Agenda:
Nationally job growth continued to be strong in 2015 with 2.65 million jobs added. However real GDP growth was only 0.7% in the preliminary 4th quarter report issued last week. Hopefully Friday’s 2/5’s BLS Report for January’s job report will continue to show strong growth and we will have better GDP growth in 2016. We will be discussing these numbers at our meeting next Monday.
Illinois job numbers took a turn for the worse last week with the December jobs report which showed a loss of 16,000 jobs in December and revised November’s report down by 6,000 jobs. This gives Illinois a net LOSS of 3,000 jobs in 2015 (vs. a gain of 66,800 in 2014). We will be discussing these numbers on Monday as well.
While we won’t be discussing the presidential primary candidates at our Fiscal meeting due to the non-partisan nature of OFA, we will be discussing them and other topics at the after meeting at Lou Malnati’s starting about 9:30. Everyone is invited to join this discussion as well.
Ninety-seven percent of climate scientists agree: Man-made climate change is a reality. In early 2014, two landmark reports spelled out the reality of the challenge we face. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the National Climate Assessment both showed that, left unchecked, climate change has the potential to affect Americans everywhere-no matter where they live.
THE DETAILS
Every region of the United States is already experiencing the effects of climate change. If we don’t act to curb current global emissions, they could lead to a global temperature increase of over 4 degrees Celsius (7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) by 2100-a scenario widely considered a global catastrophe, contributing to extreme weather, food and water shortage, and global instability.
Join the team… If you believe we can change man’s response to Climate.
The GVP Issues Team has been working for the past two years to keep the conversation going about gun violence prevention and to take action to change our laws with the goal of creating safer communities for everyone in our state and our nation. We hold 90 minute planning meetings typically (some exceptions) on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm. If you are interested in working to reduce gun violence in America, we invite you to join us at our next meeting.
It’s time to get involved .. as a nation we have been to silent .. for too long.
College Outreach Team, the Diversity Outreach Team & the CIR (Comprehensive Immigration Reform) Team:
Stronger Growing Attendance with our College and High School Seniors deeply involved in the Planning..
Will be Meeting As Part Volunteer Fair on 3/2 @ Harper
The ever growing College Outreach team met at Harper College to plan for the spring. After getting in touch with the faculty advisor for the Human Resources club on campus we were able to make plans for connecting with students through participation in the Volunteer Fair, Resource Fair, being the featured speaker at the Human Resources Club, and showing the documentary film “Ivory Tower” on campus.
Obama health care law posts respectable sign-up season
By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR, Associated Press/Feb 4, 2016
WASHINGTON (AP) – Still facing political jeopardy, President Barack Obama’s health care law beat expectations by earning solid sign-ups this year, according to figures released Thursday by the administration.
About 12.7 million people signed up for individual private insurance policies or renewed their coverage for 2016, said Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell. That means Republicans running in this year’s elections may find it harder to deliver on their promise of repeal, while Democrats may yet be able to tap the newly insured as a voting constituency.
Expectations were low at the start of open enrollment on Nov. 1. Premiums have been going up, and many of the remaining uninsured are considered skeptics.
The 12.7 million number falls right in the middle of the administration’s projection of 11 million to 14 million initial enrollments through HealthCare.gov and state-run counterparts. The administration says this year’s numbers are more accurate because early cancellations have been winnowed out.
8th Congressional District Democratic Primary Forum
hosted by the League of Women Voters of Roselle/Bloomingdale
Sen. Mike Noland
Villa Park Village President Deborah Bullwinkel
Raja Krishnamoorthi
Feb. 21, 4:30 pm .
East Campus auditorium of Lake Park High School
600 S. Medinah Road in Roselle.\
The Republican race is uncontested.
2016-2017 FAFSA Completion Workshops at Harper College
Applying for financial aid starts with completing the 2016-2017 Free Application for FederalSTUDENT AID (FAFSA). Not sure where to start? Come to a FAFSA Completion Workshop and receive hands-on assistance with the application.
Saturday, February 27, 2016
9 -11 a.m., Building Y, Room Y203C
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
6 – 8 p.m., Building I, Room I225
Assistance will be available in English and Spanish.
Other Notices … meet the Candidates:
The Small Business Advocacy Council will host a meet-and-greet with Rotering and Schneider on Friday, Feb. 19. That’s set for 8 a.m. at the Bonnie Brook Golf Course, 2800 N. Lewis Ave., Waukegan.
The Men’s Club at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El will host Rotering and Schneider on Sunday, Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. at 1175 Sheridan Road, Highland Park.
2016 Comprehensive Immigration Reform Team’s meeting, events and goals:
NWSOFA
Stand
With Women (SWW)
January’s 27th
Monthly Meeting
This month, the Stand With Women group convened to discuss issues that are important to women. The Stand With Women group is still a developing group, so those who attend meetings have a unique opportunity to translate their concerns into tangible action.
At the meeting, we spoke in depth about sexual assault on college campuses and advocating for women’s issues in politics. We have decided to work with existing programs to galvanize the local female vote, as well as open up a dialogue about abuse.
Please join us on February 11th from 6 to 8pm at the Northpoint Shopping Center Corner Bakery to advance these efforts.
NWSOFA
College Outreach Planning Meeting was Held on 1/23 @ Harper College
Stronger Growing Attendance with our College and High School Seniors deeply involved in the Planning..
The ever growing College Outreach team met at Harper College to plan for the spring. After getting in touch with the faculty advisor for the Human Resources club on campus we were able to make plans for connecting with students through participation in the Volunteer Fair, Resource Fair, being the featured speaker at the Human Resources Club, and showing the documentary film “Ivory Tower” on campus.
With help from a new member who is a student there, we hope to connect our teams with the Environmental Club, Black Student Union, Immigration, and Pride clubs. The young people have a date to produce 6 5-minute podcasts on topics of interest to college students and their parents. To fulfill the voter education portion of our mission, our team will publish links to information about candidates’ positions, and conduct a registration drive at Northwestern. We welcomed 3 new members, and would welcome help with any of these upcoming projects. Thank you to everyone who participated in a great meeting.
NWSOFA Joined with CRS @ MLK “Faith in Action Assembly First Baptist Congregational Church
Article by Sara Horan:
“Inspiration”
What an inspiring MLK Day. We, NWSOFA, started the week before asking everyone who was coming to our SOTU Watch Party to bring donations for our local food pantry as part of our MLK Day of Service. We had close to 80 folks for a great SOTU, and they literally brought a car load of food!
On MLK Day we joined with the regional Community Renewal Society, 60 area wide religious and other organizations, for a “Faith In Action Assembly” at the First Baptist Congregational Church in Chicago. NWSOFA joined the bus load of folks from the NW suburbs to attend this amazing event. There were over 1500 in the Church from all over the Chicago area with the goal of “Act to repair justice, restore lives and rebuild community.” There were speeches and prayers, and singing (incredible soloist and choir) and elected officials and candidates. Elected officials were asked directly to commit to specifics ways they could improve the broken system in Chicago.
Monday evening we finished the day with our local League of Women Voters. They arranged for a free showing of “Selma”, appetizers and a speaker who had been involved in SNCC and provided personal insights on what he had experienced. What an inspiring day!
On January 21st, the Gun Violence Prevention Monthly Meeting was Held
Summary of the NWSOFA Gun Violence Prevention Planning Meeting
January 21, 2016
The agenda for this month’s Gun Violence Prevention planning meeting,held from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Corner Bakery in Arlington Hts on Thursday, January 21st covered a variety of topics that stimulated lively discussion among the 16 individuals who attended.
Following a warm welcome by GVP Co-Leader, Natalie Warren, everyone who attended had a chance to tell their names and where they live and to share a bit about what motivated them to become involved with gun violence prevention efforts. please click below to read the full report on the Actions of the GVP team:
It’s time to get involved .. as a nation we have been to silent .. for too long. Join Us .. Learn what you can do.
Great discussion on the facts on the economic recovery nationally and the status of ongoing appropriations challenges at both the state and national level.
In the January BLS Report on December:
we have added 292,000 Jobs plus added 50,000 revision up to the previous 2 months
we added about 2.6 million jobs in the last 12 months
the (U-3) unemployment rate was at 5.0%,
the U-6 rate dropped 9.9%. While down from a high of 17.1% during the downturn, this U-6 rate is still higher than the 8.4% in the fall of 2007 before the Great Recession of December 2007 to June 2009.
Illinois continues to operate without appropriations with much spending happening because of court orders.
Next Meeting is at the Schaumburg Library in March
Everyone had a Great time at the State of the Union Watch Party…
The Organizer in Chief was Spot On
The Venue was Superb
The Packed House was Excited
What a great night! Liked the new venue,seemed comfortable for most everyone. The wait staff & owner loved us. Only heard positive comments re: nice to have folks attentive to the broadcast, nice group of people ,etc. They were all watching the President’s speech, too.
Our President was superb. What a great SOTU speech, only sad that this is his last one. Kathy & Sara and others did a number of tweets during the speech. Please go to @ NWSOFA and add your own or retweet ours. I’m sure Kathy will add our pix & tweets to CONNECT.
Thank you for the generous response to our call for service giving in honor
of Dr. King’s memorial day.
We were very gratified to see that people donated 5 big boxes full of items from the wish lists of Palatine Township and Journeys the Road Home.
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.
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NWSOFA “January Events” In Pictures
NWSOFA Immigration Reform (CIR)Team Meeting Jan 28th
NWSOFA Stand With Women (SWW) Team Meeting Jan 27th
NWSOFA Fiscal & Economic Discussion Group Meeting Jan 18th
Attending the CRS MLK Event @ 1st Baptist Congregational Church Jan 18th
Attending the LWV Film Event @ the Metropolitan Jan 18th
NWSOFA Gun Violence Prevention (GVP) Meeting @ Panera Jan 21st
NWSOFA College Outreach Meeting @ Harper College Jan 1/23
NWSOFA State of the Union Watch Parth
A great Video created by:
Khirsti Garnett &
Ameer Muhammad
Check out Ameer and Khirsti’s video at youtube for nwsofa college
To leave a message or Sign up for an Issue Team .. Just click the Sign Up button and fill out the NWSOFA Comment log.
We will be in touch with you shortly.
Fight for Progress
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Notice: This is a public meeting / event(s)
NWSOFA is a 501(c)4,
non-partisan organization.
All opinions are solely those of NWSOFA
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
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.
