Healthcare reform: Join us for 'sustained picketing' outside Rep. Costa's office beginning Sept. 21

While Congress has returned to work, and while right-wing disruptions of town-hall meetings have garnered fewer headlines in recent days, the fight for healthcare reform is by no means over. With the finish line getting closer, it's time to dig deep into our 'Be the Change' energy reserve for the coming push.

That push will begin with a 'sustained picketing' demonstration beginning Monday, Sept. 21, outside the Fresno office of Rep. Jim Costa. Despite hearing the voices of his constituents demanding meaningful reform, Rep. Costa remains officially 'on the fence' about President Obama's plan.

A coalition of groups – including the AFL-CIO, SEIU, AARP, the Center for New Americans and many others – plan to keep the pressure on Rep. Costa by conducting this sustained demonstration outside Rep. Costa's Fresno office. The demonstration will take place over lunch hours for the next two to three weeks, and V4CF members are encouraged to participate.

The demonstration's focus and signage will call attention to Rep. Costa's connections with large insurance and pharmaceutical companies. Signage will also encourage people to write their health care stories, as well as to make phone calls to Rep. Costa encouraging his support for meaningful healthcare reform. (Those numbers again? Local: (559) 495-1620, Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-3341)

Want to participate? It's easy! Beginning Monday, Sept. 21, simply show up and join in 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday through Friday outside Rep. Costa's office, 855 M Street in downtown Fresno. Signs will be provided; all you need to bring are quarters (for metered parking), sunscreen or a big hat, and your voice supporting meaningful healthcare reform.

For more information or to register your participation, contact Nancy Griesser via e-mail.

'Monopoly Mania' fundraiser for Hands On CenCal scheduled Sept. 18

Hands On Central California, which has partnered with Volunteers For Change-Fresno on a number volunteer events in 2009, will host a unique fundraising event this Friday, Sept. 18. Called 'Monopoly Mania,' this fundraiser for Hands On Central California challenges local Monopoly enthusiasts to a 'survival of the fittest' Monopoly tournament. From Hands On:

In an effort to increase the capacity of our organization and provide resources and sustainability for volunteerism in our community HandsOn Central California has designed a fun and unique fundraising event, “Monopoly Mania”.

The event challenges local Monopoly enthusiasts in a “survival of the fittest” Monopoly tournament, and features a full-service event including entertainment, food, cocktails, a silent auction, and prizes. Participants will battle to win a luxury vacation package and a cash pot prize for their favorite local nonprofit agency.

For more information about the event, visit the events page on the Hands On Central California website.

You're invited to a healthcare reform panel discussion, scheduled Thursday in Fresno

The Central Valley Health Policy Institute, affiliated with CSU Fresno, is sponsoring a healthcare-reform forum scheduled 8-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at Grand Occasions, 4584 W. Jacquelyn, in Fresno. They write:

California and the nation are facing a remarkable debate on healthcare reform. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has recommended that any reform initiative seek to create a system of health care in the US that is Continuous, Affordable, Universal, Sustainable and Effective (the CAUSE principles).

But what would this look like? This forum will answer key questions including:

• Are the CAUSE principles sound and feasible?
• What are the specific health care needs and goals of the Central Valley?
• How do current options and proposals address the Valley’s health care needs?

People wishing to attend must RSVP to the Central Valley Health Policy Institute by calling (559) 228-2152 or via e-mail at thomasngo52@csufresno.edu. For more information, download the event flyer.