Schedule conflict moves next V4CF meeting to Tuesday, Oct. 13

Just a quick update: Because both of our preferred meeting venues are booked on the evening of Oct. 6, we've had to change the date of our next Volunteers For Change-Fresno general meeting to Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Time and venue remain the same: 7-8:30 p.m., in the large community room at the Fig Garden Library. See you then!

President Obama's weekly address: Making progress on global issues

From our friends at Whitehouse.gov:

Recorded while on his way back from the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh, President Obama uses his Weekly Address to recap the progress made there during the intensive discussions with other world leaders. From an historic agreement to reform the global financial system, to groundbreaking commitments on reducing subsidies to fossil fuels worldwide, to unity in standing against threats to world peace -- engagement produced tangible results in several areas.



If the viewscreen above is not visible, President Obama's weekly address can be viewed on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMXyHZTkJpU.

From Moveon.org: A needed moment of healthcare-reform levity

Okay, we've all been working hard in our own ways to achieve meaningful healthcare reform. Here, presented as a moment of levity, is the latest PSA from MoveOn.org.



You know they're presenting this with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Too bad those opposing healthcare reform aren't kidding.

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.

Time to dial: President Obama calls healthcare-reform supporters to action

Through Organizing For America, President Obama is calling on supporters of meaningful healthcare reform to take action in the coming days. In the aftermath of his speech to Congress, in which he laid out a detailed plan for realizing the vision of healthcare reform, the President is asking supporters to call on their Representatives and Senators and express their support for the plan.

From the President:

I just finished laying out my plan for health reform at a joint session of Congress. Now, I'm writing directly to you because what happens next is critical -- and I need your help.

Change this big will not happen because I ask for it. It can only come when the nation demands it. Congress knows where I stand. Now they need to hear from you.

Add your voice: Ask your representatives to support my plan for real health reform in 2009.

The heart of my plan is simple: bring stability and security to Americans who already have health insurance, guarantee affordable coverage for those who don't, and rein in the cost of health care.

Tonight, I offered a specific plan for how to make it happen. I incorporated the best ideas from Democrats and Republicans to create a plan that's bold, practical, and represents the broad consensus of the American people.

We've come closer to real health reform in the last few months than we have in the last 60 years. But those who profit from the status quo -- and those who put partisan advantage above all else -- will fight us every inch of the way.

We do not seek that fight, but we will not shrink from it. The stakes are too high to let scare tactics cloud the debate, or to allow partisan bickering to block the path. Your voice, right now, is essential.

See my full plan and call on your representatives to support it: http://my.barackobama.com/SupportReform

Ours is not the first generation to understand the dire need for health reform. And I am not the first president to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last.

Thank you,
President Barack Obama

Okay, V4CF: Again, it's time to smile and dial. Here's how to call the Representatives and Senators serving the Fresno area:

Representatives:

George Radanovich - District 19
Local: (559) 449-2490
Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-4540

Jim Costa - District 20
Local: (559) 495-1620
Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-3341

Devin Nunes – District 21
Local: (559) 323-5235
Washington D.C.: (202) 225-2523

Senators:

Diane Feinstein
Local: (559) 485-7430
Washington, D.C.: (202) 224-3841

Barbara Boxer
Local: (559) 497-5109
Washington, D.C.: (202) 224-3553