Healthcare professionals across the country, from nurses, doctors, EMTs, public health officials to other staff critical to hospital operations are on the frontline against COVID-19. We support soldiers for putting themselves in danger, and should now do the same for those fighting this battle. Please support our nurses and sign this petition to tell lawmakers that our troops need the following: 1) Protective gear and operations planning to mitigate exposure 2) Hazard pay 3) Mobilize a reserve of students and retired healthcare professionals *** If you are able, please consider donating to your local food bank, homeless shelter and/or local caregiver organizations. *** #hazardpayfornurses #COVIDfrontline #COVID19 #healthcare #hospitals #crushCOVID #flattenthecurve

This Petition is to close All New York Schools during coronavirus outbreak Our kids and the staff members are taking the subway to school every day, contacting a lot people on the subway and in school. I think they are in an extremely dangerous situation, especially as the second case of coronavirus in New York, The lawyer works at Grand Central, where the many train lines are located as well. Many kids and staff members taking Trains to get to school or back to their homes, which is now a big risk. We think the alternative of having kids taking online class with teachers using Skype or any online teaching app is safer. Closing school should be the number one priority now. With today’s technology, we will still be able to progress academically as well as keep everyone safe; our kids, our teachers, and all the administrative people on the school. We think surviving is the main priority now. By that we are asking you to please close the school, and have our kids and teachers communicate via email, Skype, or other sources to progress academy.  

Judge Sheila-Abdus Salaam was the first black female judge in appeals court in the United States ever, who was found floating in a river in Manhattan around April 2017. She was the first African-American woman appointed to the court of appeals, the highest position you could have. This was huge, and she’s now dead. Surely this shouldn’t sit right with anybody. Not only was her death publicised as a suicide despite countless evidence to the contrary including signs of struggle on her neck, but this case has stayed quiet for 3 entire years as of now with no sort of proper investigation? The fact I only came across Judge Sheila-Abdus Salaam’s case yesterday should speak for itself. Black people deserve so much better their lives are important and matter and their voices can change the world we live in for the better! With particular reference to the fact this happened in New York, the fact she was married to a Muslim husband and therefore had a Muslim surname is important contextually when understanding the case and why this happened to her. New York is one of the cities with the highest anti-terrorism surveillance systems put in place, and where Judge Abdus-Salaam had a Muslim surname, this immediately would unfortunately make her a target for hate crimes and racist violence. We can’t just let her be another name in the long list of victims. Each black life matters just as much as the other, and despite her being a particularly extraordinary person, every black life matters regardless of their accomplishments. People need to understand this so we can start to head towards a brighter future for all people of all races. I’m sick and tired of seeing more and more cases where there has been clear systemic racism at play in which black women and men alike have been victims of the institutional hate towards black people simply for the colour of their skin. It has been clear for a long time now that white people and other non-black people of colour have felt intimidated and angered by the power black people could potentially have in our large institutions and companies where they can make revolutionary changes for a better world. She simply wanted to thrive in a foundation that created a fairer and more just New York for people of all backgrounds, for there to be no bias in trials based off religion and race etc. We can’t let this go. It’s been 3 years and her and her family haven’t received the closure they deserve and are rightfully owed. Please sign this petition so we can hopefully get the New York Police Department to reopen her case !!! Thank you 

ProblemStan Lee, co-creator of Marvel Comics, and all-round icon, died at the age of 95 on 12th November 2018. A statue in his honour would seem only fair to keep his memory alive.SolutionIt would be an honour and of great respect to have a statue of the late icon placed in his hometown of New York City, USA.Personal storyI’m starting this petition, because I have enjoyed and respected his work, like many others over the years, and think a statue in his honour would be right for keeping his memory alive.

New York State Against the 9/27 Mandate!!! United we stand!  We need EVERYONE whether you are vaccinated or unvaccinated to stand up. Everyone that is against this mandate, ALL New York State employees, officers, teachers, sanitation etc. We are asking that you sign this petition.  We are not anti-vaccine but we are anti-mandate. *We should have the right to choose what goes in our bodies. *We should have the right to make our own medical decisions. We cannot be afraid, this should be a CHOICE not a mandate.  We live in a country where freedom is supposed to exist. We must stand up for our freedoms before we are stripped of more and more. What will be next? *States are starting to ban mandates because WE THE PEOPLE are speaking out. Let’s stand TOGETHER let’s come TOGETHER New York ❤️

IMPORTANT: After you sign the petition you will be asked to make a donation to help promote the petition.  Please note that donations received through this page do not go directly to the galleries and individuals in need.  All money raised through this petition, and change.org on behalf of this petition, will be used by change.org to promote the petition on change.org. Commercial art galleries, artist-run exhibition spaces, and not-for-profit exhibition spaces across the city of New York have been hit hard by the recent slow down in the global economy as a result of the Coronavirus / COVID-19 outbreak. Nearly all have had to cancel or indefinitely postpone exhibitions, opening receptions, performances, and other events at their physical, brick and mortar exhibition spaces. These businesses are effectively closed, unable to meet with clients or access their inventory, significantly limiting the hours in which they are regularly open to the public, and postponing or canceling their planned participation in upcoming local, regional, and international art fairs. The cancellation of these events is resulting in loss of revenue at all levels of the industry now, and will continue to do so in the immediate future, over the course of the rest of the year, and until the pandemic has stabilized.  Most art galleries are small businesses with dependent employees, networks of artists, as well as freelance and contract employees who rely on revenue generated from art gallery sales. The continued loss of revenue due to the unfolding pandemic will make it increasingly difficult for these businesses to support their full-time, part-time, and contract employees as well as their artists. Without the financial support of the local, state, and federal government, these businesses will not be able to pay their employees, support the artists that they represent, pay their bills, and pay their rents and/or mortgages on the spaces in which they operate. If no action is taken, these businesses will not survive and many artists and art workers will be left without a system of support. Like many independently owned local businesses, art galleries are an irreplaceable part of the cultural landscape of New York City.  Through their exhibitions and events, these spaces provide a free public service for many communities throughout the city. As common places for culture, they contribute to New York’s reputation as an exciting destination for tourists to visit, and help make the city a competitive option for businesses of every sector in search of new locations to compete. On March 8, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced two relief initiatives for small businesses in New York City that are experiencing a reduction in revenue because of COVID-19. These initiatives, called the NYC Employee Retention Grant Program and NYC Small Business Continuity Fund have very specific eligibility requirements that restrict many small businesses, and as a result, the networks of laborers they support, from qualifying for assistance. To be eligible for the NYC Employee Retention Grant Program. Businesses, including non-profits, must: Be located within the five boroughs of New York City Demonstrate that the COVID-19 outbreak caused at least a 25% decrease in revenue Employ 1-4 employees in total across all locations Have been in operation for at least 6 months Have no outstanding tax liens or legal judgements To be eligible for the NYC Small Business Continuity Fund businesses must: Be located within the five boroughs of New York City Demonstrate that the COVID-19 outbreak caused at least a 25% decrease in revenue Employ 99 employees or fewer in total across all locations Demonstrate ability to repay the loan Have no outstanding tax liens or legal judgements Art galleries, like other organizations that make up the culture industry, and many small businesses more generally, rely on networks of specialized laborers who understand the specific needs of their commercial dealings. Most of the time, these laborers are freelancers who provide their services to businesses throughout the community. They are web designers, graphic designers, preparators, art-handlers, carpenters, photographers, plumbers, electricians, writers, consultants, just to name a few. Additionally,  art galleries, like many small businesses, do not generate income through a predictable stream of sales for goods the way other retail stores, bars, and restaurants do. They generate their incomes through commercial invoices, which makes their revenue irregular and dependent on a fluctuating stream of payments. These business structure complexities highlight the need for Mayor Bill de Blasio and the City Council to take further action to provide financial relief for ALL small businesses throughout New York City. The NYC Employee Retention Grant Program and NYC Small Business Continuity Fund leave too many small businesses ineligible for assistance. We, the undersigned, are seeking: The immediate development of an additional grant relief initiative from the city for small businesses with business structures similar to art galleries. This initiative must be designed to provide financial relief for small business owners without employees as well as small businesses, like art galleries, who support full-time employees, part-time employees, contracted freelancers, and artists. The immediate development of an additional grant relief initiative from the city for sole-proprietors and small businesses that may not be incorporated and have incomes that flow through an individual or couple’s personal income.  An exemption for small businesses like art galleries, whose losses may not be visible right away, to qualify for the zero interest loans offered by NYC for businesses with fewer than 100 employees, without having to prove 25% sales decreases.  An exemption for small businesses like art galleries, whose losses may not be visible right away, to qualify for the Employee Retention Grants offered by NYC for businesses with 1–4 employees, without having to prove 25% sales decreases. Emergency Medicare for all, to ensure that the public’s health, safety, and welfare in the face of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is the highest priority of our government. Rent forgiveness for commercial tenants—small businesses or sole proprietors—until the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting economic depression have ended.  This could be offset by a property tax credit for landlords which would offset their loss in rent. A freeze on mortgage payments for small business owners who conduct business from within their own property until the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting economic depression have ended. Utility bill (i.e. the cost of electricity, water, and gas) forgiveness until the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting economic depression have ended. Insurance bill forgiveness for business related insurance policies until the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting economic depression have ended. IMPORTANT: After you sign the petition you will be asked to make a donation to help promote the petition.  Please note that donations received through this page do not go directly to the galleries and individuals in need.  All money raised through this petition, and change.org on behalf of this petition, will be used by change.org to promote the petition on change.org.

For far too long Black people have been brutalized and unjustly killed through systemic racism and police brutality. Week after week, month after month and year after year the names of countless black bodies and hashtags pile up while little to no action has been taken by those in power. Therefore, we must take matters into our own hand and propose a piece of legislation written by the people and for the people. The B.R.E.A.T.H.E Bill was constructed by the organization B.R.E.A.T.H.E which stands for Breonna Taylor, Rodney King, Eric Garner, Ahmaud Arbery, Trayvon Martin, Howard Bowie and Etcetera; the founding members Joshua Turner (@joshua_turnerofficial) and Brandon Dasent (@brandondasent_ ) constructed this Bill to dismantle racism inside the police force and save black lives. This Bill: (This bill has since been separated into various bills to make easier for passage). - Fires officers after 3 incidents of misconduct  without a PENSION - Ensures officers that are fired or resign are not rehired. - Requires implicit Bias Testing of all current officers and for those entering the academy. - REDISTRIBUTES $3.6 Billion (30%) of the NYPD BUDGET to EDUCATION, GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION, and HOUSING OUR UNHOUSED NEIGHBORS - Requires that all non violent 911 calls including calls pertaining anyone in mental crisis be responded to by MENTAL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS, VIOLENCE INTERRUPTERS, AND OR SOCIAL WORKERS. Joshua Turner Co Founder and Former Co Director of BREATHE, Lead the Legislative Work and has since founded BLAVK to learn more about this work follow (@blavkofficialpage) on instagram. CURRENT INITIATIVES: PASSAGE BREATHE BILL, & SUFFRAGE ACT OF 2022 (NEW YORK CITY) JUSTICE FOR ISAIAH WILLIAMS (LAS VEGAS) STATE PASSAGE OF THE WILLIAMS & LOCKE ACT (NEVADA and OHIO) STATE PASSAGE OF THE TILL & WALKER ACT (NORTH CAROLINA) STATE PASSAGE OF THE DONNELL ACT (MARYLAND) In order for us to reach change we must become the change that we seek; we must take those steps and bring forth a new status quo that does not brutalize and systemically kill our people. Please share this petition! .  For more information on the legislative work and direct actions follow @blavkofficialpage for information on news, amplification, and protest follow @breatheofficialpage. 

We the people are calling on the immediate termination of Officer Aaron Talgoski for shoving an unarmed white man during a Black Lives Matter protest. A video has been released which clearly shows Talgoski shoving the elderly man down, causing the man to hit his head on the concrete ground. The man subsequently lost consciousness and started bleeding on his head. Another officer seemed to try to help the man, but was pulled away by his coworkers. We would like this entire incident to be looked into as whoever pulled the man away is an accomplice to this heinous act. The officers who stood by, watched, and did nothing to help are also accomplices and we would like every police officer involved to face repercussions. Officer Talgoski’s name badge is clearly visible in the video. We want justice for the defenseless elderly man and need these officers involved to be held accountable.

No state or city in America guarantees paid personal time for workers, including nearly a million New Yorkers. It pains me to think about all the birthdays, first days of school, graduations and other special moments I’ve missed because I couldn’t afford to lose my job – or even a single paycheck – by taking a day off work. My name is Yanelia and I’m a mother of five from the Bronx. To make ends meet and put food on the table, I’m employed at a nail salon where I haven’t had a single work day off to rest or spend with my children in 10 years. Stand with me in urging the New York City Council to pass legislation RIGHT NOW that would guarantee the right to 10 days of Paid Personal Time. New York would be the first city to make this change, inspiring a wave of change across the country. No job should cause anyone to miss all the important moments that make life special for everyone. And what we really can’t afford is to keep working so hard that life just passes us by. Nail salon workers, cooks, cleaners, servers, childcare providers, and domestic workers, and all other working New Yorkers and Americans should be treated with dignity and respect. We deserve a break to take care of ourselves and those we love. We don’t deserve to be treated like batteries that are thrown away and replaced once drained. SIGN NOW to make a life-changing difference for working families like mine. Tell the New York City Council: Pass Paid Personal Time legislation today!

Save the Monarch Butterfly from Extinction We must protect, preserve and restore the habitat of an endangered species. NEW YORK CITY: SEPTEMBER 2021 The beauty of the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus Plexippus) has inspired our marvel and imagination since childhood when they were once a common sight on a bright summer day. The mysterious miracle of metamorphosis is just one extraordinary aspect of the butterfly that is capable of migrating thousands of miles to find the same forest as its ancestors. Children today may never have the opportunity to see a monarch butterfly as this beloved species is critically endangered and headed for extinction. A modern-day canary in the coal mine, this indicator species is sensitive to changing conditions, a living signal of threats to our well-being and environmental health. We must pay attention to their warning as scientists now believe the species will soon become extinct at the present rate of population decline due, above all, to habitat loss.  Monarch butterflies rely on a particular host plant, native common milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) that is absolutely crucial for their survival. Monarchs will only lay eggs on milkweed, which has leaves that contain a substance that provides the larva, caterpillars, and adult butterflies with a primary defense from their many predators. Without milkweed, monarchs will not survive. A few weeks ago the NYC Parks Department grounds crew unwittingly destroyed the most extensive and important monarch habitat in Northern Manhattan. Despite several formal notifications to administration regarding the importance of preserving this colony of native common milkweed, located south of the Dyckman Marina, it has been clear cut at the worst moment as the "super generation" monarchs hosted there were in the final phase of development preparing to make the longest migration of any insect. And now they have been decimated as the entire milkweed colony has been cut to the ground. Stop the indiscriminate clear-cutting of common milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) and restore native habitat for threatened Monarch Butterflies.Educate NYC Parks & Recreation lawn crew about the importance of preserving milkweed.Install protective barriers/range fence and signage to protect native milkweed colonies.Restore and relocate stem-for-stem naturally occurring common milkweed that is inadvertently cut or intentionally removed.Increase native habitat by growing monarch butterfly "waystation" gardens according to guidelines set forth by the nationally recognized conservation program, Monarch Watch, University of Kansas.Maintain and stabilize established milkweed colonies. Manage adjacent plantings and help control invasive insects, vines, and plants. Administer a city-wide survey to track, document, and assess native milkweed in New York City. Eliminate spraying insecticides, herbicides, pesticides, and other "shotgun" approaches to pest management where more targeted approaches are feasible. Please help us call attention to an issue of critical importance. Habitat loss is the primary reason the monarch butterflies may soon be extinct. We must follow the examples of other cities and municipalities around the country that have made significant efforts to restore the native habitat of a threatened species of butterfly and pollinator. Please visit our Facebook page. Support our important work: https://gofund.me/cffc8da7