Local and Beyond
While much of our work focuses on issues specific to the Town of Chatham and the work confronting our local town and county governments, we also participate as an organization and as individuals in advocating for state and national policies addressing environmental, economic and social issues:
Preserving our world for future generations: We advocate for development of renewable energy sources to create a cleaner, safer and sustainable world for our children. We believe every citizen has the right to clean air and water.
Equality for All: We reject discrimination in all forms - race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, physical ability, socio-economic class - and advocate for laws and programs that protect all people from exploitation on the one hand, and provide equal opportunity for individual growth and dignity on the other.
Criminal justice reform: The criminal justice system needs to have a balance between keeping our community safe and protecting the rights of those accused. We support prison reform, bail and sentencing reform, and funding for legal representation for those in need. We also urge that government provide appropriate and well-funded professional resources to respond to social conflict and mental health issues.
Protecting Immigrants’ rights: Every resident of Chatham has the right to feel safe in our community without threat of deportation. We advocate for legislation to further the rights of immigrants, including the undocumented, and a pathway to citizenship for those seeking it in our country.
Health care is a basic human right: All people must have access to high quality health care and medications at an affordable price. Women must have the right to make their own healthcare choices. Access to birth control and abortion services must be protected.
Wage equity: All workers must be paid fairly and at a livable wage. Employers cannot discriminate against women and minorities in either pay scale or promotion opportunities.
Resources for veterans: We owe all of our service members benefits to improve their lives after they have served our country. Educational benefits, job training, and physical and mental health services must be well funded.
Protecting the right to vote: Every citizen has a constitutional right to vote. We advocate reforms at the state and national level such as early voting, automatic registration, same-day registration, and no-fault absentee ballots so that all citizens have easy access to voting.
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