Chop Wood, Carry New York 3/6

Hey New York!

Wow, there is a crisis happening in New York prisons. You may have seen some of this news already but I have more details directly from the Executive Director of the Parole Preparation Project and there is no doubt it’s time for us to act against these vile abuses.

New York Prisons in Crisis – Urgent Action Needed

CO Strikes & Devastating Impact
On February 17th, for the first time in 35+ years, correctional officers (COs) across New York launched unsanctioned strikes. Over 90% participated, creating a deadly environment for incarcerated people. Despite threats of termination and a court mandate, many COs refuse to return.

Strike Demands
COs are demanding higher wages, increased staffing, and stricter security. Alarmingly, they also seek to repeal the 2022 HALT Solitary Confinement Act, which ended long-term and segregated confinement for vulnerable individuals.

Seven Deaths Behind Bars
Despite National Guard intervention, safety remains dire. In two weeks, seven people have died, including 22-year-old Messiah Nantwi, beaten to death by COs, and two men at Auburn Correctional Facility who died awaiting medical care.

Deteriorating Conditions
Hundreds of reports describe prisons without heat, food, medical care, or basic hygiene. Most incarcerated people have been in 24-hour lockdown for over two weeks, leaving families in distress due to lack of contact.

Our Response & Call to Action
We’re tracking conditions, pressuring officials, and demanding legislative action to uphold HALT and reduce incarceration. We're coordinating media coverage, legal responses, and sending updates to those inside.

How You Can Help:

1. Write to the Governor and legislators using this action tool.

2. Sign this demand letter as an organization or institution.

3. Join us for a rally outside Sing Sing, 921 Fulton Street in Brooklyn on Saturday, March 8th, 10 AM (buses leave Brooklyn at 8:30 AM).

4. Donate to Parole Prep, RAPP, or HALT

Here are a few more actions from Indivisible:

*Call Relay to tell your Member of Congress to shut down the Trump-Musk coup

*Phone Bank to Tax the Rich and Invest in Our Communities (6pm on Zoom): Join NY Working Families Party to push calls to our state legislators about raising taxes on the ultra wealthy and using that revenue to invest in our communities. Join Mobilize Zoom

*Letter-to-the-Editor Training (6:30-7:30pm on Zoom): Join Indivisible Organizer for NYS, Sarah Reeske, for a training on how to craft a strong letter-to-the-editor to share your personal stories you are passionate about. Join Indivisible Zoom

Thanks everyone - your involvement is crucial!

Jess (+Andrea and Lydia - NY Newsletter assistance)