⭐ CLAIM YOUR FREE SHIRT ⭐
We need just 7 more sign-ups in order to reach 200 members.
Help us reach this milestone before the end of summer and build for important advocacy and election campaigns coming up!
We are now offering all new member sign-ups a FREE 5th Square T-Shirt delivered to your home.
NEW MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS!
Don't feel like committing to a subscription but still want membership?
Sign up to be a member for 1 year, starting at $60
Subscribing memberships costs as little as $5-a-month or $60-a-year.
🚉 THE INQUIRER AGREES: REFORM REGIONAL RAIL
The Inquirer Editorial Board supports our efforts to reform SEPTA Regional Rail!
In their editorial Rethinking SEPTA’s Regional Rail could benefit Philly’s neighborhoods they write, "The 5th Square proposal could greatly improve the value of the system, and deserves serious consideration."
SEPTA can quickly increase its capacity to serve working Philadelphians by opening its vast and underutilized Regional Rail network during an unprecedented time.
These changes would give Philadelphia transit riders the room to socially distance while also rebuilding ridership on otherwise nearly-empty Regional Rail trains. These changes would also break down long-standing barriers between transit and regional rail -- finally enabling riders to use SEPTA as an integrated network.
☎️ TELL PAT TOOMEY: TRANSIT NEEDS COVID-19 RELIEF
In yet another sign of utter dysfunction at the federal level, Congress can't agree to pass their next coronavirus relief package. The versions that Republicans have been proposing included NO MONEY for public transit systems across America.
This is unacceptable! We are asking all our readers to tell Congress, especially Sen. Toomey to support our cities and support public transit .
Want to talk to a human? Call Toomey's Philly office at (215) 241-1090
Quick Talking Points:
- Public transit revenue has cratered during the COVID-19 crisis.
- This shortfall will mean fare hikes, service cuts, and shutdowns.
- Congress needs to invest $32 billion to address the projected shortfall.
- Public transit is the engine that drives the US economy.
- Without a fully operational transit system that people can rely on to get to work, school, dining, shopping, and health care, there is no economic recovery.
🔎 CHECK YOUR MAIL-IN BALLOT STATUS
Unsure if you already applied to vote by mail in the November Election?
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Head to the Pennsylvania Department of State's online ballot status lookup.
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If your status says "Pending" then you will be mailed a ballot.
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Any registered PA voter can request a mail-in ballot for any reason: either online (need PA ID) or by mail.
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You can also register to vote or update your voting address online.
📰 5TH SQUARE IN THE NEWS
Philly's major sanitation delays caused by staffing shortages have gotten press nationally, with an Associated Press piece picked up by news outlets nationwide. The article quotes two of our lead organizers, James Gitto and Kara Kneidl, who speak about the problem this creates for small business owners and non-car owners.
5th Square supports our city's sanitation workers and you should too! Buy a shirt from Yafavtrashman to help purchase PPE for them. Here is a recent article about this hard-working advocate for sanitation workers.
SURVEY
Philadelphia Navy Yard Connected Community Plan
The Navy Yard is excited for the next chapter in it's development and wants your input in shaping this future. The project will work closely with tenants and community members to identify how the Navy Yard can enhance the experience of businesses, employees, visitors, and future residents. This effort will help define how the Navy Yard will evolve over the coming years to support new development and become more connected and resilient.
2021 New Leaders Council Institute
New Leaders Council is a 501c3 and is the leading training program for a rising generation of progressive leaders. Anchored by its six-month training program, the NLC Institute, NLC equips our leaders with the skills to run for office, manage campaigns, create start-ups and networks of thought leaders. The 2021 NLC Institute begins in January 2021 and applications are due by September 3rd, 2020.
Philly Counts | Summer of Census Program
Philly Counts is launching their Summer of Census program, the final and urgent push for Census participation in Philly. They are seeking volunteers in our district (Mantua, Walnut Hill, and Garden Court) to distribute door hangers and information. We hope to support Philly Counts' work to get a complete and accurate count in the 2020 Census, which will ensure Philadelphia gets the resources we are owed. This volunteer opportunity will not require face-to-face interaction. Sign up at bit.ly/SummerofCensus.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
The City of Philadelphia | The Office of Director of Finance |
We're an all-volunteer grassroots organization advocating for safe and affordable transportation, abundant housing, and more and better public spaces. You’re receiving this email if you signed up via our website, attended one of our events, or supported one of our advocacy campaigns.
Support our advocacy with a recurring monthly contribution of $5.