TAKE ACTION

Call-in and Email Campaign

Call and email the Speaker and Senate Majority Leader to demand they take action!

• Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins:
  Phone: 518-455-2585
  Email: scousins@nysenate.gov

• Assembly Speaker Heastie:
  Phone: 518-455-3791
  Email: Speaker@nyassembly.gov

Sample call/email script:

“Hello, my name is [insert name here] and I am calling to urge [legislator’s name] to take immediate action to stop the crisis of torture, aging, and death in prison during COVID-19. Rather than releasing vulnerable people, the state’s primary response has been to lock people in solitary confinement and lockdown entire units with no programming or visits. Now, that the legislature is reconvening, we urge you to pass urgent legislation to help prevent death by COVID and future health crises in prison, including Elder Parole, Fair and Timely Parole, and the HALT Solitary Confinement Act. Thank you.”

Social Media Campaign: Sample Tweets and Posts

Sample tweet #1:
As the legislature reconvenes, @CarlHeastie & @AndreaSCousins have the opportunity to do what @NYGovCuomo refuses to: save the lives of people in prison. We demand they pass the Elder Parole Bill, Fair & Timely Parole, and the HALT Solitary Act #FreeOurElders #HALTsolitary

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Sample tweet #2: Passing Elder Parole, Fair & Timely Parole, and HALT Solitary Act will reduce number of people in prison who are vulnerable to COVID, limit spread of the virus, & help ensure people behind bars get treatment, not torture. @CarlHeastie @AndreaSCousins #FreeOurElders #HALTsolitary

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Sample tweet #3: Since outbreak of COVID, at least 15 state prison systems & the federal prison system have recognized that preventing massive suffering & death behind bars necessitates significant reductions in prison populations @CarlHeastie @AndreaSCousins need to #FreeOurElders #HALTsolitary

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FOR FAMILY MEMBERS WITH LOVED ONES IN PRISON:

Email a picture of your loved one and basic info (see below) to Melissa at mntanis89@gmail.com and she will share it on RAPP’s twitter account.

OR

Make your own image like the one above using this editable template from Canva, a free design software. When you click on the link, first make a copy of the design (go to file, make a copy) so you can edit the copy instead of the original design. This will help keep the editable template the same so others can use it. And then just follow the instructions in the template!

Follow the RAPP Campaign on twitter for updates throughout the day: @RAPPCampaign.