Community Advocates Organizing Sessions

Unite the Poor - Nonviolent Medicaid Army, National Union of the Homeless, Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival
This Fall, the Schenectady Community Advocates Program will be offering a series of four organizing sessions as we prepare for the 2027 NYS legislative session, and the impending Medicaid cuts due to newly imposed work requirements.

All sessions will be held from 6-8pm and dinner will be provided!
The first three sessions will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2850 Guilderland Ave, Schenectady.
The final session will be held in conjunction with the monthly Unite the Poor Network meeting, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 85 Chestnut St, Albany.

Tues Oct 6 - Session 1: Changing the Narrative on “Work Requirements”

This session will look at the history of benefits work requirements and the present landscape and consequences of newly imposed SNAP work requirements, as well as the impending Medicaid work requirements. We’ll discuss common ideas and comments that arise when discussing SNAP and Medicaid cuts.

Tues Oct 20 - Session 2: Landscape Assessment and Power Analysis

This session will discuss the organizing landscape with a focus on Schenectady County, though including the wider Capital Region. We’ll discuss who we understand our base to be, where we find them, and how to cultivate relationships and partnerships.

Tues Nov 3 - Session 3: Organizing Conversations and Outreach

This session will revisit a topic from the Advocates Program, organizing conversations, and include a refresher and practice time. We will plan and coordinate outreach to other food pantries and partner agencies in advance of the December press conference.

Thurs Nov 19 - Session 4: Preparing for the Press Conference and Legislative Advocacy

This session, held concurrently with the Capital Region Unite the Poor Network Monthly Meeting, will serve to prepare for the December press conference. We’ll discuss press work, and make an initial plan for 2027 Legislative Advocacy around the Schenectady County Food Council priorities.

Please register with this form, and contact Joe: unitethepoor@proton.me with any questions!