Healthcare is a Human Right: Can't Stop Won't Stop

I'm helping to raise funds for the Vermont Workers' Center.  I'm doing this because I believe in the necessity of an organized movement for the liberation of the working class.  If you feel similarly, I ask that you support us financially, as well as with your heart, mind, and effort.

I joined the Workers' Center because it was the first organization I encountered in Vermont that did more than just talk about how unfair the world is.  It worked hard to make it better, and to make it better for everyone.  I joined it because of its critical analysis of the world and of itself, and, crucially, because the VWC prioritizes the voices, experiences, and leadership of those most affected by the injustices of our society.

This year, I am one of twenty-five people who have pledged to keep the movement moving by raising $1,000 toward a $25,000 provide material support for our current and future campaigns to fight for the human rights of working and poor people.

In 2018, we marched with hundreds of ordinary people from across the state in Saint Johnsbury to demand the preservation and expansion of medicaid.  This year, we marched again in Barre.  But marches alone don't advance movements.  We need strong organizations with dedicated active members in order to challenge the powers that treat our bodies as profit-centers.  We can't stop organizing; we won't stop organizing.

Over the past years, we've been focused on a statewide Health Care is a Human Right campaign, seeking to bring the fight for single-payer back to Montpelier and win equitable financing for and implementation of Act 48, Vermont's universal health care law.  This has included:

• packing the statehouse for hearings in front of legislative committees and the Green Mountain Care Board
• organizing a mass call-in day to help pass expansions to dental care covered by Medicaid in Vermont
• holding community educational events and canvassing days to recruit new members and educate our communities all over the state 
• holding monthly free meals and other survival projects aimed at helping those most affected by inequality and empower them to join the struggle for health care justice
• supporting health care and education workers during contract negotiations and labor actions, as well as turning out in solidarity with actions organized by other unions and movements of poor and dispossessed people.  
• helping to coordinate Vermont's chapter of the New Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival

In 2020, we're trying to double our membership and expand our presence into new areas of the state.  We've got momentum and a growing core group of committed member-leaders, but we need your help to keep this going!  Please give what you can-- no contribution is too small (or too large, for that matter).

If you're interested in learning more about the Vermont Workers' Center and the work we do, please reach out to me through my Organizing Committee at uppervalley@workerscenter.org. 

I hope you will support us in our efforts to bring about a more just and democratic Vermont and world.

Solidarity,

Keegan