Michael Swayze's Community Resources

Category: Advocacy

  • Environmental Christmas List

    For the past year or more there has been a renewed sense of purpose in my household. Perhaps it had something to do with the presidential election, the odd weather, or a change in food habits. Put them all together and I have a list of wishes for the coming year.
    1. Buy local.
    2. Raise awareness of climate change, previously known as global warming.
    3. Support for family farmers.
    4. Reduction in the cost of organic food.
    5. Reduction in the influence of the special interests – nationally, state, even local.
    6. Elimination of poverty.
    7. Support for mass transit.
    8. Energy independence. A positive approach includes solar and wind power, energy conservation. Not “drill, baby, drill”.
    9. Green power.
    10. A continuation of the efforts started by Occupy Wall Street.
    11. Making CSA a household name.
    12. Parks available for all children.

    Suggested reading material
    1. Why Buy Locally Owned?
    2. Climate Change and Global Warming
    Chasing Ice documentary film
    3. Family Farms, why family farms important
    Farm Aid, more than just an annual concert
    4. Why is organic food more expensive than conventional food?, U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization
    10 reasons organic food is so expensive, Fox News/The Daily Meal
    5. Center for Responsive Politics
    U.S. PIRG
    6. Half in Ten
    Anti-Poverty Network of New Jersey
    7. PublicTransportation.org
    Tri-State Transportation Campaign
    8. National Center for Appropriate Technology
    9. Energy Savers Guide, U.S. Department of Energy
    New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program, Office of Clean Energy
    10. Occupy Wall Street
    11. CSA = Community Supported Agriculture. CSA – LocalHarvest
    Bloomfield-Montclair CSA
    12. How Cities Use Parks to Help Children Learn

  • NJ Voter Registration Deadline – October 16

    Democracy only works if people participate. In some states it would be correct to say that democracy only works if people are allowed to participate. Fortunately, New Jersey is a state where voter registration is an easy enough process. The purpose of this article is to alert prospective voters as to how to register and to offer links to websites for registration forms and information.

    October 16 is the voter registration deadline in New Jersey. Not much time is left if you wish to vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 6.

    The New Jersey Division of Elections has a webpage that provides information on how to register, who can register, where to register, voter frequently asked questions, etc. It’s a perfect place to start and the website gives you all the information you need to know. There you can complete a voter registration application form and mail it to your county election officials or you can complete a statewide voter registration application and mail it to the Division of Elections in Trenton. If you have questions the registration forms suggest you call toll free 1-877-NJVOTER (1-877-658-6837) or visit Elections.NJ.gov.

    Registered voters in New Jersey can vote by mail without needing a reason. Now there is no excuse not to vote. However, the vote by mail application must be received by the County Clerk for the county in which you live by October 30. For complete details visit the Vote By Mail Application webpage of the NJ Division of Elections.

    First time voters can learn more by reading a Voting: It’s Your Right developed by the Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities and the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey or Voting in New Jersey published by the League of Women Voters of New Jersey.

    Information on voter registration in other states is available from a number of sources. Visit Project Vote Smart , Vote411.org, a project of the League of Women Voters or Rock the Vote. Act quickly as voter registration deadlines have already passed in a number of states, according to Long Distance Voter.

    Make your voice heard. Register.

  • President Declares Immigration Policy Change For Young People

    On June 15 President Obama announced changes to immigration policy that would allow a deferral of deportation to young people who came to this county as children.
    The announcement appeared in the White House Blog and the Department of Homeland Security website with a title of “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals: Who Can Be Considered?”

    The President’s Rose Garden remarks are available as a video.

    Details of the deferral action process is available online on the Homeland Security website at www.dhs.gov/deferred-action-process.

    The White House and Homeland Security articles read as follows:

    Today, USCIS will begin accepting requests for consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals. Deferred action is a discretionary determination to defer removal action of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion. Under this process, USCIS will consider requests on a case-by-case basis. While this process does not provide lawful status or a pathway to permanent residence or citizenship, individuals whose cases are deferred will not be removed from the United States for a two year period, subject to renewal, and may also receive employment authorization. To be considered for this process, you must show that:

    • You came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday
    • You have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time
    • You were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012
    • You entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or your lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012
    • You are currently in school, have graduated or obtained your certificate of completion from high school, have obtained your general educational development certification, or you are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States
    • You have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat
    • You were present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS

    • If you meet the above guidelines, and want to submit your deferred action for childhood arrivals request with USCIS, you will need to:

    • Collect documents as evidence you meet the guidelines
    • Complete USCIS Forms I-821D, I-765 and I-765 Worksheet
    • Mail USCIS the forms and fees (total $465, accompanying Form I-765)
    • Visit your local USCIS Application Support Center for a scheduled biometrics services appointment

    After you file, you will be able to check the status of your request online. For more information, visit our website for the latest news and updates on this process at www.uscis.gov/childhoodarrivals.

    This policy change will have immediate impact for thousands of young people, often referred to as “Dreamers”, who came to this county at a very early age and consider themselves Americans.

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Application Support Centers in New Jersey are located at 285-299 North Broad Street, Elizabeth and 116 Kansas Street, Hackensack. Other centers are located at 201 West Houston Street, Room #1023, New York, New York or 10300 Drummond Road, Suite 100, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.