Do you want to help us fight inequality? Attend one of our rallies, events, or volunteer opportunities!
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Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 09:00 AM · 11 rsvps
Call Adam Bello to Support a Public Utility Study!
Thanks to our growing community movement, the County Legislature has introduced legislation for a public utility study! Progress is uncertain, however, because RG&E and their corporate allies are lobbying County Executive Adam Bello to prevent even studying a public utility. One of the biggest reasons why is that the Head of the Chamber of Commerce, Bob Duffy, is paid over $200,000 a year to serve on the board of RG&E’s parent company.
We know we’re not going to outspend RG&E; but unlike RG&E, we have the people on our side!
Please show up to our Mass Rally and March on Friday April 5 at 530, and also make a call to the County Executive to make it clear that the community is paying attention and he needs to side with us, not RG&E and their corporate front group!
Additional context: The County Executive has been repeatedly sharing misleading information, and you may hear this from his staff. For one, local governments are not in danger of losing tax payments that RG&E currently pays. We collectively pay for these taxes through our rates, and will continue to do so with a new public utility. He is also vastly inflating estimates for the cost of the study and the cost of buying out RG&E. The truth remains - We pay all of RG&E’s costs, plus profits, now, and under a new utility, those costs would be lower, and a study would tell us how much and how to design a new utility. You can read more, including linked info sheets, here.
What is Adam Bello and RG&E afraid of by studying it?Call the County Executive at 585-753-1000 on Thur March 28, and let him know you want him to support a public utility study! RSVP Below to let us know you called, and share!
This is a proposed script:Hi, my name is ---- and I live in ----
I support a public utility study to Replace RG&E and want Adam Bello to commit to supporting legislation.
I believe that a study is the only way to answer many outstanding questions, and a public utility would open up ways to save money, invest in our community and workforce, act on climate, and have local control. It’s a common sense solution to the problem of energy profiteering, and our community deserves answers.
[If you want, share a story of how RG&E has affected your life and why you want to see change]
Will the County Executive commit to supporting legislation for a public utility study? -
Wednesday, April 03, 2024 at 06:00 PM · 1 rsvp
Metro Justice Office in Rochester, NYOrganizing Meeting: Rochester for Energy Democracy
Welcome to Rochester for Energy Democracy (R.E.D.)!
RED is Metro Justice’s campaign to replace foreign-owned RG&E in Monroe County into a not for profit, locally controlled public utility. RG&E's track record speaks volumes—surprise billing, exorbitant rates, terrible customer service, and rising rates have plagued our community for far too long. It's time for change. That’s why replacing RG&E with a public utility is necessary and holds the promise of lower rates, improved service, the restoration of good local union jobs, and and a renewable energy transition accessible to all.
At our biweekly organizing meetings, we discuss aspects of our strategy to win, determine collective action items, and delegate work. This committee is the heart of our campaign, and a great way to get involved to make a difference and meet our community of volunteers leading this fight.
We'll meet at the Metro Justice Office from 6-8 PM. Please RSVP below! We welcome folks bringing snacks and drinks to share if you would like to do so.
For some background on RED: For-profit, investor-owned utilities like RG&E keep raising our rates, only to neglect maintenance of the grid and expand fossil fuel infrastructure. On top of that, oil and gas continue to lobby against a fast and massive transition to renewable energy. As a result, we all pay more than we should in energy bills while the continued use of fossil fuels pushes us towards catastrophic environmental damage.
In R.E.D., we believe that in order to combat the climate crisis and ensure environmental justice in the long-term, we must fundamentally transform our energy economy. We need to build an energy system that meets the needs of communities instead of meeting the greed of distant investors and CEOs. We also need a shift to energy that is 100% clean and renewable. We believe this is possible if we takeover RG&E with a public, local, and community controlled utility. This will give communities a say in what kind of energy we use, whom we get it from, and how the money we pay is used to benefit our community. Furthermore, everyone could only pay what is necessary to develop and maintain energy infrastructure, taking millions in profits for investors and CEOs out of the picture. We can also make sure that all jobs associated with the utility are local union jobs that pay family-sustaining wages with benefits.
A community-driven energy system needs the involvement of people in our community to succeed. To join us at our next meeting, please RSVP below!
Directions to our office:
- The address is 389 Gregory Street, Unit A.
- Please use the Cayuga Street entrance; come to the large double doors with a keypad on it.
- Enter, go up the stairs to the second floor. Unit A will be on the right.
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Mass Rally at RG&E for a Public Utility!
Did you know that we can vote out the foreign-owned, for-profit corporation that owns and controls RG&E? RG&E and their foreign owners continue to overcharge and fail our community without accountability. The solution is a tried and true one: a non-profit, locally owned, public utility.Initiating an implementation study at the county level is our crucial first step toward achieving a public utility that works for local residents instead of distant shareholders. The future of a public utility study hinges on support from County Executive Adam Bello and majority support in the County Legislature.
The lobby against public power includes the Head of the Chamber of Commerce, Bob Duffy, who is paid over 200,000 a year to serve on the board of RG&E’s parent company. With the recent roll-out of this pro-RGE, Chamber of Commerce backed, business-insider lobby group aimed at stopping public power, we are forced to ask our County Representatives, "whose side are you on?"
The people of Monroe County have already waited too long for a public solution to the corporate greed and persistent incompetence of RG&E. The City of Rochester already did its part last June by contributing funding for a county-wide study. Now it's Monroe County's turn to step up.
Don't you think we deserve real answers on how a public utility could serve us better, instead of continuing to deal with RG&E's constant billing errors, rate hikes, and abysmal customer service?
Come show your anger and frustration at RG&E, and put pressure on the Monroe County Legislature and County Executive Adam Bello to take the common sense first step: commission and fund a study on how a locally-owned utility would serve us better, for less, while investing more in our communities. With our power in numbers, we can push our elected officials to side with county residents over well-connected, politically influential apologists for RG&E. We'll march from RG&E on 180 S. Clinton, to the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, and end at the Monroe County Government Office (the County Legislature building) on 39 West Main Street.
Wear red, a Metro Justice shirt, or a shirt that represents your organization/union! You can order a Metro Justice shirt here. Bring signs! More info to come.
RSVP below! -
Tuesday, April 09, 2024 at 06:00 PM · 24 rsvps
Monroe County Legislative Chambers, County Office Building in Rochester, NYCounty Legislature: Study Public Power Now!
The time has come for Monroe County to do the right thing about the RG&E crisis: commission and fund a study on replacing RG&E with a local, not-for-profit, public utility!
Did you know that we can vote out the foreign-owned, for-profit corporation that owns and controls RG&E? RG&E and their foreign owners continue to overcharge and fail our community without accountability. But, it doesn't have to stay this way. We can vote out the multinational, for-profit corporation that owns RG&E and replace them with a publically owned utility!
Initiating an implementation study at the county level is our crucial first step toward achieving a public utility that works for local residents instead of distant shareholders. The people of Monroe County have already waited too long for a public solution to the corporate greed and persistent incompetence of RG&E. The City of Rochester already did its part last June by contributing funding for a county-wide study. Now it's Monroe County's turn to step up.
Save the Date for the County Legislature Meeting on Tuesday April 9 at 6pm, where we'll mobilize to demand the vote for the study our community needs.Wear red or a Metro Justice shirt! You can order a Metro Justice shirt here. More info to come, including instructions to sign up to speak and guideline to prepare your remarks.
RSVP below!
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Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 06:00 PM
Metro Justice Office in Rochester, NYOrganizing Meeting: Rochester for Energy Democracy
Welcome to Rochester for Energy Democracy (R.E.D.)!
RED is Metro Justice’s campaign to replace foreign-owned RG&E in Monroe County into a not for profit, locally controlled public utility. RG&E's track record speaks volumes—surprise billing, exorbitant rates, terrible customer service, and rising rates have plagued our community for far too long. It's time for change. That’s why replacing RG&E with a public utility is necessary and holds the promise of lower rates, improved service, the restoration of good local union jobs, and and a renewable energy transition accessible to all.
At our biweekly organizing meetings, we discuss aspects of our strategy to win, determine collective action items, and delegate work. This committee is the heart of our campaign, and a great way to get involved to make a difference and meet our community of volunteers leading this fight.
We'll meet at the Metro Justice Office from 6-8 PM. Please RSVP below! We welcome folks bringing snacks and drinks to share if you would like to do so.
For some background on RED: For-profit, investor-owned utilities like RG&E keep raising our rates, only to neglect maintenance of the grid and expand fossil fuel infrastructure. On top of that, oil and gas continue to lobby against a fast and massive transition to renewable energy. As a result, we all pay more than we should in energy bills while the continued use of fossil fuels pushes us towards catastrophic environmental damage.
In R.E.D., we believe that in order to combat the climate crisis and ensure environmental justice in the long-term, we must fundamentally transform our energy economy. We need to build an energy system that meets the needs of communities instead of meeting the greed of distant investors and CEOs. We also need a shift to energy that is 100% clean and renewable. We believe this is possible if we takeover RG&E with a public, local, and community controlled utility. This will give communities a say in what kind of energy we use, whom we get it from, and how the money we pay is used to benefit our community. Furthermore, everyone could only pay what is necessary to develop and maintain energy infrastructure, taking millions in profits for investors and CEOs out of the picture. We can also make sure that all jobs associated with the utility are local union jobs that pay family-sustaining wages with benefits.
A community-driven energy system needs the involvement of people in our community to succeed. To join us at our next meeting, please RSVP below!
Directions to our office:
- The address is 389 Gregory Street, Unit A.
- Please use the Cayuga Street entrance; come to the large double doors with a keypad on it.
- Enter, go up the stairs to the second floor. Unit A will be on the right.
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Wednesday, May 01, 2024 at 06:00 PM
Metro Justice Office in Rochester, NYOrganizing Meeting: Rochester for Energy Democracy
Welcome to Rochester for Energy Democracy (R.E.D.)!
RED is Metro Justice’s campaign to replace foreign-owned RG&E in Monroe County into a not for profit, locally controlled public utility. RG&E's track record speaks volumes—surprise billing, exorbitant rates, terrible customer service, and rising rates have plagued our community for far too long. It's time for change. That’s why replacing RG&E with a public utility is necessary and holds the promise of lower rates, improved service, the restoration of good local union jobs, and and a renewable energy transition accessible to all.
At our biweekly organizing meetings, we discuss aspects of our strategy to win, determine collective action items, and delegate work. This committee is the heart of our campaign, and a great way to get involved to make a difference and meet our community of volunteers leading this fight.
We'll meet at the Metro Justice Office from 6-8 PM. Please RSVP below! We welcome folks bringing snacks and drinks to share if you would like to do so.
For some background on RED: For-profit, investor-owned utilities like RG&E keep raising our rates, only to neglect maintenance of the grid and expand fossil fuel infrastructure. On top of that, oil and gas continue to lobby against a fast and massive transition to renewable energy. As a result, we all pay more than we should in energy bills while the continued use of fossil fuels pushes us towards catastrophic environmental damage.
In R.E.D., we believe that in order to combat the climate crisis and ensure environmental justice in the long-term, we must fundamentally transform our energy economy. We need to build an energy system that meets the needs of communities instead of meeting the greed of distant investors and CEOs. We also need a shift to energy that is 100% clean and renewable. We believe this is possible if we takeover RG&E with a public, local, and community controlled utility. This will give communities a say in what kind of energy we use, whom we get it from, and how the money we pay is used to benefit our community. Furthermore, everyone could only pay what is necessary to develop and maintain energy infrastructure, taking millions in profits for investors and CEOs out of the picture. We can also make sure that all jobs associated with the utility are local union jobs that pay family-sustaining wages with benefits.
A community-driven energy system needs the involvement of people in our community to succeed. To join us at our next meeting, please RSVP below!
Directions to our office:
- The address is 389 Gregory Street, Unit A.
- Please use the Cayuga Street entrance; come to the large double doors with a keypad on it.
- Enter, go up the stairs to the second floor. Unit A will be on the right.
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Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 06:00 PM
Metro Justice Office in Rochester, NYOrganizing Meeting: Rochester for Energy Democracy
Welcome to Rochester for Energy Democracy (R.E.D.)!
RED is Metro Justice’s campaign to replace foreign-owned RG&E in Monroe County into a not for profit, locally controlled public utility. RG&E's track record speaks volumes—surprise billing, exorbitant rates, terrible customer service, and rising rates have plagued our community for far too long. It's time for change. That’s why replacing RG&E with a public utility is necessary and holds the promise of lower rates, improved service, the restoration of good local union jobs, and and a renewable energy transition accessible to all.
At our biweekly organizing meetings, we discuss aspects of our strategy to win, determine collective action items, and delegate work. This committee is the heart of our campaign, and a great way to get involved to make a difference and meet our community of volunteers leading this fight.
We'll meet at the Metro Justice Office from 6-8 PM. Please RSVP below! We welcome folks bringing snacks and drinks to share if you would like to do so.
For some background on RED: For-profit, investor-owned utilities like RG&E keep raising our rates, only to neglect maintenance of the grid and expand fossil fuel infrastructure. On top of that, oil and gas continue to lobby against a fast and massive transition to renewable energy. As a result, we all pay more than we should in energy bills while the continued use of fossil fuels pushes us towards catastrophic environmental damage.
In R.E.D., we believe that in order to combat the climate crisis and ensure environmental justice in the long-term, we must fundamentally transform our energy economy. We need to build an energy system that meets the needs of communities instead of meeting the greed of distant investors and CEOs. We also need a shift to energy that is 100% clean and renewable. We believe this is possible if we takeover RG&E with a public, local, and community controlled utility. This will give communities a say in what kind of energy we use, whom we get it from, and how the money we pay is used to benefit our community. Furthermore, everyone could only pay what is necessary to develop and maintain energy infrastructure, taking millions in profits for investors and CEOs out of the picture. We can also make sure that all jobs associated with the utility are local union jobs that pay family-sustaining wages with benefits.
A community-driven energy system needs the involvement of people in our community to succeed. To join us at our next meeting, please RSVP below!
Directions to our office:
- The address is 389 Gregory Street, Unit A.
- Please use the Cayuga Street entrance; come to the large double doors with a keypad on it.
- Enter, go up the stairs to the second floor. Unit A will be on the right.
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Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 06:00 PM
Metro Justice Office in Rochester, NYOrganizing Meeting: Rochester for Energy Democracy
Welcome to Rochester for Energy Democracy (R.E.D.)!
RED is Metro Justice’s campaign to replace foreign-owned RG&E in Monroe County into a not for profit, locally controlled public utility. RG&E's track record speaks volumes—surprise billing, exorbitant rates, terrible customer service, and rising rates have plagued our community for far too long. It's time for change. That’s why replacing RG&E with a public utility is necessary and holds the promise of lower rates, improved service, the restoration of good local union jobs, and and a renewable energy transition accessible to all.
At our biweekly organizing meetings, we discuss aspects of our strategy to win, determine collective action items, and delegate work. This committee is the heart of our campaign, and a great way to get involved to make a difference and meet our community of volunteers leading this fight.
We'll meet at the Metro Justice Office from 6-8 PM. Please RSVP below! We welcome folks bringing snacks and drinks to share if you would like to do so.
For some background on RED: For-profit, investor-owned utilities like RG&E keep raising our rates, only to neglect maintenance of the grid and expand fossil fuel infrastructure. On top of that, oil and gas continue to lobby against a fast and massive transition to renewable energy. As a result, we all pay more than we should in energy bills while the continued use of fossil fuels pushes us towards catastrophic environmental damage.
In R.E.D., we believe that in order to combat the climate crisis and ensure environmental justice in the long-term, we must fundamentally transform our energy economy. We need to build an energy system that meets the needs of communities instead of meeting the greed of distant investors and CEOs. We also need a shift to energy that is 100% clean and renewable. We believe this is possible if we takeover RG&E with a public, local, and community controlled utility. This will give communities a say in what kind of energy we use, whom we get it from, and how the money we pay is used to benefit our community. Furthermore, everyone could only pay what is necessary to develop and maintain energy infrastructure, taking millions in profits for investors and CEOs out of the picture. We can also make sure that all jobs associated with the utility are local union jobs that pay family-sustaining wages with benefits.
A community-driven energy system needs the involvement of people in our community to succeed. To join us at our next meeting, please RSVP below!
Directions to our office:
- The address is 389 Gregory Street, Unit A.
- Please use the Cayuga Street entrance; come to the large double doors with a keypad on it.
- Enter, go up the stairs to the second floor. Unit A will be on the right.
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Saturday, June 08, 2024 at 05:00 PM · $10.00 USD
AFSCME Union Hall in Rochester, NYAnnualDinner2024
You are cordially invited! We hope that you can join us for our organization’s most celebrated fundraising event: The Metro Justice Annual Dinner on Sunday June 8, 2024 at the AFSCME Union Hall (1956 Lyell Ave). Doors open at 5:00pm, program to begin at 6:00pm.
Your ticket purchases and sponsorships will help fuel and support the campaigns that Metro Justice stands for. Your generosity can help our organization maintain its strong and uncompromising voice in the community; fighting for social, economic, and racial justice. We hope you will join us for an evening of food, fun, and community.
Our Keynote Speaker this year is Bob Muehlenkamp! Bob Muehlenkamp has been on the front lines of our country’s social justice and trade union movements for half a century. He served as Executive Vice President and National Organizing Director at 1199 SEIU, and as Organizing Director for the Teamsters. Bob is a co-facilitator of Third Act’s Retired Union Members Working Group.
Food will be provided by Battatini's Family Style Catering, with union coffee from our brothers & sisters at Spot Coffee. Beer & Wine will also be available.
Tickets, sponsorship, and dinner booklet ads for the dinner can be purchased below. You can also mail in this order form. The deadline for ticket orders received by mail is May 31.
This year we'll have Free on-site Childcare provided by Girls Rock! Rochester. Please let us know how many kids you'll need childcare for, how old they are, and any special needs we should know about.
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday June 8, 2024 for an evening of delicious food and stimulating conversation. If you’re unable to attend, please consider making a contribution to Metro Justice to ensure we remain an independent grassroots organization for years to come.
To purchase an ad in the program without tickets, click here.
For any questions, or to donate a dessert or silent auction item, please contact Fundraising & Membership Director Crescenzo Scipione at [email protected] or 585-397-3535.
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Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 06:00 PM
Metro Justice Office in Rochester, NYOrganizing Meeting: Rochester for Energy Democracy
Welcome to Rochester for Energy Democracy (R.E.D.)!
RED is Metro Justice’s campaign to replace foreign-owned RG&E in Monroe County into a not for profit, locally controlled public utility. RG&E's track record speaks volumes—surprise billing, exorbitant rates, terrible customer service, and rising rates have plagued our community for far too long. It's time for change. That’s why replacing RG&E with a public utility is necessary and holds the promise of lower rates, improved service, the restoration of good local union jobs, and and a renewable energy transition accessible to all.
At our biweekly organizing meetings, we discuss aspects of our strategy to win, determine collective action items, and delegate work. This committee is the heart of our campaign, and a great way to get involved to make a difference and meet our community of volunteers leading this fight.
We'll meet at the Metro Justice Office from 6-8 PM. Please RSVP below! We welcome folks bringing snacks and drinks to share if you would like to do so.
For some background on RED: For-profit, investor-owned utilities like RG&E keep raising our rates, only to neglect maintenance of the grid and expand fossil fuel infrastructure. On top of that, oil and gas continue to lobby against a fast and massive transition to renewable energy. As a result, we all pay more than we should in energy bills while the continued use of fossil fuels pushes us towards catastrophic environmental damage.
In R.E.D., we believe that in order to combat the climate crisis and ensure environmental justice in the long-term, we must fundamentally transform our energy economy. We need to build an energy system that meets the needs of communities instead of meeting the greed of distant investors and CEOs. We also need a shift to energy that is 100% clean and renewable. We believe this is possible if we takeover RG&E with a public, local, and community controlled utility. This will give communities a say in what kind of energy we use, whom we get it from, and how the money we pay is used to benefit our community. Furthermore, everyone could only pay what is necessary to develop and maintain energy infrastructure, taking millions in profits for investors and CEOs out of the picture. We can also make sure that all jobs associated with the utility are local union jobs that pay family-sustaining wages with benefits.
A community-driven energy system needs the involvement of people in our community to succeed. To join us at our next meeting, please RSVP below!
Directions to our office:
- The address is 389 Gregory Street, Unit A.
- Please use the Cayuga Street entrance; come to the large double doors with a keypad on it.
- Enter, go up the stairs to the second floor. Unit A will be on the right.