RALLY REPORT

we got a little bit of press at the kick-off rally to save IHSS.
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/03/27/18583787.php

By the way, I realize this is a detour from the original mission of Action for IHSS, however in my opinion, we need to focus on saving our paychecks and benefits and put the systemic change on the side burner. Not that we're taking a break; I think that while we have the attention of the entities concerned (IHSS, PA, SEIU) we have to maintain that conversation, but we also need to join with SEIU to fight these cuts. There will be another rally in front of Oakland City Hall on Thursdsay April 2 at noon. Please try to attend. When everyone there wears purple (SEIU color), some people will dismiss it, but if people in wheelchairs, and other folks attend then it appears (rightfully) to be a broader issue than labor.

WELCOME

ACTION for IHSS is a group of In-Home Supportive Services clients (aka consumers, recipients) and attendants (aka home-care workers, providers, aides, personal assistants) and advocates who are working to change the way the program is administered, specifically in Alameda County. Created in October 2008, to date we have met with the Public Authority Advisory Board Program Services Committee, the Board of Supervisors Social Services Subcommittee, and a group of staffmembers and directors of the Public Authority and the County IHSS program. Our next step is to meet with Union officials to voice our concerns and to work with the other agencies on tools for determining how widespread the problems we encounter are.

We encourage anyone who has any connection or concern about IHSS to join our efforts to improve the system. Share your horror stories of delays in pay, interruptions in benefits, or other problems. Send email to
act4ihss-owner@yahoogroups.com. Also,

Please join our email group by sending an email to:

act4ihss-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

We are participating in our first public action tomorrow, Friday March 27 at 11:45 in front of the State Building at 1515 Clay Street in Oakland. Please join us!!