Signing the petition to get our congressman to advocate for us with FEMA is crucial for several reasons: 1. Amplify Our Voice: A petition demonstrates that a significant number of constituents are concerned about an issue. This collective voice is more likely to get the attention of our congressman and prompt action. 2. Urgent Needs: FEMA assistance is often needed to address urgent needs following disasters, such as providing temporary housing, financial aid, and recovery resources. Our congressman's advocacy can expedite this process. 3. Accountability: By signing the petition, we hold our elected representative accountable to the community. It reminds them of their responsibility to represent and support our interests. 4. Resource Allocation: Effective advocacy can ensure that our community receives a fair share of resources and support from FEMA, which can be crucial for rebuilding and recovery efforts. 5. Highlighting Issues: A petition can bring to light specific issues or challenges our community faces that might not be widely known. This can help tailor FEMA's response to better meet our needs. 6. Building Support: A strong show of support through a petition can encourage other elected officials and organizations to join our cause, creating a broader coalition for effective action. By signing the petition, you help ensure our community's needs are heard and addressed promptly and effectively.

The Wheaties cereal box is a prime example of the impact that Olympic and Paralympic athletes have on culture in the United States. As a cultural touchstone, Wheaties can help push back against the growing wave of dangerous anti-trans policies and sentiments across the country.  Nikki is one of the only transgender athlete competing to bring home the gold for Team USA in this year’s Olympics, after rules around trans athletes’ participation were tightened since Tokyo 2020. This is the perfect moment for Wheaties to make clear that they stand for inclusivity and acceptance.   A staggering 25 states have dangerous policies restricting transgender students from participating in sports that align with their gender identity. Violence against transgender and nonbinary Americans is on the rise, and conservative states are mounting attacks on both transgender children and adults, passing laws that restrict funding for and access to gender-affirming care.  Representation matters. We need young transgender and nonbinary kids to see themselves represented in major sporting and cultural events. Join us in calling on Wheaties to put Nikki Hiltz front and center – signaling that anyone can be an Olympic athlete, no matter their gender or sexuality. 

The health risks of toxic metals in tampons are serious and need attention now. Heavy metals like arsenic and lead can harm vital organs, increase cancer risk, and cause severe developmental issues in fetuses. With millions of Americans using tampons regularly, the potential for widespread harm is huge. We can't wait for more studies to confirm what we already know is a big problem. We need immediate action to protect public health. By pushing for stricter regulations and mandatory testing, we can make sure menstrual products are safe for everyone. This is crucial for protecting individual health and maintaining public trust in consumer safety standards.

A dedicated and hardworking transgender woman was unjustly terminated from Braum’s in Weatherford, OK on July 13, 2024 due to her use of the restroom that aligns with her gender identity, following the implementation of harmful and discriminatory bathroom policies by the management.   Despite local management's support and efforts to advocate for fair and inclusive policies, higher management succumbed to transphobic pressures by the public and enforced rules that violate the rights and dignity of transgender employees. These new policies require transgender employees to use restrooms that do not align with their gender identity, creating uncomfortable and unsafe situations for them.   Such actions not only perpetuate discrimination and intolerance but also contradict the values of equality and respect that our community and state strive to uphold. No one should face termination or any form of discrimination for living their authentic selves and using the restroom that corresponds to their gender identity. While it is true there are federal protections in place such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which requires transgender employees be given access to the common restrooms used by the other employees of their same gender identity, it is important to have state protections for vulnerable communities.  States revoking rights of citizens and standing by discrimination opens a gateway for precedent to be challenged federally. We have seen this happen and result in success in recent Supreme Court cases under the current conservative-leaning Court (for example, the overturning of Roe v. Wade and Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council in recent years).   In a time where efforts are being made to criminalize trans existence, we need compassionate legislators standing beside us fighting for our equal rights to live and occupy public spaces. Trans people deserve basic human rights just like everyone else. They deserve to use the restroom in peace and safety.  By denying an employee the use of common restrooms used by employees who share their same gender identity, Braum's is in direct violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Oklahoma should guarantee its citizens protections from discrimination regardless of gender identity instead of allowing Braum's to get away with this without consequence.  

Peter White tragically passed away on June 5th, 2023 after a long battle with mental health and addiction. Peter was everyone’s favorite person and lit up every room he stepped in. No matter what he went through in his own life, he put others first and was always there for anything you needed. From a young age, Pete loved to skate. His escape was always to hop on his board and take a ride. He practically lived at Highlands Skatepark his entire childhood, along with his friends. He inspired and taught many to skate, even his 2 year old stepson was obsessed with his skateboard.  The simple fact is, mental health and addiction are the leading causes of premature death, especially in people under 35, surpassing COVID 19, tragic accidents, and even cancer, yet it is being silenced and hushed due to shame and judgement. It can happen to ANYONE, it does not discriminate, and to watch your loved one go through such suffering will change you forever. Addiction and mental health awareness SHOULD BE OF THE UPMOST PRIORITY! Children are dying, mothers and fathers are dying, uncles, aunts, cousins, friends … at a rapid speed.  Unfortunately less than 3% of all addicts recover, and when it comes down to it Pete is just one of the 97%+ who could not win. However, he fought until his very last day on earth. He got back up every time, and in between comforted those who loved him and did his absolute best to save himself.  His memory at this Skatepark is more than just his memory, it is a reminder to all addicts and those struggling with mental health, whether with us on Earth or passed, that they WILL be missed. That they DO have an impact. That their life DOES matter.  It’s a shame that this plaque could ever be considered taken down, when this issue is so important and so real to so many in our community alone.  In loving Memory of Peter White, Aj Heagney, Brandon McGeorge, Mat Adams, Chris Messiah, and the list goes on and on and on…. 

It takes a strong large community to request change. We believe people in Indiana are not aware of this voter suppression tactic which comes from fear. Why should we not be allowed to vote in every location, even federal buildings in Indiana? It can be done in a fair and legal manner which has been seen in so many states nationwide. Indiana has poor voter turnout and deserves to have better access and advantage as all states. 

By signing this petition, we express our support for Professor Jemma Elliot and Dr. Matthew Bennett and call for the PGI leadership to recognize and respond to our critical concerns. Sincerely, [In signing, please include your name and affiliation with PGI: Student/Faculty/Staff/Alumni/Prospective Student/Anonymous]

Transparency is the foundation of any functioning Democracy, but we still know very little about JD Vance, Donald Trump’s new running mate. JD Vance claims to be a “rags-to-riches” story, growing up poor with Hillbillies in Appalachia. Yet he has refused to release any real details about the source of his wealth in his relatively short career. No one knows where JD Vance's money came from. He grew up in the suburbs of Dayton, Ohio, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science in 2009. He then received a law degree in 2013, but just three years later, in 2016, Vance published a book claiming to be a venture capitalist after only having a few months of relative experience and no education in the field. The media has only recently started to expose the major holes in JD Vance's resume. For example, they have discovered that JD Vance was a lawyer for a lobbying firm hired by Purdue Pharma in the months prior to the release of his book, blaming a hillbilly ”culture in crisis” for the opioid crisis. Vance never disclosed his connections to the makers of Oxycontin. Later, he started a fake opioid nonprofit that hired a spokesperson for the opioid industry. At the same time, media reports have also exposed Vance's connections to Peter Thiel, an Artificial Intelligence Billionaire who appears to be responsible for every major development in JD Vance's career. Not only did this billionaire support JD Vance while he wrote his book, but he also gave JD Vance his first “venture capitalist” job and donated a historic $15 million to get JD elected to the Senate in 2022. The fact is, JD Vance’s story seems to be a lie–or at least greatly exaggerated. JD Vance must now release the last ten years of his tax returns so American voters know the real source of his income. Of course, Donald Trump never released his tax returns because they are “under audit.” But every other candidate has. Mike Pence did when he was named Trump’s VP in 2016, with the “full support of Mr. Trump.” In fact, President Joe Biden released his tax returns while he was VP and then three years after when he became a candidate.  Kamala Harris released 10 years of their tax returns back in 2019. We need to see J.D. Vance’s tax returns. 

Minutes after we started this petition yesterday afternoon, Governor Shapiro signed the bill. Now it is up to the legislature to repeal it. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is an unproven technology that has never worked. Naomi Oreskes, best known as the co-author of Merchants of Doubt, wrote in an essay in Scientific American in March that she is among geologists who believe that long term CO2 storage could be achieved, but that its success relies on identifying sites where CO2 will remain sequestered. “But site characterization takes time that we don't have,” she says. She points out that billions were spent over two decades to evaluate Yucca Mountain as a site for nuclear waste disposal before the proposal failed. Identifying sequestration sites is just as challenging. For years, we were told that Pennsylvania's geology was not suited to injection wells, the wells used for underground storage. Our geology hasn't changed, yet we've seen a huge increase in injection well projects, most of them Class II wells used for oil & gas waste. CCS requires its own class of well the EPA calls Class VI injection wells. Identifying sites for those wells is particularly challenging in Pennsylvania, not just because of our geology, but because the CCS involves injecting CO2 into pore space below a cap rock, or the impermeable rock, that will keep CO2 from leaking. The Marcellus would be the likely cap rock, but its integrity is in question because of decades of drilling and fracking and because there are hundreds of thousands of abandoned wells in the Marcellus. Does that disqualify the Marcellus from being a suitable cap rock? Does the corrosive effect of the CO2 compromise the cap rock? What does permanent, as in permanent sequestration, mean?  Scientists are still trying to answer these questions and many others. If scientists don't know the answers, our state legislators don't know them either. That didn't stop them from passing the bill without any hearings or discussion and without referring it to the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. The scientific and technological unknowns are concerning enough, but Yaw's bill takes aim at the public by imposing a form of subsurface eminent domain that bars people from saying no to injection into their pore space if enough neighbors say yes. It then shifts liability from the industry to the state so the taxpayers are left holding the bag when something goes wrong. And it exposes communities to dangerous Class VI wells and the CO2 pipelines that would deliver the CO2 to the site. The only ones who benefit from SB 831 are those who will profit from using PA as a CO2 waste dump. The rest of us have everything to lose. CCS is one of the false climate solutions that allows the fossil fuel industry to continue doing business as usual, but it's also the technology that turns gray hydrogen blue. The blue hydrogen hubs proposed for Pennsylvania use methane as a feedstock to produce the hydrogen. That means more drilling and fracking, more harms to our communities, and more climate-killing methane leaks. Governor Shapiro failed to protect Pennsylvania. It's up to the legislature now.

The two largest private employers in the U.S.—Amazon and Walmart—are using abusive and invasive surveillance tactics to get even richer at the expense of workers’ rights, safety, and dignity. Warehouse workers are being constantly monitored, creating environments where they have no choice but to keep up with inhuman, unsustainable productivity standards. These often result in health and safety risks, with workers reporting they don't have time to use the bathroom because of how fast they are pushed to work. This is unacceptable. Add your name to the petition to demand Amazon and Walmart stop the hyper-surveillance of their warehouse workers that compromises their health, safety, and well-being.

Empowering the Future - A Call to Lower the Age to Run for President Dear Fellow Citizens, Our nation stands at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. In this moment, we must harness the full potential of every citizen, regardless of age. I am writing to you today to advocate for a cause that is not just about me, but about empowering an entire generation of young Americans who are ready to lead, innovate, and create a brighter future for us all. It is time to lower the age requirement to run for president and give young voices the platform they deserve. Why It Matters 1. Fresh Perspectives and Innovative Solutions The younger generation brings fresh ideas and a keen understanding of modern challenges such as climate change, technological advancement, and social justice. Our nation needs leaders who can think outside the box, who are not bound by outdated paradigms but are eager to explore new solutions. By lowering the age requirement, we open the door to innovative policies that address today’s most pressing issues with the urgency and creativity they demand. 2. Representation for All Generations Youth make up a significant portion of our population, yet their voices are often underrepresented in the highest levels of government. This imbalance means that the concerns and aspirations of young people are not fully reflected in national policies. By allowing younger candidates to run for president, we ensure that our leadership is truly representative of all generations, leading to a more inclusive and balanced approach to governance. 3. Energy and Determination Young leaders are driven by passion and determination to make a difference. They are not yet jaded by the status quo and are often more willing to challenge existing systems to create meaningful change. This energy is essential for tackling long-standing issues that previous generations have struggled to resolve. It is time to infuse our political system with the vigor and ambition of youth. Why You Should Support This Movement 1. A New Era of Leadership Supporting the movement to lower the age requirement for presidential candidates is about more than just changing a number. It is about ushering in a new era of leadership that is responsive, dynamic, and attuned to the needs of a rapidly changing world. It is about believing in the potential of our youth to rise to the occasion and lead with integrity and vision. 2. Bridging Generational Divides Lowering the age requirement fosters greater understanding and collaboration between generations. It encourages mentorship and the sharing of wisdom between older and younger leaders, creating a more cohesive and united society. By bridging these divides, we can work together more effectively to build a prosperous future for all. 3. Fixing What Past Generations Couldn't There are persistent issues that have been passed down from generation to generation, unresolved and festering. It is time to give the younger generation the chance to tackle these problems with fresh eyes and new approaches. By supporting this movement, you are empowering young leaders to address and fix the challenges that past generations have struggled to overcome. Why Choose Me I stand before you as a representative of this movement, ready to champion the cause of youth empowerment and lead with dedication and purpose. My commitment to this cause is unwavering, and I am prepared to work tirelessly to ensure that our voices are heard. Here is why you should choose me to spearhead this movement: 1. Passionate Advocate for Change I have always been driven by a deep passion for making a positive impact in our society. My experiences have equipped me with the knowledge and determination to advocate effectively for this cause. I am committed to fighting for the rights and representation of young people in the political arena. 2. Proven Leadership Throughout my life, I have demonstrated leadership in various capacities, whether it be in community organizations, educational institutions, or advocacy groups. I have a track record of bringing people together, building consensus, and driving meaningful change. I am ready to bring this experience to the national stage. 3. Vision for the Future I envision a future where age is not a barrier to leadership, where young people are empowered to bring their unique perspectives to the forefront of national policy. I am committed to creating an inclusive and forward-thinking government that truly reflects the diversity and potential of our nation. Join the Movement This is a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. Together, we can create a future where every voice is heard, and every citizen has the opportunity to lead. I ask for your support in this movement to lower the age requirement to run for president. Let us stand together, empower our youth, and fix what past generations couldn't. Thank you for believing in the power of young leadership. Together, we can make history. Sincerely, West Abadie 

Misuse of public funds: City of Chicago officials have failed the tax payers of Chicago. Instead of using tax funds to benefit tax payers, City of Chicago officials misappropriated the funds, opting to allocate them for the sole benefit of private law firms, a decision which was neither required nor necessary. Failure to hold public servants accountable: the City of Chicago's decision to not pursue criminal charges against disgraced Detective Reynaldo Guevara is unfathomable, indefensible, and a complete failure to the people of Chicago. Citizens of Chicago deserve better: Chicago of Chicago officials have a long history of failing their constituents. The people of Chicago deserve public officials who prioritize their fiduciary responsibilities and act in the best interest of the people they represent.