Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Weekly Advocacy Alert, January 20: Tune in for the Inauguration of President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris!

By Dance/NYC

Weekly Advocacy Alert, January 20:
Tune in for the Inauguration of
President-Elect Biden and
Vice President-Elect Harris!

Image from bideninaugural.org

Today, President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris will be inaugurated, marking the commencement of their terms as President and Vice-President. Click here for a schedule of inauguration activities. The inauguration will be streamed at BidenInaugural.org/watch and is expected to be carried live on all major networks and platforms.

Given the ongoing white supremacist violence that has occured over the past few weeks in relation to The United States’ government transfer of power, we encourage the members of our community to practice self and community care, where possible. To that end we’ve compiled a list of mental health resources to support you.

Mental Health Resources for Coping with Inauguration Stress

Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty
How to feel less anxious about the inauguration just after an insurrection | Elizabeth Wellington
44 Black Mental Health Support Resources for Anyone Who Needs Them | SELF
Apps and Online Digital Resources
Race Based Trauma Resources and Support in Times of Civil Strife
We Keep Us Safe ROOTS Resources
Call the National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline at 800-950-NAMI. Or in a crisis, text "NAMI" to 741741.

FEDERAL

1. President-Elect Biden is expected to outline a $1.9 trillion spending package to combat the pandemic and its effects on the economy, with an initial focus on large-scale expansions of the nation’s vaccination program and virus-testing capacity, The New York Times reports.

2. The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (Save Our Stages Act) passed as part of the third stimulus package. It includes $15 billion for grants of up to $10 million to qualified live venue operators and promoters, performing arts organizations, theatrical producers, talent representatives, movie theater operators, and nonprofit museums that have auditoriums. The law requires the U.S. Small Business Administration to issue program guidelines by February 10, 2021. Until then, the National Independent Venue Association has posted a helpful plain language FAQ.

3. The Small Business Administration released additional PPP guidance interpreting provisions of the new COVID relief law:

a. Interim Final Rule on Paycheck Protection Program as Amended by Economic Aid Act (Released 1/6/2021)
b. Interim Final Rule on Second Draw Loans (Released 1/6/2021)
c. SBA Guidance on Accessing Capital for Minority, Underserved, Veteran and Women-Owned Business Concerns (Released 1/6/2021)
d. Updated PPP Lender forms, guidance, and resources are available at www.sba.gov/ppp

4. U.S. Department of Labor Suspends Enforcement on Race and Sex Stereotyping Executive Order. The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, under the U.S. Department of Labor, issued a notice that it will suspend the enforcement of and the collection of information under the President’s Executive Order 13950 – Combatting Race and Sex Stereotyping. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued a preliminary injunction that prohibits the federal agency from implementing, enforcing, or effectuating Section 4 of the executive order “in any manner against any recipient of federal funding.” The preliminary injunction was effective immediately.

NEW YORK STATE

1. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a program of pop-up arts performances across the state, featuring performers from the worlds of dance, music, theater, film, and comedy.

2. President-Elect Joe Biden’s transition team has committed to a policy change that will give New York about $2 billion to reimburse State and City governments for COVID-19 expenses, the New York Post reported.

3. Sign on in support of A11154 (Paulin), a bill to ensure the constitutionally protected personal and private data such as names, addresses, and telephone numbers of those who contribute to 501(c)(3) nonprofits are protected from unnecessary disclosure, and remove the double-reporting obligation the Department of State of organizations registered with the Charities Bureau.

SIGN ON

NEW YORK CITY

1. Learn more about Open Culture in NYC:

a. Open Culture permits will be available for March 1 - October 31, 2021 via a streamlined application process with up to $20 fee.
b. Existing Open Streets sites are eligible to host arts events through the Open Culture program.
c. The application will launch in early February.
d. Artists can charge admission for activities held outdoors as part of Open Culture.

2. Sign on to a letter created by the League of Independent Theater to be submitted to State Senator Serrano to ask for a hearing on the reopening process moving forward for arts and culture in 2021.

SIGN ON

3. NYC COVID Rent Relief Extension Program is accepting applications through February 1, 2021. Disabled New Yorkers can apply to Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) Program.

4. Use Dance Rising’s advocacy template to introduce yourself to your elected officials and advocate for the Dance sector.

5. Dance/NYC has been working with Nonprofit New York and coalition partners advocating to raise the financial threshold as a part of the A Place at the Table campaign. The campaign seeks to reduce barriers for nonprofits to engage in legislative advocacy. We need your support! Nonprofits can sign on as a supporter of Int. 2148-2020 to let New York City know you support nonprofit advocacy. Share the campaign on social media using this tool kit.

SIGN ON HERE

6. COVID-19 Updates

a. The "Am I Eligible" web application helps New Yorkers determine if they are eligible to get the vaccine. The Gothamist published a Guide to Getting Vaccinated. However, Mayor De Blasio expects NYC to run out of COVID-19 vaccine supply sometime this week, AM NY reports.
b. The statewide positivity rate was 6.14%.
c. State COVID zone restrictions remain in effect in certain parts of the city. To find out where the zones are and to see what restrictions apply to each zone, please visit www.nyc.gov/covidzone.
d. Download the COVID Alert NY app today!
e. Remember to follow the “core four”—wear a mask, wash your hands, practice social distancing, stay home if you’re sick—and get tested! For information on free testing, personal protective equipment, and more, visit the NYC Mayor's Office Coronavirus page.

7. Engaging in community action in support of dance workers? Submit to be listed on the #ArtistsAreNecessaryWorkers Campaign Activations page. Visit the page for events, actions, and platforms that are independently led by the NYC dance community.

8. Dance/NYC hosts weekly dance field-wide calls to address our questions, needs, and plans for the future as a field. Calls are Thursdays from 4:00 pm. – 5:00 p.m. Register here.

9. For the ongoing Coronavirus Dance Impact Study, Dance/NYC is tracking studio & company temporary and permanent closures to gain a better understanding of the financial impact the pandemic is taking on the dance sector. This data will be used to better document this historic time and to be able to advocate for aid to policymakers. Please email any closures that you know of in the dance community to research@dance.nyc. You do not need to be in charge of the organization to send a notification as Dance/NYC works to compile a list of closures.