We have the power and are claiming it together. No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.
What began in 2025 as a single day of defiance has become a sustained national resistance to tyranny, spreading from small towns to city centers and across every community determined to defend democracy. Our peaceful movement is bigger than ever.
When our families are under attack and costs are pushing people to the brink, silence is not an option. We will defend ourselves and our communities against this administration’s unjust and cruel acts of violence.
On March 28th, rise up, take to the streets, and say it loud: no thrones, no crowns, no kings. We’re not watching history happen—we’re making it. Join us.
A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.
The No Kings Coalition has launched rolling rapid-response trainings leading up to the next nationwide mobilization on March 28th. As a partner, we’re sharing opportunities to plug in immediately. We had a tremendous turnout for the last No Kings Action all across New York. We’re aiming for even more people engaged in the battle to save our democracy.
As we build toward the March 28th mass mobilization, now is the moment to train, organize, and strengthen our networks. Please share this opportunity widely and encourage others to get involved. Engage your colleagues, family, friends, and neighbors on how to be active in this fight.
We will share more information on how to connect with the March 28th actions through UUP soon. If you have additional actions or coalition resources to share, send them to Mary Becker, UUP Organizing & Outreach Administrative Assistant (mbecker@uupmail.org), and we will help amplify them.
I’m sure that you are as concerned as I am regarding the events in Minneapolis and elsewhere over the past several weeks. We are certainly in an era which presents deep dangers to our democracy. Government agents have been given free reign to assault and detain people in our country without cause or justification. Most notably, we have witnessed the murder of an innocent woman by ICE agents who will not be held accountable for their actions.
UUP stands for democracy and the rule of law. With these principles under assault, we have joined with other unions in condemning the actions of the Trump Regime and specifically ICE. As part of our resistance, we are sharing with you important information concerning ways that those of you who would like to can join in actions of peaceful resistance.
This Friday, January 23, please join me in showing solidarity with the Minneapolis AFL-CIO’s call for a general strike in Minnesota to oppose intensified ICE raids and to stand with immigrant workers and families everywhere.
On Friday, we encourage you to wear blue as a symbolic step of solidarity and share photos and videos on social media. We also encourage you to attend a local ICE OUT rally or march — details for Albany and NYC actions are below, and you can find other events here.
If you plan to attend a rally outside of Albany or NYC, please share event info with Mary Becker at, mbecker@uupmail.org so we can help connect, coordinate, and amplify efforts. Additionally, as events unfold, as actions are scheduled, please share them with Mary Becker so that we can then provide all of us with the opportunity to take part.
These are deeply troubling times but we can create hope by our common resistance to the oppression that has been let loose in our nation.
In solidarity,
Frederick E. Kowal, Ph.D. President United University Professions
If you have ever considered raising your voice to advocate for our work, our campuses, our hospitals, and our students, now is the time. Registration is open for UUP’s Advocacy Day in February, and we need as many members to attend as possible. Strong attendance at our Advocacy Days — which we certainly had last session — along with member actions throughout the legislative session demonstrates our union power, which is critically important this year. Join Outreach Committee Co-Chairs Bekkie Bryan and Pamela Malone for Learn About Advocacy, a workshop for all members to learn why advocacy is important, what actions we take, and how to prepare. If you are new to advocacy or are a seasoned advocate, come learn how together we can make our union as strong as we can be.
This workshop is meant to answer any questions you have about UUP’s advocacy efforts—attendance at this workshop is not a requirement to register for Advocacy Day. But, it sure would make the experience more positive and impactful!
On December 6th, UUP Oneonta is proud to partner with Cooperstown-Oneonta Indivisible to support those who have served our country and others impacted by the federal government shutdown’s lingering impact on food insecurity programs.
We encourage all UUP members to join us for the Holiday Food Drive on Saturday, December 6, to benefit the Oneonta Veteran’s Outreach Center. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community, enjoy the spirit of the season, and give back to the neediest.
📅 When: Saturday, December 6 📍 Locations & Times: There are three ways you can participate and donate…
Cooperstown-Oneonta Indivisible will be marching in the Holiday Parade with shopping carts! Feel free to hand off individual non-perishable items as they pass by.
Make a day of It! Come out to Main Street for the Holiday Parade at 3:30 PM, stay for the Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony at 5:00 PM, and feel great about giving back at the same time.
Let’s show our veterans and neighbors the strength of our solidarity and community spirit. We hope to see you there!
This November, more than 3 million New Yorkers are facing a hunger crisis. Between the rising costs of groceries and the disruption of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, working families across New York are at risk. The union movement will not stand by while our neighbors go hungry.
That’s why unions across New York are joining together for a statewide Week of Action. Labor Feeds New York: November 15th-23rd, 2025.
During this week, local labor federations, central labor councils and union members are encouraged to:
Feed – Donate non-perishable food to local pantries and school-based food programs.
Give – Contribute funds to hunger relief organizations making a difference in your community.
Serve – Volunteer at soup kitchens, food banks, and community meal sites.
Every act of solidarity, large or small, can help make a difference for families in need this fall.
This holiday season, UUP Oneonta is proud to partner with Cooperstown-Oneonta Indivisible to support those who have served our country and others impacted by the federal government shutdown’s lingering impact on food insecurity programs.
We encourage all UUP members to join us for the Holiday Food Drive on Saturday, December 6, to benefit the Oneonta Veteran’s Outreach Center. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community, enjoy the spirit of the season, and give back to the neediest.
📅 When: Saturday, December 6 📍 Locations & Times: There are three ways you can participate and donate…
Cooperstown-Oneonta Indivisible will be marching in the Holiday Parade with shopping carts! Feel free to hand off individual non-perishable items as they pass by.
Make a Day of It! Come out to Main Street for the Holiday Parade at 3:30 PM, stay for the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:00 PM, and feel great about giving back at the same time.
Let’s show our veterans and neighbors the strength of our solidarity and community spirit. We hope to see you there!
What follows is a message from Upstate Medical University Chapter President Mindy Heath, who has been working with the family of Upstate Chapter member Alex Gonzalez since he and CSEA member Yan Vazquez were detained by ICE agents Oct. 29 and sent to federal detention facility in Batavia, Genesee County.
It is unclear why the men were detained; ICE agents grabbed the men before their scheduled immigration hearing in Syracuse. A hearing on their detention is scheduled for Nov. 17 in Batavia.
“Two of our union siblings, Alex Gonzalez and Yan Vazquez, were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Oct. 29 and were sent to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia.
“The pair, dedicated employees in the Environmental Services Department at Upstate Medical University and proud members of UUP and CSEA respectively, now face an uncertain future. They are Cuban refugees who came to America to seek asylum.
“Recently married, Alex and Yan are homeowners in North Syracuse and are building a life together. They are good neighbors and a part of the community, as they navigate the complex path to U.S. citizenship. They were detained unexpectedly when they showed up for a scheduled immigration hearing in Mattydale in Onondaga County. They were detained before their hearing.
“ICE has made a habit of abducting immigrants seeking legal pathways to citizenship at immigration hearings, which are held in federal buildings. The sudden apprehensions of Alex and Yan have left their families and supporters bewildered, as there appears to be no justification for taking them into custody.
“State and local elected officials and community leaders have rallied around Alex and Yan and their families, emphasizing the importance of due process and the need for answers and transparency.
“On Nov. 1, Gov. Kathy Hochul met with the families of the men. She condemned ICE’s actions, telling Syracuse.com “This is a very treacherous time in our society, when individuals who lived here for years and are high-functioning members of our community working at SUNY Upstate are the ones who are defined as the worst of the worst.”
“The families also met with state senators Chris Ryan and Rachel May, who offered words of kindness and support while condemning the unjust removal of honest, hard-working individuals pursuing a legal pathway to citizenship. This kind of engagement from our leaders is a testament to the collective commitment to justice and compassion within our community, and we offer our sincere thanks for their time and support!
“The strength of union solidarity is shining brightly during this challenging time. Colleagues from UUP and CSEA have come together, along with our local union brothers and sisters in the Greater Syracuse Labor Council and Area Labor Federation communities, demonstrating unwavering support for Alex and Yan.
“Union members understand that the fight for justice extends beyond the workplace; it encompasses the fundamental rights of all individuals, especially those who have risked everything for a better life. Our unions are built on a foundation of solidarity, and we stand with Alex and Yan and will not rest until they are reunited with their families and can return to their important work at Upstate Medical University.
“The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. Alex and Yan are not just employees; they are vital members of our community. Their contributions extend beyond their jobs; they are friends, neighbors, and family. The impact of their absence is palpable.
“Family members have been able to visit with both men in the Batavia detention center. They report that Alex and Yan are being treated well and conditions at the facility are clean. Still, the fear family members have for their safety—and their futures—is intense.
“A hearing for Yan is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 17; family members believe this will be a joint hearing for both men. The hearing will be held at 4250 Federal Drive, Room F108, in Batavia before Judge James McCarthy.
“As we stand with Alex and Yan, our goal remains clear: to secure their release, ensure they receive due process, and bring them back to their families and the community they love. Together, we will continue to advocate for their rights and the rights of all those who seek refuge and a better life in our great country.
“In these times of uncertainty, let us remember that our commitment to justice and humanity must prevail. Alex and Yan’s story is not just about their individual experiences; it reflects the broader struggle for dignity and respect for all immigrants. As a community, we must remain vigilant and united, ensuring that their journey toward citizenship continues without further obstacles.
“Stay tuned for ways to help show your support! Rallies are being planned to raise up our voices in solidarity with our union siblings, supporters throughout the community, and the families of Alex and Yan.”
