In the middle of a pandemic, utility companies are shutting off people's water, power, and internet, and our elected leaders are letting it happen. Across the country, state governments and public utilities commissions have taken action to end shutoffs so that no one will be without such basic necessities, but in Ohio our leaders are continuing to let utilities like FirstEnergy dictate our statewide policies at the expense of thousands of Ohio residents.

CUFA will caravan to Columbus to join our friends at Ohio Citizen Action on Saturday, Sep. 26 at 11 a.m. to call for an end to utility corruption and greed, and to fight for the recognition of water, power, and internet as necessities that we can not go without during this pandemic (or ever).

Here's what you need to know to prepare and participate: 

• Our top priority is keeping everyone safe, so stay in your car!
• Make signs or write messages (shoe polish, BINGO markers or window markers work great) on your windows before you come! For last minute decoration, we will have some window markers in the parking lot at 8:30 AM. Here are some ideas for signs or messages on your car:
  • #NoShutoffs
  • Water is Life
  • End Shutoffs
  • Bailout for the People
• Wear your CUFA Tee if you got it! (We know, it might be hard to see from the car, but let's wear them anyway!)
• We will meet at 8:30 AM in the CUFA parking lot at 1814 Dreman Ave., pictured here. The entrance is off of Llewellyn. We will show you which car to follow for the caravan to leave at 9:00 AM. The caravan will meet with other attendees at a designated spot in Columbus. If you arrive later than 9:00 AM, go directly to Columbus and join in the caravan. The main route will be around the Ohio Statehouse. We are meeting at the First Congregational Church at 444 E. Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215. The parking lot is off E. Broad St, next to the Washington Gladden Social Justice Park. 
• CUFA will have water and snacks at the meeting spot to stock your car with, but you may also want to bring some. We will not be stopping to eat lunch together after the rally due to concerns about large gatherings.

Let's represent Cincinnati! Invite friends and family to caravan with us to Columbus! Share this event page or our event page on Facebook.

Download a printable flyer here or a shareable image here.

Use your social media to help us spread the word and document the action! Take pictures, videos and post using the hashtags #NoShutoffs, #KeeptheLightsOn and #EnergyJustice (but not while you're driving!). If it's safe for you to do so (like, with a passenger) go Facebook Live during the event or Tweet your pictures. 

Register below so we know you are coming and can contact you with any last minute instructions. Contact CUFA at [email protected] or (513)835-3947.