The Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation manages taxpayer dollars for Yuma, Somerton, San Luis, Wellton, and Yuma County. Water is a human right, and everyone has the First Amendment right to speak about water issues, a matter of public interest and taxpayer dollars.
On April 10th, two peaceful protesters exercised their right to speak on water issues and the ethical importance of not doing business with Israel at the Israel Water Technology Delegation Event at Arizona Western College. The Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation is now pressing excessive and unjust charges against these protesters. We demand that all charges be dropped immediately.
By sending emails to Yuma Economic Development Corporation officials, we send a powerful message: we will not allow them to censor and oppress the public. Our emails urge officials to respect constitutional rights and drop all charges against peaceful protesters. We call on the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation to uphold ethical business practices and to align their partnerships involving tax payer money with the principles in adherence with the constitution, justice, and human rights. Together, we can hold our leaders accountable and ensure that First Amendment rights are respected.
Want to learn More about who you are emailing?
Learn About Individuals directly involved with the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corp.
Interim CEO GYED Corp.
Greg Lavann
GYED Corp. Chair of the Board of Directors
Wayne Gale
GYED Corp. Investor Account Manager
Michelle Britton
Yuma Mayor & Member of the GYED Corp. Board of Directors
Doug Nicholls
GYED Corp. Chair of the Board of Directors
Elizabeth Carpenter
Yuma City Administrator & GYED Corp. Member of the Board of Directors
Jay Simonton
EMAIL INITIATIVE
Defend Local Protestors
Contact Greater Yuma Economic Development Corp. Below
Let them know our community wants all charges against the individuals to be dropped and that we stand with Freedom of Speech!
Example Email
Dear Greater Yuma Economic Development Corp.,
I am a concerned resident demanding the charges against two Yuma citizens be dropped. I’m proud to be a part of a diverse community and value the importance and power of our First Amendment right to freedom of speech. I also believe in transparency in matters of public interest that involve the use of public funds. As such, I am deeply concerned in regards to the infringement upon the First Amendment rights of local citizens.
The Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation’s actions against the anti-genocide protestors on April 10, 2024 indicate supression of freedom of speech. Over a thousand emails sent by residents demanding the April 10th Israeli Water Delegation went unacknowledged. The Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation manages public funds. As in any corporation, the Board of Directors of the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation have final say on important matters. Water is a human right. Water is a matter of public interest. Public tax dollars and how they are invested is also a matter of public interest. Suppressing freedom of speech in matters of public interest like water should never happen. These protestors were exercising their freedom of speech and should not be facing serious penalties like the threat of years of probation and possible jail time.
We demand and advocate for transparency, integrity, and accountability. I am utterly appalled at the Yuma Economic Development Corporation’s decision to take these brave individuals to court. I implore the Yuma Greater Economic Development Corporation to locate their humanity, protect the First Amendment, and drop all charges levied against the anti-genocide protestors. Do the right thing.
Sincerely,