August 10, 2020 | Category: Civic Circle, Uncategorized
“A democracy cannot thrive where power remains unchecked and justice is reserved for a select few. Ignoring these cries and failing to respond to this movement is simply not an option — for peace cannot exist where justice is not served.“
— John Lewis on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act
Remembering Congressman John Lewis
Congressman John Lewis was a Civil Rights titan who dedicated his life and career to combating racial injustice and inequality. John Lewis was one of the original 13 Freedom Riders, the Freedom Rides ended segregated interstate travel and saw in over 400 riders over the course of seven months. Lewis was one of the “Big Six” civil rights leaders who organized the 1963 March on Washington. In 1965, a 25-year-old Lewis led a series of marches from Selma to Montgomery that became a catalyst for the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. During his time as a Congressman, John Lewis would continue to champion getting into “Good Trouble” while fighting for justice and equality.
Updates
Volunteer to Protect the Vote in November
We are just 87 days away from Election Day 2020! We work year-round to ensure Virginians have unencumbered access to the ballot and can cast their votes safely and without confusion or intimidation. Through a robust Election Protection program that focuses on day-of rapid response efforts to mitigate issues at polling locations, working with local election administrators to troubleshoot anticipated issues ahead of Election Day, and poll monitoring and voter assistance, we work to uphold voting rights and win increased access for Virginia voters. We do this work in collaboration with national organizations, our partners, and community members to make sure every voter is informed and their rights are protected.
Be sure to check out
www.protectthevoteva.org to sign up as a volunteer and learn more about Election Protection!
Voting from Home is Safe and Secure
You can honor John Lewis’s legacy by committing to vote on Election Day. Everyone in our community should be able to vote and be confident that their vote counts. Voting absentee, voting by mail, and voting early are all perfectly safe and secure ways to cast your ballot. Our registrars are ready and prepared to count absentee ballots this year just as they are every other year. Everyone who wants to make their voice heard in our election can do so safely, securely, and while social distancing.
Request your absentee ballot online today: https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation/Lookup/absentee
You Still Have Time to Fill Out the 2020 Census!
Completing the 2020 Census ensures that communities have fair political representation, bus routes are where we need them, and that families have access to social programs they need to feed and take care of their children. Complete your 2020 Census at http://my2020census.gov.
FACT OF THE MONTH
The President cannot postpone, delay, or cancel the election. Election Day is set by an act of Congress, and only Congress can change the date. Check out Progress Virginia’s blog about why the President does not have the power to do so, and learn more: https://progressva.org/news/actually-no-trump-cannot-delay-the-election/.
Upcoming Events
Vigil for Action: Black Lives Matter
August 8 until Labor Day – Vigil for Action: Black Lives Matter, sponsored by the League of Women Voters, the NAACP and the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP), will be held every Saturday until Labor Day, 10-10:45 am at Courthouse Square Plaza, Old Town Warrenton. Wearing a mask and keeping physical distance, come stand in solidarity with your neighbors and advocate for understanding and political action to end systemic racism. Homemade signs are encouraged. For more information, call 540.272.0483.
Overcoming Stigma and Bias on the Path to Judicial Diversity
August 12th – Alliance for Justice’s Building the Bench Initiative is partnering with The Coelho Center for Disability Law, Policy & Innovation and the South Asian Bar Association of North America to present the next segment of its signature virtual discussion series, “May I Approach?: Courts and the Power of Inclusion”. Join AFJ at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT for “Overcoming Stigma and Bias on the Path to Judicial Diversity,” a conversation about the difficult journey to the bench for people with disabilities and religious minorities, two highly stigmatized groups in American society. Register here.
Equality Virginia Virtual Town Hall: Equali-TEA
August 26th – We’ve come such a long way this past year, but there’s a lot more to be done until there’s full equality for all LGBTQ Virginians. EV will share the results from the community survey and discuss the experiences LGBTQ Virginians are currently facing. Plus, we’ll talk about the issues you’d like to see addressed legislatively in 2021. Register here.
Job Opportunities
Community Organizer – Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia Raiz Program
Location: Northern Virginia
Program Organizer – Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia Black Organizing Program
Location: Hampton Roads, Virginia
Digital Communications Associate – Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Immigrant Justice Community Organizer – National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC)
Location: Annandale, Virginia
The Finance & Operations Associate – National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC)
Location: Northern Virginia
