Political engagement is a hallmark of our democracy, which in recent years has been under assault. Political engagement demands its citizenry to be aware and participate in the electoral process. We will actively engage this effort continuously, not just during election years.

• Support fair and open elections; Oppose laws that make it more difficult for people to vote or create other barriers to participation.  
• Educate the community on legislation before local and state government. 
• Work with partner organizations to develop criteria for candidates running for local elections, host forums and develop candidate questionnaires. 
• Ongoing voter education/outreach rather than popping up just before an election
• Actively participate in city, county, state and school board redistricting discussions.

COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on families and individuals. One of those impacts is housing and potential evictions. The pandemic led to unprecedented unemployment and under-employment. 

• We pledge to work with city, county and area nonprofits to eliminate and/or reduce the danger of evictions.
• Monitor the local government’s use of funds set aside for COVID relief.
• Work with the city, county and area nonprofits to coordinate/communicate safety net programs to reduce or eliminate negative impact to families

High-end development is encroaching on neighborhoods that are lower income and/or home to traditionally marginalized communities, leading to concerns about displacement. We want to protect these communities as much as possible by engaging with local government and developers.

• Regular conversations with city leaders about gentrification and neighborhood protection.
• Identify policies and programs that could guard against low-income residents from being displaced by new development.
• Work to institute protections for residents around taxes and rents.
• Work to protect and preserve the character and culture of these communities.

The ongoing pandemic has forced us to re-evaluate best practices and relief for parents, teachers, students and administrators. We believe the educational leadership in our community needs to engage in transparency and involve parents and community in solutions that will affect our children for years to come.

• Advocate for safe learning environments, including masks/vaccinations and efforts to prevent violence in schools.
• Focus on K-12 public education and the potential closing of neighborhood schools.
• Elevate racial equity in this space, including making spaces inclusive for LGBTQ people.
• Make sure instances of racism are known.
• Engage administrators around educational material being taught in an equitable fashion -- not just during Black History Month.

COVID has ravaged our nation, state and community, especially Black and Brown residents. We believe vaccine distribution and administration should be done in an equitable way.

• Advocate for safe learning environments, including masks/vaccinations and efforts to prevent violence in schools.
• Focus on K-12 public education and the potential closing of neighborhood schools.
• Elevate racial equity in this space, including making spaces inclusive for LGBTQ people.
• Make sure instances of racism are known.
• Engage administrators around educational material being taught in an equitable fashion -- not just during Black History Month.

• Regular conversations with city leaders about gentrification and neighborhood protection.
• Identify policies and programs that could guard against low-income residents from being displaced by new development.
• Work to institute protections for residents around taxes and rents.
• Work to protect and preserve the character and culture of these communities.

• We pledge to work with city, county and area nonprofits to eliminate and/or reduce the danger of evictions.
• Monitor the local government’s use of funds set aside for COVID relief.
• Work with the city, county and area nonprofits to coordinate/communicate safety net programs to reduce or eliminate negative impact to families