With Fewer Than 100 Days Until the Midterms, Civic Engagement Takes Center Stage
With less than one hundred days left before the midterm elections are scheduled to begin, we have another significant point in the march towards this critical election. All levels of government will be affected, in one fashion or another. What is now necessary is for more community members to become engaged and encouraged to raise their collective voices to improve the quality of life in our communities.
Mayor’s Commission on Voting
Members of the Mayor’s Commission on Voting compiled a list of recommendations, designed to encourage an atmosphere of civic engagement. One facet that was identified was to “establish a Civic Engagement Non-Profit Coordination Roundtable as a Collaboration Hub, where this would aid in creating stronger partnerships with non-profit organizations. The review suggests that “the strongest civic participation systems share several common characteristics regardless of organized structure. They provide clear institutional leadership, dedicated staff, sustained community relationships, measurable performance goals, and formal mechanisms for incorporating resident feedback into government decision making.”
Reportedly, San Antonio already possesses many of the foundational components necessary to build such a system, including an active network of Neighborhood Associations, non-profit civic organizations, public engagement professionals, and community leaders. The opportunity identified by the Commission “is not to replace these existing efforts, but to better coordinate, support and strengthen them, by way of a unified citywide framework.”
Urban League Launches “Solidarity Network” Initiative
On this past Saturday, I witnessed a great example of the foregoing while attending a forum, hosted by The Urban League of Texas and conducted by the Austin Area Urban League’s CEO Quincy Dunlap, which is in the process of establishing a chapter here, in San Antonio. Their presentation focused on creating a “Solidarity Network” in support of the newly formed chapter.
The organization’s mission is based upon “Saving Our Sovereignty.” Bearing this out was stated thus: “In the face of aggressive attempts at redistricting, fractured representation and reduced resources, we cannot wait for help to arrive.” We must become the help.
The Urban League of Texas is “launching Phase II of the SOS initiative with a clear message:
Collective preparation is our best protection. The Solidarity Network is a standing infrastructure of neighbors helping neighbors.
This endeavor will align the fledgling chapter with other community-based organizations, such as the League of Women Voters, the Power of One, and others whose missions are to secure improved housing, health outcomes, disaster preparedness, and justice.
Participants were asked to select an area where they felt they fit in, among the four groups – Builders, Philosophers, Healers or Communicators. I chose Communicators, as did Waseem Ali, who was also in attendance.
Federal Election Changes Draw Attention
In addition to the foregoing, on a federal level, the current President recently “fired two members of the Election Assistance Commission”, and forced another to resign, in a reported “attempt to control the voting.” Sources indicate that the EAC helps state and local officials run smooth elections and certifies election equipment. Presently, there is no one there to provide any assistance to states, with midterm elections being less than one hundred days out.
Your Vote Is Your Voice
We hope to provide as much accurate information as is available and help voters to make informed decisions when they arrive to cast their votes this November.
Remember: Your Vote Is Your Voice – Do Not Allow It To Be Silenced!!
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