Census Advocacy: We Will Be Counted
We raise our voice in many ways. One of those is to make sure that the people in power acknowledge that we are here. We will not be ignored. WE WILL BE COUNTED…IN THE CENSUS in 2020.
You know what I’m talking about. Powers that be will try to pretend we are not here. They will forget to count people in certain neighborhoods, certain zip codes, or certain communities of color. We’ve seen it before, and they will try again.
But if we start early, we won’t let that happen.
Will you contact Senators Thom Tillis and Richard Burr right now and
ask them to support adequate funding for the 2020 Census?
(See sample email and contact information below.)
The Census will not only impact redistricting (North Carolina may end up with an additional congressional seat, for example), but also housing assistance, highway planning, education policy, Medicaid and Medicare, and so many other federal programs.
The big work of preparing for the next Census is starts now. Congress and the Trump Administration will decide how much effort really is needed for a Census.
Do you want to leave it up to them to decide? That’s why we are getting organized right now. And we need your help.
The census has historically under-counted communities of color, urban and rural low-income households, immigrants, young children, and our undocumented friends and family. That has led to less funding for vital programs. Funny how that works, right?
And we’re not going to let that happen this time. It’s time to get serious and get organized. Join us.
Redistricting. Housing. Education. Healthcare. Jobs. Census data are vital to creating equal opportunity and access in all of these critical areas.
Let’s make sure everyone gets counted. Thank you for taking this step to make sure this happens.
Sample Email to Senators Burr and Tillis
Dear Senator _________:
As a resident of North Carolina, the 12th fastest growing state in the country, I urge you to make sure that Congress adequately funds efforts to prepare for the 2020 Census. Many census advocates are concerned that the preparation and testing needed to make sure the Census accurately counts all Americans is falling short due to lack of funding.
We should work to make sure that every North Carolinian is counted during the 2020 census so that our communities receive their fair share of federal resources. As your constituent, I urge you to do what you can to make sure that the Census Bureau’s needs are addressed as Congress moves through the federal budget process.
Sincerely,
Contact Information
Senator Richard Burr -- 202-224-3154; Richard_Burr@burr.senate.gov
Senator Thom Tillis -- 202-224-6342; Thom_Tillis@tillis.senate.gov
August 04, 2017
Creating a Durham Tax Relief Program--Let's Do It Right!
Call to Action:
Advocate to City Council for a tax relief program that addresses the burden of rising property taxes on low-income households. Contact council members (council@durhamnc.gov) and ask that they not approve the Community Development Department proposal (details below) on August 7 and ask them to bring this issue back to a work session later in August for a full comparison of the alternative approaches. You can also attend the City Council meeting on August 7 at 7:00 p.m. to speak out on this issue. Click read more for background and details.
Read moreAugust 04, 2017
Proposed language for updating PA's vision & mission statement
People's Alliance will hold a Progressive Issues Forum (PIF) & Membership Meeting on August 8th from 6:30-8pm at The Episcopal Center at Duke, 505 Alexander Ave. During the membership meeting, we will vote on the revised PA Vision & Mission statement.
OUR VISION for a Model Progressive Community
We believe in a just, equitable and inclusive community where all people can thrive. This will be possible when everyone:
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Works to dismantle structural racism and other forms of oppression, including sexism, Islamophobia, xenophobia and homophobia;
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Supports and advocates for the rights of LGBTQ people;
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Benefits from effective public education;
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Votes, stays informed and advocates for the policies we want our elected officials to implement;
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Can support themselves and their families on full-time employment with living wages;
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Advocates for workers’ rights to organize for their collective interests;
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Supports economic justice with a fair, progressive tax system and thriving local businesses;
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Lives in quality and affordable housing and are not displaced from their neighborhoods as a result of gentrification;
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Has access to quality and affordable healthcare, childcare, transportation, nutritious food and other basic needs that we all require to lead full lives;
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Embraces those who come here as immigrants or refugees as full members of our community;
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Can breathe clean air, drink clean water and enjoy our natural environment;
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Lives free from fear of all forms of violence, including state-sanctioned violence; and
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Embraces the truth that there are enough resources in our community for all people to prosper.
OUR MISSION
How we work toward our vision
We work to advance this vision for Durham as a model progressive community by:
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Building a multi-racial, multi-class coalition;
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Working in solidarity with other progressive groups;
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Engaging with Durham’s elected officials and holding them accountable 365 days a year;
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Developing and advocating for just, equitable and inclusive policies, practices and budgets;
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Developing progressive leaders; and
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Educating and building the capacity of Durhamites to be progressive activists who:
1. Vote and show up for direct action
2. Advocate for progressive elected officials, policies & practices
3. Promote change within their spheres of influence
4. Educate others on causes aligned to our vision
July 21, 2017