Alliance for Justice's Webinar on Redistricting Lobbying Restrictions
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Presented by Alliance for Justice
Sponsored by the Ford Foundation
Click here to register for the webinar.
2010 Census and Redistricting
Featured Entries
National Association of Black Journalists’ Webinar on Redistricting
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From the NABJ website:
"Among the unreported subjects that are expected to emerge as a hot button issue after the mid-term election is redistricting and how our main political parties will be affected by the results of the recently completed U. S. Census.
To learn more about this subject and develop enterprise ideas, please join the NABJ Media Institute webinar, “Deciphering the Numbers: The Untold Stories of Redistricting.” This free webinar will be held on Wednesday, December 15th at 11:00 a.m. (EST) and will feature Anita S. Earls, Executive Director, Southern Coalition for Social Justice and Charles Robinson, Correspondent/Associate Producer, Maryland Public Television, NABJ Region II Director.
The webinar will explain the impact of redistricting on voting patterns and ultimately our system of government. In addition, the discussion will also explain the numbers behind re-districting and how to disseminate accurate and insightful information..
This webinar is for journalists serious about improving their ability to capture unique content for their organizations and the eventual dissemination of information that could help journalists develop new stories and hence a more explanatory way of news reporting. News managers, producers and especially local reporters are highly encouraged to attend."
Click here to register.
Anita Earls works to make the voting process more open and transparent
Anita Earls works to make the voting process more open and transparent
August 3, 5:21 PMNC Statehouse Examiner, Martha Brock
Anita Earls has a resume that could easily land her a high paying job litigating for a top law firm. In fact her first job after graduation from Yale Law was with the famous civil rights firm headed by Julius Chambers. Earls later served in the Clinton Administration as Janet Reno's Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at US Department of Justice.
Instead of cashing in on her impressive credentials and experience Earls works for a small non-profit group in Durham. Earls is executive director and founder of the Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ), a position she has held since September 2007. From 2003 to 2007, she was director of advocacy at the UNC Center for Civil Rights.
She is also one of the three Democrats appointed by Governor Perdue to the State Board of Elections in 2009. She was one of the two new appointees, the other being Republican William Peasley of Raleigh.
The SCSJ has a wide scope of action and its goals are to
1. Create a worker-managed entity that is a fulfilling community to nurture and sustain social justice work and workers.
2. Provide the highest quality legal advice and to poor and minority communities engaged in social change efforts.
3. Bring the best social science research (whether litigation or policy-related), communications strategies and community organizing skills to serve community priorities.
4. Have substantive priorities that are community-determined.
5. Build coalitions across community lawyering organizations in the South and between national organizations and local community groups
Recent projects have centered on promoting work involving the census so that everyone, especially minorities, who are traditionally under-counted, can be included in the 2010 Census.
The work on the Census is key to its current priority, preparing for the redistricting state legislatures in 2011. Earls has extensive experience in voting rights litigation and argued a case involving two US House Districts in NC before the US Supreme Court defending the maps drawn by the NC General Assembly.
Two training sessions were sponsored last week in Durham in preparation for the upcoming redistricting in 2011. The expert witness for attorneys training was closed to the public, but the other people who participated are experts in cartography (map making). The session for attorneys lasted all week and ended on Saturday, July 31.
Earls says, "We already know generally about the populations shifts and we need the final census data." Then her group will focus on "resdistricting and getting legislatures to represent all citizens at all levels of governments from the local school board to the federal level."
While SCSJ works with several Souherrn states including North Carolina, Earls is very familiar with NC and its voting patterns and problems resulting from past mapping used to create the voting districts. She says that the population shift in NC has meant that the population in the East, where the minority population numbers are high, has fallen. Most of the growth has been in urban areas including the Raleigh-Durham area and Mecklenburg County.
Earls says SCSJ really wants to see the process of creating the US House Districts and legislative districts a more open and transparent process. "We want to make it so a citizens' organization could propose their own redistricting map--for example, the Wake School Board.districts."
"Maybe three or four community groups could form coalitions and could work together."
The organization's web site has a wealth of information on voting rights and related topics. To check it out go
SCSJ has joined with other voting rights advocates, experts and attorneys to form the Community Census and Redistricting Institute. The centerpiece of the Institute will be a week-long Expert Preparation and Community Education Program held in Durham, NC, from July 26-31. This program will bring representatives from community organizations together with voting rights experts and lawyers to discuss how to empower grassroots low-wealth communities of color to fight for fair representation during the 2011 redistricting round. Please contact Allison Riggs for more information about the program or redistricting.
Not only have SCSJ’s community partners throughout the South been working hard to reduce the undercount, but they have also been using the census as an organizing tool for building sustainable grassroots power. Sixty-eight organizations in five states – VA, NC, GA, FL and LA – have implemented their own unique outreach projects through funds from SCSJ’s mini-grant program. These groups and other organizations are collaborating with the communities they support and are a part of – disenfranchised communities that the Census Bureau has struggled to count for decades, such as working-class families, communities of color, homeless people and new immigrant communities.
Conducting outreach around the census has been a fantastic opportunity for grassroots community organizations to build their base, strengthen their capacity, and cultivate relationships with other progressive and grassroots organizations. In Guildford County, NC, various groups joined forces to form the Census Community Coalition, with strong representation from the Latin@ community, the Arab/Middle Eastern community, African immigrant groups, the Montagnard Dega community, the African-American community, and local student groups.
Organizations like FaithAction International House, Montagnard Dega Association, La Vela Center, and the Islamic Center of the Triad have collaborated to develop their grassroots analysis of the census while sharing resources and strategies. Some examples of outreach in their communities include door-to-door canvassing, church announcements, flyering at local events, and new technology messaging through YouTube videos. Working off of their census partnerships, this coalition and others across the south will continue to mobilize and politicize their constituents and membership, through redistricting and beyond.
Haven’t been counted in the census yet? Not sure? Call the Census Bureau’s hotline to get counted or have your questions answered.
Making sure every person counts in the 2010 Census is an enormous undertaking, particularly for homeless individuals who will not receive a questionnaire in the mail. Increased funding for critical services comes into communities as a result of an accurate count - things like emergency services, job training, hospitals, and public infrastructure support. One Virginia organization is making sure their communities get all the services they need by making an accurate count a top priority.
The Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness (VCEH) works to prevent and eliminate homelessness in the state through a number of methods including education, advocacy and capacity building. They are employing these same tactics to ensure the homeless population of Virginia is counted in this year's census.
By working with case managers and staff at homeless service agencies who already have relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness, VCEH hopes to build trust with this community and start a movement. VCEH will also provide technical assistance to the community with clear instructions on how to be counted. With an accurate count, those experiencing homelessness will be one step closer to getting the resources they need to build power and create lasting change.
Voice of Vietnamese Americans (VVA) was established in Virginia in 2009 to empower Vietnamese Americans "by promoting civic engagement through community organizing and capacity building." VVA is now turning its attention to the 2010 Census.
VVA is hoping to build a network of individuals and organizations through participation in the census that can be leveraged into a longer-lasting coalition for change and community empowerment. In line with the Southern Echo model and viewing the 2010 Census as just one of many tools in the civic engagement process, VVA is working toward the greater goal of building grassroots power and mobilization.
The organization's broad targeted public is Vietnamese Americans who do not speak English; this group includes senior citizens living in group homes and new-comers living in apartments and rental properties. All of these groups are historically hard to count. By working with community and religious leaders, as well as students and Census Bureau partnership specialists, VVA aims to raise awareness through strategic communications and individual outreach.
For VVA, the census is not just a one-time event but is a movement connected to broader social justice goals.
Associated Neighborhood Development (AND) is an organization based in New Orleans, LA, established to address the affordable housing needs of New Orleans residents. Currently they are focusing on pairing new advocates with those who are more experienced to get the word out about the 2010 Census.
In collaboration with the Hoffman Triangle Neighborhood Association (HTNA), the groups are working to advocate for services that many New Orleans neighborhoods are still not able to offer in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. AND is hoping to reach affected communities with informational materials on what an accurate count in New Orleans would mean for the issues the area is facing as it continues to rebuild. Since many residents are displaced, it is crucial that everyone in this area be counted in order to obtain the resources the New Orleans community really needs.
AND will pair one youth canvasser who has been educated about the census with a more experienced volunteer from HTNA. By creating this diverse team, AND wants to couple youthful energy with experienced knowledge to reach a wider range of residents. AND hopes that this unique pairing will help to spread awareness about the benefits of participating in the 2010 Census to all members of the New Orleans community.
SCSJ Hosts Week-long Redistricting Training and Education Program
Written by Anthony Maglione
What does it mean to not have a meaningful opportunity to elect candidates of your choice? And what does that have to do with redistricting, the redrawing of election districts in our communities based on census numbers?
Many of us – especially low-wealth communities of color – already know what it means because the local candidates we vote for never get elected. A long history of unjust redistricting intended to split and dilute our voting strength is one of the main culprits, but we can prevent that history from repeating.
Last week, SCSJ convened a week-long Expert Preparation and Community Education Program as part of the Community Census & Redistricting Institute. Held in Durham, NC, the program trained folks traditionally involved with redistricting – social scientists, map-makers and lawyers – and joined them with representatives from community organizations. Over 100 participants throughout the country came together to discuss the importance of empowering grassroots low-wealth communities of color to promote fair representation during the 2011 redistricting round.
We left with an understanding that redistricting is about equity and fairness, not simply about the shape of an electoral district. The process of redrawing districts does not happen without people, and the people who are directly affected – those living within the communities where districts are drawn – must be involved in the process.
Check out the Community Census & Redistricting Institute’s webpage for updates as we continue to build the site as a clearinghouse of information for folks looking to get involved with redistricting their own communities.
What does it mean to not have a meaningful opportunity to elect candidates of your choice? And what does that have to do with redistricting, the redrawing of election districts in our communities based on census numbers?
Many of us – especially low-wealth communities of color – already know what it means because the local candidates we vote for never get elected. A long history of unjust redistricting intended to split and dilute our voting strength is one of the main culprits, but we can prevent that history from repeating.
Last week, SCSJ convened a week-long Expert Preparation and Community Education Program as part of the Community Census & Redistricting Institute. Held in Durham, NC, the program trained folks traditionally involved with redistricting – social scientists, map-makers and lawyers – and joined them with representatives from community organizations. Over 100 participants throughout the country came together to discuss the importance of empowering grassroots low-wealth communities of color to promote fair representation during the 2011 redistricting round.
We left with an understanding that redistricting is about equity and fairness, not simply about the shape of an electoral district. The process of redrawing districts does not happen without people, and the people who are directly affected – those living within the communities where districts are drawn – must be involved in the process.
Check out the Community Census & Redistricting Institute’s webpage for updates as we continue to build the site as a clearinghouse of information for folks looking to get involved with redistricting their own communities.
NC Case Illustrates Immigration Power Abuse
See link for audio.
GREENSBORO, N.C. - It's a story that seems like it was ripped from the script of a TV movie, but for a North Carolina immigrant this tale of abuse sheds light on the many challenges immigrants face when the system breaks down. As part of a plea agreement, a Durham immigration officer admitted to threatening a woman with deportation if she did not have sex with him. The officer, Bedri Kulla, met the immigrant and single mother on a social networking website, where he claimed to be a flight attendant.
The woman's lawyer, Marty Rosenbluth, who is a staff attorney with the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, says the woman was put in a drastic position.
"She quite innocently met him for coffee and when they met for coffee he pulls out this badge and says, 'Oh, I work for immigration and if you don't go on a date with me I'm going to have you deported.'"
Kulla, who himself is a naturalized U.S. citizen from Canada, lost his job and will be sentenced on August 12 after being found guilty of a federal civil rights violation and two counts of blackmail.
Rosenbluth said the story was hard to believe initially, but easy to prove since Kulla used his real picture on the social networking site, showed up at the woman's workplace, and sent multiple emails. At one point during his pursuit, Kulla appeared at the victim's place of work, holding a bouquet of flowers in one hand and a deportation notice in the other.
The Southern Coalition for Social Justice routinely handles immigration issues. Rosenbluth says it's not uncommon for people to take advantage of an immigrant's situation.
"It is a really clear cut example of how, you know, people just think they can do whatever they want to folks who are undocumented, but she stood up and said, 'No, I'm not going to be a victim, you're not going to do this to me.'"
The woman is now eligible for U.S. citizenship through a special provision for victims of crime.
Stephanie Carroll Carson, Public News Service - NC
Census
More information coming soon.
Expert Preparation and Community Education Program
SCSJ has joined with other voting rights advocates, experts and attorneys to form the Community Census and Redistricting Institute. The centerpiece of the Institute will be a week-long Expert Preparation and Community Education Program held in Durham, NC, from July 26-31. This program will bring representatives from community organizations together with voting rights experts and lawyers to discuss how to empower grassroots low-wealth communities of color to fight for fair representation during the 2011 redistricting round. Please contact Allison Riggs for more information about the program or redistricting.
Building Grassroots Power through the Census
Not only have SCSJ’s community partners throughout the South been working hard to reduce the undercount, but they have also been using the census as an organizing tool for building sustainable grassroots power. Sixty-eight organizations in five states – VA, NC, GA, FL and LA – have implemented their own unique outreach projects through funds from SCSJ’s mini-grant program. These groups and other organizations are collaborating with the communities they support and are a part of – disenfranchised communities that the Census Bureau has struggled to count for decades, such as working-class families, communities of color, homeless people and new immigrant communities.
Conducting outreach around the census has been a fantastic opportunity for grassroots community organizations to build their base, strengthen their capacity, and cultivate relationships with other progressive and grassroots organizations. In Guildford County, NC, various groups joined forces to form the Census Community Coalition, with strong representation from the Latin@ community, the Arab/Middle Eastern community, African immigrant groups, the Montagnard Dega community, the African-American community, and local student groups.
Organizations like FaithAction International House, Montagnard Dega Association, La Vela Center, and the Islamic Center of the Triad have collaborated to develop their grassroots analysis of the census while sharing resources and strategies. Some examples of outreach in their communities include door-to-door canvassing, church announcements, flyering at local events, and new technology messaging through YouTube videos. Working off of their census partnerships, this coalition and others across the south will continue to mobilize and politicize their constituents and membership, through redistricting and beyond.
Haven’t been counted in the census yet? Not sure? Call the Census Bureau’s hotline to get counted or have your questions answered.
making sure no one goes uncounted in the 2010 Census
Making sure every person counts in the 2010 Census is an enormous undertaking, particularly for homeless individuals who will not receive a questionnaire in the mail. Increased funding for critical services comes into communities as a result of an accurate count - things like emergency services, job training, hospitals, and public infrastructure support. One Virginia organization is making sure their communities get all the services they need by making an accurate count a top priority.
The Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness (VCEH) works to prevent and eliminate homelessness in the state through a number of methods including education, advocacy and capacity building. They are employing these same tactics to ensure the homeless population of Virginia is counted in this year's census.
By working with case managers and staff at homeless service agencies who already have relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness, VCEH hopes to build trust with this community and start a movement. VCEH will also provide technical assistance to the community with clear instructions on how to be counted. With an accurate count, those experiencing homelessness will be one step closer to getting the resources they need to build power and create lasting change.
Building power through civic engagement and the 2010 Census
Voice of Vietnamese Americans (VVA) was established in Virginia in 2009 to empower Vietnamese Americans "by promoting civic engagement through community organizing and capacity building." VVA is now turning its attention to the 2010 Census.
VVA is hoping to build a network of individuals and organizations through participation in the census that can be leveraged into a longer-lasting coalition for change and community empowerment. In line with the Southern Echo model and viewing the 2010 Census as just one of many tools in the civic engagement process, VVA is working toward the greater goal of building grassroots power and mobilization.
The organization's broad targeted public is Vietnamese Americans who do not speak English; this group includes senior citizens living in group homes and new-comers living in apartments and rental properties. All of these groups are historically hard to count. By working with community and religious leaders, as well as students and Census Bureau partnership specialists, VVA aims to raise awareness through strategic communications and individual outreach.
For VVA, the census is not just a one-time event but is a movement connected to broader social justice goals.
Census "Spit" Urges People to Mail Back Forms
Check out this Public Radio piece featuring SCSJ!
Unique pairings make New Orleans count
Associated Neighborhood Development (AND) is an organization based in New Orleans, LA, established to address the affordable housing needs of New Orleans residents. Currently they are focusing on pairing new advocates with those who are more experienced to get the word out about the 2010 Census.
In collaboration with the Hoffman Triangle Neighborhood Association (HTNA), the groups are working to advocate for services that many New Orleans neighborhoods are still not able to offer in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. AND is hoping to reach affected communities with informational materials on what an accurate count in New Orleans would mean for the issues the area is facing as it continues to rebuild. Since many residents are displaced, it is crucial that everyone in this area be counted in order to obtain the resources the New Orleans community really needs.
AND will pair one youth canvasser who has been educated about the census with a more experienced volunteer from HTNA. By creating this diverse team, AND wants to couple youthful energy with experienced knowledge to reach a wider range of residents. AND hopes that this unique pairing will help to spread awareness about the benefits of participating in the 2010 Census to all members of the New Orleans community.