The Occasional Newsletter
VAWA, Survivors Vote, Key Dates for NC Voters, Fannie Lou Hamer
Poor People’s Campaign
This is Why we Vote
It is Our Privilege as US Citizens.
We have an opportunity to love our neighbors by voting for ways that uplifts the poor and oppressed.
We have an opportunity to participate in community action.
VAWA (see below)
My dad says that anybody that doesn’t vote shouldn’t complain about the government.
Key Dates for North Carolina Voters
Voter Registration Deadline: October 11th
Early Voting Period: October 17th – November 2nd
Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: October 29th
Voter ID Requirements: A photo ID is required to vote. Acceptable forms include a North Carolina driver’s license, a U.S. passport, or a student ID from a NC college or university. * For a full list of acceptable IDs, visit the NC Board of Elections.
UNC Mobile One card will not be a valid ID for the Nov. 5 general election.
REGISTER OR CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION STATUS HERE
The Violence Against Women Act
Biden-Harris Administration Commemorates the 30th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act
What is “Gender-Based Violence?”
Violence directed at someone because of their particular gender, or violence that is disproportionate to a particular gender.
Examples of GBV can include domestic violence, stalking, sexual violence, technology-facilitated abuse, human trafficking, forced marriage, and female genital mutilation/cutting.
For too long, we have ignored the right of women to be free from the fear of attack based on their gender. For too long, we have kept silent about the obvious.” – Joseph R. Biden, Jr. speaking at a Hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, June 20, 1990. (Fact Sheet)
More quotes from the Fact Sheet:
“Working to end gender-based violence has been a cornerstone of President Biden’s and Vice President Harris’ careers. VAWA was the first comprehensive federal law to focus on preventing and addressing violence against women and to provide justice and support for survivors. The law transformed the nation’s response to gender-based violence by recognizing that domestic violence and sexual assault are not a private matter but rather a violation of fundamental rights and dignity. Between 1993 and 2022, annual domestic violence rates dropped by 67% and the rate of rapes and sexual assaults declined by 56%.”
This piece of legislation funds programs that help victims and survivors of GBV. I understand not all my readers appreciate everything President Biden and Vice President Harris stand for, but I hope you will appreciate VAWA.
You can read more about its history here.
Survivors Votes Count!
I’m excited to share info about a movement to get out the vote! Go to https://survivorsvote.org/ to learn more:
We are people who care about ending sexual violence and we are ready to harness our collective strength and power. By mobilizing against sexual violence, we can help protect, uplift, and contribute to the healing of our communities.
Our voices will be heard, our stories will not be ignored, and our votes will be counted. Being registered is the first critical step to making your voice heard this election.
You are the salt of the earth; but if sale has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works, and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:13-16
Your Assignment : If you are not familiar with Fannie Lou Hamer, learn about Fannie Lou Hamer. You can start here. She is one of the greatest women who ever lived.
National Museum of African American History
Shine on, friends.
