Feivel Justice Initiative’s Post

EMPOWER YOUR VOICE: STAND UP FOR CIVIC RIGHTS AND SHAPE THE FUTURE. In a world where the voices of individuals can lead to transformative change, understanding and exercising civic rights becomes crucial. Civic rights encompass the essential freedoms and responsibilities that allow citizens to participate fully in the political and social life of their communities. These rights are foundational to democracy and empower individuals to influence the direction of their societies. 📍Why Civic Rights Matter Civic rights, such as the right to vote, freedom of expression, assembly, and association, are more than mere legal entitlements—they are the lifeblood of democratic engagement. When citizens actively participate in the democratic process, they contribute to the creation of laws and policies that reflect the will and needs of the people. This participation is not only a right but a civic duty, helping to ensure that governments remain accountable and responsive. 📍The Power of Your Voice Every individual's voice counts in shaping the future. By understanding your civic rights and responsibilities, you can: 1. Influence Policy and Legislation: Active civic engagement allows you to advocate for policies that align with your values and address community needs. Whether through voting, petitioning, or participating in public consultations, your input can shape the legislative landscape. 2. Promote Accountability and Transparency: Civic rights empower citizens to hold leaders and institutions accountable. By staying informed and voicing concerns, you help ensure that those in power act in the public's best interest. 3. Strengthen Community Bonds: Civic participation fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. It brings people together to address common challenges and work towards collective goals, creating a more cohesive and resilient society. 4. Protect and Expand Rights: By advocating for civic rights, individuals help protect existing freedoms and work towards expanding rights to marginalized and underrepresented groups, promoting inclusivity and equity. We invite you to join us on Saturday for an enlightening discussion on civic rights with Barrister Imoter Kpengwa, Fache Taofiq Abubakar and moderator Chinwendu Nwachukwu. This session will delve into the significance of civic rights, the current challenges and opportunities in civic engagement, and practical ways to empower your voice in the public sphere. 📍FJI Civic Rights Webinar Date: Saturday, July 27 Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM Google Meet joining info: https://lnkd.in/dni-4YzV Don't miss this chance to gain valuable knowledge and be part of a vibrant conversation about shaping the future of our society. Your voice matters, and together, we can build a more just and democratic world. #Civicrights #humanrights #humanrightsdefenders #feiveljusticeinitiative

Civic Engagement Workshops: Empowering Communities Through Knowledge and Participation The right to vote is one of the greatest freedoms and rights we possess. Unfortunately, for countless Americans with criminal convictions, this right seems sometimes useless, limited, or entirely lost. In 2022, an estimated 4.4 million Americans, representing 2 percent of the voting-age population, were ineligible to vote due to these disenfranchisement laws and policies. Many states restore voting rights to individuals automatically after they exit jail or prison, while others continue the bar on voting even while on probation or parole. A few states permanently disenfranchise people with past convictions or require them to petition the government to have their voting rights restored. In response to these challenges and to foster greater community participation, As an activist and educator at NYU Silver School of Social Work I am excited to announce a 3-Part Series of Civic Engagement Workshops being hosted by Victor Pate, 2nd Chance Committee/Co-Director New York Campaign for Alternatives to Isolated Confinement (NYCAIC). These workshops are designed to educate and empower individuals about their civic rights and responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of engagement in the democratic process. Please join us and spread the word about this valuable three-session Civic Engagement Curriculum. This curriculum is being offered both in-person and via Zoom. Being hosted Wednesday, July 10th, Tuesday, July 16th Wednesday, July 24th at The Urban Justice Center 40 Rector Street 9th Flr. New York, NY Workshops will be facilitated by Mr. William A. Allen MPA (He/Him/His), MPA, covering topics such as: Defining What Civic Engagement Is? Understanding the concept of civic engagement and its importance in a democratic society. Civic Engagement as a Way to Utilize ‘Your Voice’ and much more! These workshops aim to provide participants with the knowledge and tools needed to become more active and informed citizens. Whether you are directly affected by disenfranchisement or simply want to learn more about civic engagement, these sessions will offer valuable insights and practical advice. Reserve your seat now by registering here https://lnkd.in/eff7DEiM. Your participation is crucial in fostering a more engaged and empowered community. Or contact Victor Pate at vp1secondchancecommittee@gmail.com Let’s work together to ensure everyone has a voice in our democracy.

Gender Inequality    - Issue: Gender-based discrimination, wage gaps, and underrepresentation in leadership roles continue to be issues.    - Action: Advocate for gender equality and support policies that protect women's rights and promote equal opportunities. Environmental Justice    - Issue: Marginalized communities often bear the brunt of environmental hazards, including pollution and lack of access to clean water and air.    - Action: Support environmental policies that protect vulnerable communities and promote sustainability.

DAY 3: MAJOR CIVIC RIGHTS CHALLENGES TODAY Civic rights are essential for maintaining a just and equitable society. However, we continue to face significant challenges that need our collective action and awareness. Here are some of the most pressing civic rights issues today: 1. Suppressing Voting Rights    - Issue: Tactics such as strict voter ID laws, gerrymandering, and purging voter rolls disproportionately affect marginalized communities, undermining democratic processes.    - Action: Stay informed about your voting rights and support efforts to make voting accessible for all. 2. Freedom of Speech and Assembly    - Issue: In some regions, activists and journalists face censorship, harassment, and imprisonment for speaking out against injustices.    - Action: Advocate for policies that protect freedom of expression and support organizations defending these rights. 3. Economic Inequality    - Issue: Economic disparities affect access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and housing, disproportionately impacting marginalized groups.    - Action: Support initiatives aimed at closing the economic gap and ensuring equal opportunities for all. 4. Digital Rights and Privacy    - Issue: Privacy, data security, and surveillance are growing concerns in the digital age, especially for vulnerable populations.    - Action: Advocate for stronger data protection laws and ethical use of technology. 5. Immigration Rights    - Issue: Immigrants and refugees face harsh policies, family separations, and detentions, with limited paths to citizenship and protections.    - Action: Support humane immigration policies and organizations working to protect immigrants' rights. 6. Police Brutality and Accountability    - Issue: Police violence and lack of accountability for misconduct remain critical issues, necessitating reform.    - Action: Advocate for police reform, transparency, and accountability measures. 7. Access to Healthcare    - Issue: Unequal access to healthcare services and disparities in treatment quality based on race, gender, and socioeconomic status highlight the need for comprehensive healthcare reform.    - Action: Support policies that ensure equitable healthcare access for all. 8. Racial Discrimination    - Issue: Systemic bias against people of color persists in law enforcement, employment, education, and housing.    - Action: Support anti-discrimination laws and initiatives promoting racial equality. Take Action! Addressing these challenges requires collective effort and advocacy. Stay informed, support organizations working on these issues, and use your voice to demand change. Connect with Us! Follow us @FeivelJustice to stay updated on civic rights issues and learn how you can make a difference. #CivicRights

"Civic Rights" - Interview with Chamira Pubudu Kumara Silva, Assistant Secretary of the Sri Lanka Association for the Visually Impaired The arrival of election season in Sri Lanka has brought the term "citizens' rights" into sharp focus across the society. In any democratic society, raising a voice about one's rights is a fundamental democratic right. This discussion is specifically presented in the "Hari Tv Civic Rights" program, with Chamira Pubudu Kumara Silva, as a resource person, based on an interview with Lahiru Mudalige. Chamira, are you satisfied with the rights of the visually impaired community in Sri Lanka? My short answer is no. Out of Sri Lanka’s population of 22 million, 1.7 million are disabled. Among them, 453,000 are visually impaired. My opinion is that the visually impaired and other disabled communities do not receive their full citizens' rights. Why do you say that? Let me give a simple example. When I was 12, I was a visually impaired child going to the Rathmalana School for the Blind. Every school child receives textbooks for the next year in December. However, the school I attended did not receive them at that time. Even today, these materials are not properly distributed to these children. Our printing press in Maharagama is still inactive. During examination periods, announcements are made for those appearing for exams from the Education Minister to the Commissioner. Can you recall anyone speaking up for us? The situation is the same in the transport sector. We don’t have facilities to identify bus stops. Although plans mention disabled access in building construction plans, these facilities are often missing when the building is completed. So how can we be satisfied? Now, as we approach the election period, I would like to know how the visually impaired community will manage to vote. Until now, we have relied on others for assistance in voting. A polling officer or a friend helps me by casting my vote according to my party preference. However, I don’t know if my vote is used according to my wishes. There is no method to verify this. Even if I take my mother with me, the situation remains the same. My preferred political party or ideology may not be the same as my mother’s. Although there has been talk about using a bell system for voting, it is not yet implemented. Do you have any suggestions on this? Yes. I see the most successful method as developing a system integrated with modern technology. Since a significant portion of the disabled community is familiar with technology, this could be beneficial. However, this will take time. How many news programs provide information in sign language on TV? What are the facilities for those with mobility issues to reach polling stations? Elected representatives and relevant authorities need to find solutions for these issues. ➡️Watch Full Episode ▶️https://lnkd.in/gFnSr4RE

Massachusetts ranks 43rd in a list comparing civic engagement racial equality in 48 states. The racial gap in civic engagement exists across the country because financial disparities lead to people of color facing barriers such as less flexible work schedules/spare time or lack of access to consistent transportation. Today, we are highlighting local civic leadership organizations that center diversity and inclusion in their missions: JOIN for Justice - Join for Justice is building a powerful field of Jewish leaders capable of effectively organizing for justice, both inside and outside Jewish communities in the US. We organize because, in the words of Emma Lazarus, “Until we are all free, we are none of us free”—our destinies are bound up as one. Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO) - The Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO) is a broad-based, non-partisan, interfaith, multiracial power organization rooted in Greater Boston’s neighborhoods and congregations. Made up of 60 dues-paying member institutions representing more than 107,000 people, GBIO is dedicated to making our city a better place for all of us to live and thrive. For more than 20 years, GBIO has worked to improve housing and healthcare, reform our criminal justice system, address racial disparities in our city, and rebuild schools and neighborhoods, among other issues. Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) - MIRA Convenes, serves, and organizes together with our members, community leaders, and allies for the advancement of all immigrants across the Commonwealth and beyond. MIRA Coalition places immigrant and refugee voices at the forefront to advocate for the well-being of our communities. NAACP - Our mission is to achieve equity, political rights and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate wellbeing, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color. Learn more about racial inequality in civic engagement and how you can support the highlighted organizations via LINK IN COMMENTS.

🔎 Exploring Civic Engagement in Later Life: Key Findings from CIVEX Here are some of the key takeaways from our closing event at the Royal Library in Brussels. 💡Multidimensional Civic Engagement Older adults are actively participating in society through various forms of engagement—whether it’s volunteering, informal caregiving, or associational participation. Interestingly, informal helping is a significant yet underexplored aspect of their civic engagement. ⛓ Context Matters The welfare state's commitment to well-being can shape opportunities for civic engagement. However, personal beliefs, social networks, and life transitions also play a major role. ↪ Life-Course Perspective Engagement shifts over time, influenced by life events, family dynamics, and personal circumstances. While some older adults scale back on civic activities due to role overload, many remain deeply committed to informal helping behaviours. ➕ Diversity of Older Adults Older people’s engagement profiles vary greatly. Some face barriers like language or accessibility issues, especially in disadvantaged urban areas. These barriers and enablers highlight the need for inclusive, adaptable civic programs that meet diverse needs. 🔜  As we move forward, it's clear that a holistic, life-course approach is essential for fostering civic engagement among older adults. Policymakers and civic organizations should collaborate to ensure activities are accessible, inclusive, and engaging. Did you miss the closing event? Do you want to know more on civic engagement in later life? Stay tuned for our upcoming open acces book on civic engagement in later life. CIVEX is an international 🇧🇪  🇪🇸  🇫🇮  🇸🇪 research project supported by #JPIMoreYearsBetterLives . Thank you to everyone who contributed to this research! Let’s continue working together to enhance civic engagement in later life. Rodrigo Serrat Inma Peiro Milian Montse Celdran Castro Karima Chacur Feliciano Villar Toon Vercauteren Bas Dikmans Sarah Dury Sofie Van Regenmortel Fredrica Nyqvist Marina Näsman Emilia Häkkinen Pernilla Ågård Sandra Torres #CivicEngagement #AgeingPopulation #ContextMatters #LifeCourse

Leveraging Technology for Informed Civic Engagement: Insights as a Guest Speaker and Panelist 📌 I recently had the privilege of serving as both a guest speaker and a panelist at an event focused on the intersection of technology, political information accessibility, and policymaking. The discussion delved into various aspects of how technology serves as a crucial tool in shaping political discourse, fostering civic engagement, and addressing pressing issues facing young people today. 📌 One of the key topics explored was the role of technology in promoting civil discourse and bridging political divides. 📌 Another significant point of discussion centered on the pressing issues confronting young people today and the role of technology in addressing them. From socioeconomic disparities to climate change and beyond, young people face a myriad of challenges that can be tackled through innovative technological solutions. Whether it's leveraging data analytics for evidence-based policymaking or harnessing social media platforms for grassroots activism, technology offers promising avenues for empowering the next generation to effect positive change. 📌 Looking ahead, I shared my vision for the future of technology and politics, envisioning a landscape where digital tools and platforms continue to evolve to enhance democratic participation and accountability. From blockchain voting systems to AI-driven policy analysis, the possibilities for leveraging technology to strengthen democratic processes are boundless. However, it's crucial to ensure that these advancements are accompanied by robust safeguards to protect against misinformation, privacy breaches, and digital disenfranchisement. 📌 Finally, we explored strategies for making politics more engaging and interactive for young people through technology. From gamified educational platforms to virtual town halls and participatory budgeting apps, there are countless ways to harness technology to make political processes more accessible and engaging for the digital-native generation. By meeting young people where they are and leveraging the power of technology to facilitate meaningful interactions and empower civic action, we can cultivate a more informed, inclusive, and participatory democracy for generations to come. 💻 Throughout the event, my slides complemented these discussions, illustrating real-world examples and practical applications of technology in the realm of politics and policymaking. As both a guest speaker and a panelist, I was honored to contribute to the dialogue and exchange insights with fellow participants, underscoring the pivotal role of technology in shaping the future of civic engagement and democratic governance.📌

📚 The Power of History in Civic Engagement 📚 "Part of why history is so important in my life is because it brings you an awareness that everything isn't new. It gives context to what's happening right now. History is cyclical but circumstances and technology change. So when social justice topics come up, they're not new. They're just being covered more. We have more ways to record it now." — Yara Shahidi (@yarashahidi) At SousSHE, we believe in the power of understanding history to inform and inspire our actions today. Civic engagement isn't just about the present; it's about recognizing the patterns of the past and using that knowledge to shape a better future. When we participate in civic life, we strengthen our communities and ensure that everyone's voice is heard. Join us in making a difference! Whether it’s voting, volunteering, or simply staying informed, every action counts. Let’s continue to learn from history and work together for a brighter future. #SousSHE #CivicEngagement #EmpowerHer #BlackGirlMagic #SoarBlackGirl #SocialJustice #YaraShahidi 🌐 Learn more about our programs and initiatives: sousshe.org

Celebrating Black Girl Freedom Week! ✊🏾 Join the movement this week to amplify underrepresented voices! Black Girl Freedom Week is dedicated to empowering, uplifting, and celebrating the resilience of black girls. Let's stand together in solidarity for equity and justice. How are you making a difference this week? Share your thoughts below! #BlackGirlFreedom #Empowerment #BlackGirlFreedomWeek #EmpowerHer #SistersKeepers