Dozens of concerned citizens came together on Saturday, July 18th, for the John Lewis Voting Rights People’s Movement Assembly. The event, hosted by Camel City United Indivisible (CCUI), was held at St. Paul United Methodist Church in East Winston-Salem.
The Assembly honored the late Civil Rights activist John Lewis on the sixth anniversary of his death. Lewis was 19 years old when he participated in his first sit-in. He would go on to lead others, but before taking action, he would organize. Saturday’s assembly was about organizing the community to take action.
Participants had lunch together before moving into three breakout sessions: Voting Rights & Voter Education, Barriers to Civic Participation, and Local Action Steps for Forsyth County.
Everyone received a packet of information, including three topics they would discuss in the sessions: barriers to voting, opportunities to improve voter turnout, and actions needed between now and November. Each group had the same questions, but each session approached them in different ways.
LUNCH & BREAKOUTS
Participants had lunch together before moving into three breakout sessions: Voting Rights & Voter Education, Barriers to Civic Participation, and Local Action Steps for Forsyth County.
Everyone received a packet of information, including three topics they would discuss in the sessions: barriers to voting, opportunities to improve voter turnout, and actions needed between now and November. Each group had the same questions, but each session approached them in different ways.
Linda Sutton, Central Region leader for Democracy NC, led the Voting Rights & Voter Education session. The group of about 20 people was engaged and the discussion included:
IDENTIFYING BARRIERS
What are the biggest barriers to civic participation and voting in Forsyth County today?
- Apathy and cynicism,
- Lack of knowledge about politics and politicians,
- Lack of understanding why the government is important,
- Misinformation,
- Politicians only coming around when there is an election.
The group agreed there is division and propaganda, which leads to pessimism and distrust of the government on the national, state, and local levels. Sutton added, “even when we elect, we don’t collect”, because most voters don’t ask questions or hold their elected officials accountable.
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES
What opportunities exist this fall to increase participation, leadership, and voter engagement?
- Community activities in local precincts,
- Having conversation starters like handouts, etc.
- Talking to people to understand what issues are important to them,
- Coordinating civic/political organizations.
Members of the group were most passionate about increasing participation by having issue-based conversations with people: “Did you hear bout…?” or “What do you think about…?”
ACTIONS TO TAKE NOW
What specific actions should we commit to between August and November?
For Individuals:
- Organize local precincts,
- Talk to church members,
- Register people to vote,
- Have conversations at family gatherings.
For Camel City United Indivisible:
- Host workshops,
- Community events,
- Potlucks,
- Education,
- Organize rides to the polls,
- Canvass,
- Post more on Social Media,
- Clear communication.
Twenty strangers had entered the room overwhelmed and pessimistic, but left as friends, smiling, and hopeful.
Twenty strangers had entered the room overwhelmed and pessimistic, but left as friends, smiling, and hopeful.
During the wrap-up meeting, each of the three session leaders spoke, and it was clear all three groups felt the same way.
When asked why they attended the event, one person explained, “Kamala said, don’t throw up your hands, roll up your sleeves. So I am here to roll up my sleeves.” Sutton added, “If we come together and build power, we can win.”
It seemed fitting for this event to be held in a church. John Lewis was an ordained Baptist minister who would have said that the people attending the event in his honor felt seen, heard, and loved. 🟥
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