Friend, We have an exciting update to share with you. Alongside partners like the Massachusetts Voter Table, the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, and Asian Pacific Islanders’ Civic Action Network (APIs CAN), MassVOTE is leading an initiative called the Democracy HUBS (Holistically Unifying Blocks of Solidarity). Democracy HUBS The purpose of the Democracy HUBS program is to increase civic engagement and political power in traditionally underrepresented communities across Massachusetts, like Black and brown, low-income, and immigrant communities. We believe this critical because these underrepresented communities face systemic barriers to voting that decrease political participation, limiting the power of their voice on issues critical to their everyday lives, like housing, education, and public safety. To address this, we aim to empower community members through on-the-ground organizations that understand the needs and interests of their community. In doing so, these organizations help foster a more just, equitable Massachusetts. There are three types of Democracy HUBS: anchor organizations, emerging groups, and supporting groups. Anchor orgs coordinate regional field programs, while emerging groups have trusted leaders and untapped civic engagement potential. Supporting groups, meanwhile, mobilize voters from specific constituencies and/or geographic areas. Over the next few months, we’re going to send out newsletters highlighting our Democracy HUB members. We’re doing this because we want to tell you about the great work each of these organizations is doing. Together, they’re making our democracy more equitable and just. Worcester Interfaith For this first edition, we’ve chosen to highlight Worcester Interfaith. Based in New England’s second-largest city, Worcester Interfaith works on behalf of the city’s low-income, minority, and immigrant communities. They primarily promote neighborhood improvements, public safety, education and youth, and job opportunities. In doing so, they seek to make Worcester a better place for all that seek to call it home, especially those that traditionally go underrepresented. As a Democracy HUB anchor organization, Worcester Interfaith is working to bolster civic engagement throughout the city. One way they’re doing this is by pushing for the passage of the Fair Share Amendment, which would increase taxes on those that annually earn over a million dollars to help fund transportation and education initiatives. We are thrilled to have Worcester Interfaith as a Democracy HUB. The city of Worcester – and the entire state – benefit greatly from their work. - All of us at MassVOTE |
