3 Steps to Bring Your Advocacy Game this Black History Month
Feb 11, 2022
Black History Month means advocating for Black futures. Here's how you can join our efforts to push for a more just society.
Together with our coalition partners, EMPath advocates for policy changes that address systemic racism and eliminate barriers to economic mobility. Our efforts are informed by the families we work with and the staff who partner with them every day.
Everyone deserves enough resources not only to meet their basic needs but to thrive. Yet there are far too many children in Massachusetts living in poverty – and government support is egregiously inadequate. Many of today’s basic needs policies are rooted in racist stereotypes about poverty and continue to disproportionately harm Black and Latine families. This Black History Month, we must advocate for Black futures by fighting against policies that uphold institutional racism. The more of us that come together, the more powerful we are – and that means we need YOU.
Here are three steps you can take to up your advocacy game:
STEP 1: Contact Your Legislators
Take two minutes to complete our action alert. Ask your legislators to support critical programs in the state budget:
STEP 2: Attend a Virtual Event
Show up and show your support!
Lift Our Kids: Sweats and Sweaters Event
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
10:00-11:00 AM EST
REGISTER
Come hear EMPath program participants share their experiences and advocate for change. Join us and the Lift Our Kids Coalition in support of raising cash assistance grants (“welfare”) in the FY23 Massachusetts budget. Cash assistance is intended to meet families’ basic needs, yet grants are not even at half the Federal Poverty Level. Grants have only been raised by less than 20% in the past 20 years and are not tied to inflation. These low benefits disproportionately impact Black and Latine families.
Child Care Roundtables
Learn about the child care crisis and how the Common Start bill can address these issues. The Common Start bill is one of EMPath’s current legislative priorities.
Racial Equity and Child Care
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
6:30-7:30 PM EST
REGISTER
The Role of Wraparound Services
Thursday, February 17, 2022
4:00-5:00 PM EST
REGISTER
An EMPath program participant and EMPath network member, United South End Settlements, will take part in a roundtable discussion with other local partners about the role of wraparound services in supporting families in child care settings.
MRVP Cookie Day
Thursday, February 24, 2022
12:00-1:00 PM EST
REGISTER
Come support solutions to homelessness with our partners Homes for Families. We will be advocating for state funding for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), which helps families access safe, affordable housing.
MA Coalition for the Homeless Legislative Action Day
Thursday, March 3, 2022
9:30-11:30 AM EST
REGISTER
Join our partners MA Coalition for the Homeless to hear from inspiring speakers, learn how to advocate with legislators, and meet virtually with your state legislators and legislative staff to talk about issues and policy recommendations to address homelessness in Massachusetts. We will be pushing for increased access to and funding for key homelessness prevention resources.