The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition “Second Chance Bus Tour”, in partnership with Miami-Dade County, OIC of South Florida, The Circle of Brotherhood, Career Source South Florida and the Florida Justice Center, visited locations across Miami-Dade County to help returning citizens who have lost their right to vote.
The iconic “Our Vote, Our Voice, Our Time” FRRC Mobile unit visited the Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall Social and Economic Institute, Wilbur B. Bell Park, and the Gwen Cherry 14 Housing Community to help returning citizens pay fines that have may have prevented them from registering to vote. In some cases, these financial obligations may have already been paid by FRRC.
The CSSF Mobile Workforce Assistance Center was on location to provide career counseling and information about employment and training opportunities. The Miami-Dade County Elections department offered voter registration assistance while the Florida Justice Center provided driver license reinstatement services.
"These bus events and job fairs are about empowering people, and creating safer, more vibrant communities. By partnering with the mayor, local leaders, the business community and others, we are making a tangible impact on the lives of people in Miami-Dade County," said Desmond Meade, Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. “We must commit to a comprehensive effort that takes into account all the tenets of a vibrant democracy.”
Miami Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava joined in support of this event along with others including Florida Representative Felicia Simone Robinson of District 102 and Miami Dade County Commissioner Kionne McGhee, District 9.
“Tearing down barriers to employment, voting and community reintegration for returning citizens is a win-win-win for the people and businesses of our county," said Mayor Levine Cava. "We all benefit when people are able to get a job and have their voices heard in our community."
“Desmond Meade and Mayor Levine Cava have been advocates in this arena for a long time,” said Rick Beasley, Executive Director of CareeerSource South Florida. “In 2015 Miami-Dade County voted to Ban the Box on County Job applications so that an individual’s background does not disqualify them before the initial job interview. We all believe that restoring the rights of individuals who have served their time and giving them a fighting chance for employment is simply the right thing to do.”
If you need help to remove financial barriers to voting or would like to get involved, contact the FRRC at 407-901-3749 or email: info@floridarrc.org.
