COVID Reality: July 8 2020
This Saturday, July 11 , is Election Day in Louisiana! Polling locations will be open from 7:00 AM- 8:00 PM . Unfortunately, the deadline for absentee voting has already passed for this election, but we encourage those who can go to the polls with your mask and any other PPE to do so to ensure your voice is heard.

OVER 50 POLLING LOCATIONS HAVE CHANGED DUE TO COVID-19.  Please check HERE to find your polling place!
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In addition to our team awarding 50 community groups with Census Mini-Grants, we also partnered with grassroots organizations for a personalized postcard campaign to increase Census participation. Check out one of the local groups writing personal messages to make sure folks get counted!  
Help LOUISIANA #beinthatnumber by becoming a Census Volunteer. 

If you are interested in volunteering please fill out the form HERE . Additional details will follow upon completion of the form, and volunteer opportunities can be done in the comfort of your home . Sign up today!
Click HERE to complete the census online, it should take less than 10 minutes or you can scan the QR code below.
Power Coalition has curated a selection of resources that discuss racial equity. In the wake of George Floyd’s death and as the country engages in conversations around race we want to share resources that folks can use to expand their understanding in this time. Check out our resource guide with movies, books, videos, podcasts, and more HERE . 
Are you a small business owner who has struggled as a result of COVID-19? You might be eligible for Louisiana’s Main Street Recovery Program. They are not accepting applications yet, but you can sign up for email notifications and learn more about the program HERE .

The state legislature also set up a program to provide one-time direct payments of $250 to frontline workers. The program has not been established yet, but we will provide you with more information as it becomes available.
Early Voting turnout continues to surge in Louisiana, as voters appear to be getting more and more used to it with every election. There was also a big increase in absentee voting, which was expected given the pandemic. But if you haven’t already voted, be sure to get out this Saturday, July 11! There are important judicial races that will determine who makes the rulings that impact your community.
FFLIC has been advocating for incarcerated children and have been working tirelessly to protect our kids from COVID-19 as it enters our jails and prisons. They have released a set of policies including:
  • Halt new admissions to juvenile detention and correctional facilities and initiating the removal of youth from juvenile detention and correctional facilities;
  • Eliminate incarceration as an option for technical violations of probation, allow children to have frequent contact with their family members—electronically or via phone— at no charge and without limitation;
  • Provide quality soap, CDC-recommended hand sanitizer, comprehensive sanitation of facilities, and quality medical care free of charge;
  • Ensure that children in custody have the same access to remote learning materials as children in the community do.
Families and Friends of Louisiana's Incarcerated Children
Town Hall: Do You Really Think It’s Safe To Reopen Schools?  

Wednesday, July 8th
5:30 to 7:30 pm CST

To have meaningful participation in important decision-making we must stand together and speak as one. That is why we have joined together with other organizations to co-host a virtual townhall. We are using the hashtag #AreWeSafeorNah.

Register for the zoom meeting at tiny.cc/4safeschools and please spread the word!

Also, please consider filling out this survey before attending: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnh0Tw8PS8mVgDnRRBj2RU2wT97yHeAaLVfCllHzp60wbAfw/viewform
United to End Immigrant Detention and Mass Incarceration In Louisiana
Liberation Lunch Break To #FreeThemAll

July 9, 12:00 - 1:00pm CST

Spend your lunch break learning about ongoing organizing to challenge immigration detention and mass incarceration in Louisiana. We will hear from advocates, organizers, and individuals who were formerly imprisoned in Louisiana prisons and detention centers and take action together to #FreeThemAll.

Please RSVP on the Facebook event page where there will be more info posted on the virtual event.
Metromorphosis
The Path Forward: A Summer Webinar Series Focused on Reaching the Communities Within Our Community to Transform Together

Register for When Helping Hurts HERE
Register for The Gathering Pt. 1 HERE
Register for The Gathering Pt. 2  HERE
Register for The Gathering Pt. 3 HERE
Register for Mental Health Matters 2 HERE
The Power Coalition staff is keeping safe and working from home so feel free to email us to connect.