For Immediate Release:
July 12, 2022

Contact:
Rachel Noerdlinger, rnoerdlinger@actumllc.com
Emma Brodsky, ebrodsky@actumllc.com

NEW YORK CITY COULD BE FIRST IN NATION TO PASS RACIAL EQUITY BALLOT PROPOSALS

FPWA LAUNCHES VOTER EDUCATION CAMPAIGN DRIVING TOWARDS NOVEMBER 8

New York, NY (July 12, 2022) – FPWA (The Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies), New York City’s leading anti-poverty policy and advocacy organization, has launched a campaign to generate public awareness and understanding of the three racial equity ballot proposals put forth by the NYC Racial Justice Commission. New Yorkers will vote on the proposed historic revisions of New York City’s Charter in the general election November 8th.

The three ballet proposals would mandate that New York City’s government incorporates equity and justice into all programs, policies, and laws and within every agency and institution. The overarching goal is to ensure that all New Yorkers have the power, access, and opportunity to achieve economic security and well-being.

If and when the three ballot proposals are passed, they will lay the necessary foundation for achieving racial equity and fairness in the city and holding government accountable. The proposals would establish a Racial Equity Office, Plan, and Commission; require that New York City track the “True Cost of Living” in all five boroughs; and add a statement of values preamble to the City Charter. Reports from the Racial Equity Office and True Cost of Living measure would provide mechanisms for helping ensure that government is making sought after progress on racial and economic equity across the city.

“On November 8, all New Yorkers will have what seems like a once in a lifetime opportunity to enshrine racial equity and justice in our City’s Charter and hold our local government accountable for ensuring all residents equitable access to opportunity, resources, and power,” says Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO and Executive Director of FPWA. “Taken together, the three ballot proposals would deliver bold, broad changes to the City Charter that are actionable and aspire to a shared vison of equity and inclusiveness that New Yorkers have for their city.”

“When voters have knowledge, they have power. At FPWA we’ve seen this truism in action because of our deep roots and successful partnerships with New York City communities that are often marginalized and ignored,” says Raysa S, Rodriquez, Chief Policy and Program Officer, FPWA. “That’s why we’ve launched an intense, targeted effort to ensure that every New Yorker can make an informed decision about getting out to vote this November. What’s at stake is a giant step toward equity for all in our city, and the right of everyone to achieve their full potential and live with dignity.”

“Voter engagement and education are the tools needed in the fight to protect voting rights across our city and our country. When the public is well-informed about their voting rights, they are more civically engaged,” says New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “FPWA’s voter education campaign powers New Yorkers with information about what is on the ballot and helps generate awareness on what is at stake in November. New Yorkers can vote on the Racial Justice Commission’s ballot initiatives to place racial equity at the heart of New York City government. Let us get to the polls!”

“The beauty of New York City lies in our diversity and access to opportunity. It’s why many New Yorkers, including myself, are proud to call this city home,” says Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “We must ensure equity for all who live in our great city — so that every New Yorker feels welcome, and is able to meet their needs. I applaud FPWA for their efforts to educate voters on the crucial measures coming to our ballots in November. Together, by supporting these proposals, we can help to realize racial and economic equity for all in our city.”

“For New York City to fully live up to its reputation of being the greatest city in the world, we must seek and achieve equity and equality for all residents. I publicly commend FPWA for their advocacy and stand in full support of their campaign to bring awareness to the upcoming ballot proposals in November. I urge all New Yorkers to vote to pass the three initiatives which will help bring racial equity to our city,” says New York City Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse.

“As a lifelong advocate for equity and justice and now as Chair of the Civil and Human Rights Committee in the council, I am committed to ensuring that our city becomes more equitable,” says New York City Council Member Nantasha Williams. “In order for our city to truly live up to its promise of what makes it great, we must ensure that every New Yorker’s voice is heard and that everyone has a seat at the table. This means tackling and addressing the structural hurdles faced by far too many New Yorkers due to their ethnicity and racial identity. I applaud the leadership and work of the Racial Justice Commission in putting forth concrete steps that our city can take to make it fairer and more just.”

“New York City is a symbol the world over as a place of opportunity and as an idea that everyone is given a chance to live up to their potential,” says New York City Council Member Rita Joseph. “Unfortunately, due to inequal access to housing, employment opportunities, and other structural hurdles, there can be a significant gap between the ideal our city strives for versus its reality. Through the recommendations unveiled by the Racial Justice Commission, this November New Yorkers will be given an historic chance to have a direct say in how we make this a fairer and more just city for everyone.”

“In an effort to bring economic justice to our city, I applaud the efforts of FPWA and other principals on launching a campaign to generate public awareness and understanding on the three racial equity ballot proposals set forth by the NYC Racial Justice Commission. By passing these ballot proposals in November, we are taking one step forward in achieving a level playing field for all city residents,” says Assemblyman Charles D. Fall.

About FPWA
FPWA is an anti-poverty policy and advocacy organization committed to advancing economic opportunity and upward mobility for New Yorkers with low incomes. FPWA has long served New York City’s social service sector, advocating for fair public policies for people with low incomes and the agencies that serve them. FPWA’s member network of 170 human-service and faith-based organizations reach more than 1.5 million people living in New York’s communities each year. Find out more at fpwa.org, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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