As a nonprofit focused on civic engagement and environmental justice for marginalized communities, Visibility Outreach Touch Engage South Arkansas (VOTE SoAR) has faced consistent challenges from all angles. Let’s be honest, though, isn’t that what almost every nonprofit that doesn’t fit this administration’s agenda is feeling? We all understand the crisis our country is facing, but what are we doing about it? Now more than ever, VOTE SoAR, like almost all entities in the nonprofit world, is grappling with the unknown, but unlike the majority, VOTE SoAR is utilizing these times of trials and tribulations for liberation.
In valiant efforts to push back, VOTE SoAR reflected on its mission, to inspire, educate, and mobilize the community to actively participate in democratic processes. Oftentimes, voter rights are the first solution people consider when engaging in democratic processes, but VOTE SoAR aims for communities and individuals alike to think beyond voter rights. At VOTE SoAR, democratic processes look like directly engaging with local government agencies, participation in city or town hall convenings, strategizing with neighbors on petitions for resources, and collaborating with like-minded organizations and entities for upliftment and inclusivity.
In the past quarter, VOTE SoAR has remained committed to its mission to promote equitable democratic processes through a resilience hub for other Arkansas nonprofits. Led by newly onboarded Environmental Programs’ Project Manager, Cydnee Harris, and Chairperson, Sylvia Brown, VOTE SoAR cultivated the Southwest Arkansas Regional Community Resilience Hub. In her role, Cydnee Harris managed this resilience hub to ensure organizers were truly seen, providing individuals an opportunity to voice their communities’ concerns and learn from other organizers, ultimately moving South Arkansas communities toward a future where communities are soaring, not simply surviving. This resilience hub also supplied participants or hubbies with financial support through a grant and other resources, including a grant writer, pro bono legal resources, state government officials, and more! With this being her first position post-undergraduate, Cydnee feels confident in her work with VOTE SoAR and the real community impact she is contributing to. Overall, VOTE SoAR’s resilience hub aims to educate and engage organizers on solutions beyond their region, mobilizing communities to take action for their individual needs and to foster a sense of partnership and capacity building in times where underrepresentation is a constant theme. VOTE SoAR will continue to lead the way for resilience, democracy, and environmental justice, regardless of any barriers.
Cydnee H. in front of Spelman’s Science center
Sylvia B. receiving a grant for VOTE SoAR
