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3rd Anniversary Commemorative of the
of Rosa L. Parks
and Voting Rights Activists

WHAT:  The Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute, co-founded by Rosa L. Parks in 1987 to carry on her legacy, is sponsoring commemorative activities focusing on the work of Rosa Parks in the area of Voting Rights. Youth will be exposed to Rosa Parks’ principles of civic responsibility and history of voting rights involvement. The main outcome of this occasion is to prepare youth to actively participate in the voting process when age eligible by sharing history, (especially personal accounts from elders), identifying experiential opportunities and providing pathways to leadership.

WHEN:  Highlight Event, Friday, October 24, 2008 from 10 a.m. – 12:00 noon (location to be announced)           

WHERE:  Across America (on October 24, 2008) supporters are asked to pause for a moment of silence in tribute to those who died advocating for voting rights and to acknowledge youth led get out the vote activities.

Ongoing Action Agenda:

• Youth collect signatures for a Rosa Parks Promise to Vote Roster.
• Promote voter registration and absentee balloting – slogan  “Honor Rosa Parks – Vote!”
• Focus on voting rights history and the martyrs who died for the right to vote.
• Seek a National voting rights commemoration day proclamation in your local area/state.
• Host an opportunity for citizens to engage across racial lines in dialogue on One America.

           
ABOUT VOTING RIGHTS HISTORY

Following the March on Washington, August 28, 1963 , the Civil Rights Act (1964) and the National Voting Rights Act (1965) were passed. In 2006 the re-authorization of the Voting Rights Act was passed and named in honor of Fannie Lou Hamer, Coretta Scott King and Rosa Louise Parks.  Countless everyday people sacrificed their lives as they acted in support of the right to vote.  Some of the stories of the struggle have been captured by the National Voting Rights Museum. The Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute has assembled a traveling exhibit and forum “A Message on Civic Responsibility” to provide resources to inspire youth to become the next generation of Rosa Parks.

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Honor Rosa Parks and Voting Rights Advocates who Died for the Right to Vote

Join in the Action Plan Commemorating the
Voting Rights Legacy of Rosa Parks

1. Collect signatures for the Rosa Parks Promise to Vote Roster.
2. Request a local/state Voting Rights Commemoration Day Proclamation to Promote Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot Drives and other get out the vote initiatives.
3. Assist eligible voters in securing and casting their absentee ballot.
4. On Election Day assist in arranging transportation to the poll.
5. Participate in Call Banks to Get Out the Vote.
6. Serve as a poll worker (paid or volunteer).
7. Volunteer to assist with Voter Protection issues in your area.
8. Recruit other youth and adults to participate in getting out the vote.
9. Express your perspective on how the adult vote impacts your life.
10. Share history of voting rights and review the list of deceased martyrs.
11. Host a multicultural voices youth dialogue on One America with an adult “listening circle”.
12. Visit websites as resources to support your activities.