Since the beginning of the Civil Rights movement, voter engagement efforts have played a vital role in our democratic process. Unfortunately, both low-income and minority citizens have historically been and remain underrepresented in the electoral process. In fact, only 33% of the low-income population in the U.S. is registered to vote. By encouraging residents in our communities to register to vote and ultimately cast their ballot, we can ensure that the voices of all are reflected in major public policy decisions.

In lieu of an in-person training, we’ve created a digital classroom, “Voter Registration | A Nonprofit’s Guide to Success” where members can download resources from Enterprise Community Partners, National Low Income Housing Coalition, the NAACP, Klein Hornig and Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) highlighting best practices to host voter registration drives within affordable housing communities.

You can access course materials here. Thank you to our partners who were instrumental in organizing these resources, Virginia Housing Alliance and APAH!

Speakers:
Melissa Bondi, Mid-Atlantic State and Local Policy Director, Enterprise Community Partners
Victoria Bourret, Housing Advocacy Organizer, the National Low Income Housing Coalition
Kim Phillip, Community Activist, NAACP-Arlington, VA Chapter
Jose Quinonez, Director of Community Impact, APAH
Teresa Santalucia, Partner, Klein Hornig

More details can be found here.
Thank you to our sponsor, BB&T!

Good workout. Good company. A GREAT cause! Join GenerationHAND for a cycling class (with a little SOUL) to support students pursuing careers in real estate and community development! On Thursday, November 8, 2018 we will ride from 7:30-8:30pm (check-in begins at 7pm) at SoulCycle Mount Vernon, 601 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001. Funds raised will directly support scholarships awarded to graduate students studying real estate, urban planning and other fields within community development. This event is open to all- HAND members, friends of HAND, colleagues, neighbors and any individuals who may be interested in getting involved with our organization! If you know of a graduate student who would benefit from the scholarship, please direct them to fill out an application here. The recipients will be honored at HAND’s Annual Holiday Mixer in December.

GenerationHAND is an initiative designed to exclusively support practitioners who are on the rise within the affordable housing and community development industry. The goal of the initiative is to provide needed tools and guidance to emerging leaders as they pursue successful careers in the public and private sector. Through a wide variety of dialogues, panel discussions, volunteer events, and professional development activities, GenerationHAND strives to embolden practitioners and establish a pipeline of leaders who will serve as the next generation of changemakers working to create strong communities throughout the Washington region.

Spots will go quickly, so reserve yours TODAY! Want to share the event with your network? Download the flyer here.

Agenda
7:00 – 7:15 pm: Arrive and check-in*
7:15 – 7:30 pm: Pre-ride prep
7:30 – 8:15 pm: RIDE!
8:15 – 8:30 pm: Hydrate and wrap-up
*Please arrive no later than 7:10 pm

Registration fees: This event is $40 for all riders/donations.