Apply Now! California Community Redistricting Leaders Program. Deadline is September 10^th

Mission

The mission of the Greenlining Institute’s redistricting initiative, Line Up California!, is to ensure that there is racial and ethnic diversity on California’s new Citizens Redistricting Commission. This commission was created in 2008 by Proposition 11, the Voters First Act.

We see diversity on the Citizens Redistricting Commission as vital to ensuring that people of color are “at the table, not on the table” for decisions that will affect the voting power of their communities. Greenlining plans to accomplish this by:

1. Educating diverse communities throughout the state on the importance of this commission and why they should consider applying;  


2. Working with qualified applicants through each step of the process to ensure that they submit complete, strong, and on-time applications.

A diverse Citizens Redistricting Commission will mean a stronger California

Redistricting, or re-drawing electoral districts, is one of the most powerful tools available to either empower or disempower communities of color. During the Civil Rights struggle redistricting was often used to split communities of color in order to dilute their voting power. As our state (which is already 60% people of color) grows larger and more diverse over the next decade it is imperative that all communities have a voice in drawing electoral districts.

Furthermore a diverse commission will not just benefit communities of color, it will make California stronger as a whole. By utilizing California’s diverse communities and the unique perspectives they represent, our state can be the leader in creative and equitable governance.

How you can play a role

Greenlining needs your help to spread the word about this important opportunity. To play a role, you can:

1. Apply to become a California Community Redistricting Leader
   Greenlining's California Community Redistricting Leaders program seeks dynamic grassroots leaders to organize communities around redistricting, promote diversity and representation for minorities in the redistricting process, provide technical assistance to local communities to draw their own district maps, outreach to local media, prepare community leaders to testify at Redistricting Commission meetings, and help provide public comment on maps drawn by the commission. Participants will receive leadership and technical training, and will have the backing of Greenlining's extensive advocacy resources. Click HERE to learn more about this program.
   
   
2. Learn about the Applicant Review Pannel
   Follow the meetings and share your thoughts!
   
   
3. Help us Spread the Word: Reach out to your networks and let them know about this process. Greenlining can help with fact sheets and other useful information.
   
   
4. Hold a Meeting in your Community: Greenlining is setting up information sessions on this new commission throughout the state and we would like help convening a meeting in your community. If you are willing to host 10-20 (or more) people at your home, office, or community center we can provide in-person information to interested individuals.

Contact

If you are interested in joining this effort, contact:

1. Northern and Central California: Michelle Romero at micheller@greenlining.org or (510) 926-4016
2. Southern California: Tunua Thrash at tunuat@greenlining.org.

With your help we can make this new commission successful, diverse, and responsive to all Californians.

Related Resources

Apply Now!
Redistricting Fact Sheet
Top Ten Questions about the Citizens Redistricting Commission
Why You Should Care about the Citizens Redistricting Commission
Redistricting Presentation
Redistricting Fellowship Info