Today on Hometown, Kendall and Allison speak with colleagues Alan Yarborough, from The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations, and Ashley Coleman, from New American Pathways in Atlanta, about civic engagement, voter registration, and non-partisan efforts to get out the vote.

The conversation was recorded the afternoon of Monday, September 17. Later that day, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced a historic and record low presidential determination, or refugee admissions number, for 2019 – only 30,000. This is the lowest number ever set, in the history of the US Refugee Admissions program.

In the interview, Ashley mentions a resolution that will be put forth by Congressman Hank Johnson. The morning that we’re releasing the podcast, Sept 21, the resolution was introduced. Read it here and ask your Representative to sign on: https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-resolution/1073/text/ih?overview=closed&format=txt

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s Statement about the announcement: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/presiding-bishop-michael-currys-statement-administrations-2019-refugee

It is critical that you take action. Let your members of Congress know that this number does not represent your community’s heart of welcome. Visit the Episcopal Public Policy Network and send a message to Congress: https://advocacy.episcopalchurch.org/app/write-a-letter?3&engagementId=484233

And, as we discuss with Alan and Ashley – get involved! Make sure you’re registered to vote, and help others participate in our democracy. Learn about New American Pathways and their voter registration work on their website: www.newamericanpathways.org. Get inspired and involved with voter registration and get out the vote efforts in your community.

Take part in the Vote Faithfully campaign – https://cqrcengage.com/episcopal/file/euXNP1gXXKY/VoteFaithfully_Toolkit%202018.pdf

Order your own “I’m an Episcopalian and I voted!” stickers by visiting http://advocacy.episcopalchurch.org

Get involved with us and our guests on social media:
EMM: emmrefugees on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
EPPN: theeppn on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
New American Pathways: /NewAmericanPathways on Facebook, @newampaths on Twitter

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Our theme song is by Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at www.abrahammwindamusic.com