Antonio Cilardo’s Post

Over the past few days, there's been a lot of attention to racism in the presidential campaign. But race and racial justice have always been central to this election, as they are in every election. For 150 years, Black and brown people in the US have fought unceasingly for the freedom to vote. They have lost their jobs, their homes, their freedom, and their lives in the pursuit of free access to voting. Access to voting is a measure of who is and is not allowed to be part of the national body. Campaigns to limit voting are rooted in longstanding strategies to strip marginalized communities of political power and voice, and they are also a window into the continuing belief that BIPOC people, poor people, non-US born people, and the formerly incarcerated should shoulder the burdens of citizenship without the rights. Elections are neither magic bullets nor guarantees of racial democracy. But they are crucial terrains of struggle where issues are exposed, movements are built, and foundations are laid for ongoing change—whatever the outcome. And yes, we know that voting won’t save us. But we do believe that informed engagement with electoral politics is one vital tool for creating the conditions for us to save ourselves. That’s why we created this guide to how and why race matters for six key issues in this election cycle, and what you can do about it. For even more on the topic, watch the recording of our event on Race and the Elections. https://lnkd.in/eK3-CvBB

For the people in the back! Our ED, Bri, is speaking out about the harmful narrative that is being used in the presidential campaign that labels people with criminal records. This narrative does not serve us in any type of way. Eddie Ellis, a champion of language justice, advocated for referring to all people as just that—people. This is especially important in elections, where every voice matters. In Georgia alone, there are 4.3 million justice-impacted individuals, with 450,000 eligible to vote despite having records. It’s time to break the cycle of negative labeling and recognize the power of every vote. Remember, justice-impacted people in Georgia, you CAN vote. Let’s change the narrative and make sure our voices are heard. . . . . . . #EndTheStigma #JusticeReform #NarrativeChange #VotingRights #JusticeImpacted #EddieEllis #LanguageJustice #PowerOfTheVote #FelonNoMore #InclusiveElections #Empowerment #GeorgiaVotes #PoliticalDiscourse #BreakingBarriers #CommunityPower #Vote2024 #BarredBusiness #HumanRights #SocialJustice #VoterEmpowerment

Democracy Discussion Democracy is more than just voting; it’s about safeguarding essential rights. In today’s world, how do you define democracy? Share your thoughts! 💬 {CSS preparation, citizen rights, democratic values, governance challenges, global democracy, civil society, political engagement, leadership roles, social justice, political philosophy, democratic evolution, public participation, human rights, citizen empowerment, current affairs, political debates, governance models, accountability, democracy in action, civil service motivation} #CSSPrep #Leadership #DemocracyMatters #CivilServiceMotivation #EngageInDiscussion #PoliticalInsights #CivicEducation #FutureLeaders #Empowerment #ChangeMakers

When I engage with peers my age, particularly those under 25, and discuss the importance of utilizing their vote, I encounter various perspectives: - Some express disinterest in politics and thus abstain from voting. - Others, lacking awareness, opt for a random choice, like selecting a cute elephant symbol. - There's a sense of apathy, questioning the impact of their vote on the world. - Surprisingly, some eligible individuals remain unregistered, despite the convenience of online registration, which takes merely 5 minutes. These responses reflect a lack of understanding of our freedom, democracy, and the responsibility that comes with it, as well as a disconnect from the sacrifices made by people for these rights. Emotions seem to be missing from the equation. As citizens of the world's largest democracy, it's crucial that we take pride in our freedom and show respect for the centralized authorities. #VotingMatters #DemocracyMatters #Responsibility #ProudCitizens

Election Day is just around the corner! As we get ready for this important day, we’re excited to share some facts and resources to help you prepare. Did you know? According to The Pew Research Center, more than 36 million Latinos are eligible to vote in the U.S. this year! That’s a huge opportunity for our communities to make their voices heard. Not sure where to start? Our LAW Toolkit has all the tips you need to advocate and get involved. ➡️https://lnkd.in/gVYJqeQz

Now that the election is behind us, it’s more important than ever to remember that standing up for what’s right isn’t just about casting a vote. It’s about the values we carry forward every day. As a Black woman and a mother to biracial daughters, I know that certain policies have a direct impact on our lives. Initiatives like Project 2025 continue to raise concerns about our access to essential rights, healthcare, education, and civil liberties. When someone supports agendas that strip away these protections, it’s not just a political issue; it’s personal. For those who say, ‘Don’t let politics ruin relationships,’ I have to ask, how can we truly support one another if we’re divided on fundamental rights and values? Genuine care and respect show up in actions, not just words. Even as the election results settle, we are still responsible for uplifting each other, advocating in our communities, and pushing for a future where dignity and equality are prioritized. Let’s make a difference, not just in our votes but in the values we uphold in our workplaces and beyond. #AdvocacyMatters #StandForEquality #BeyondTheBallot #RightsForAll #ValueDriven #DignityAndJustice #CommunityImpact #PostElection #UpliftVoices #ProtectOurRights

If you don’t register to vote, you’re betraying the generations to come. It’s your civic duty and democratic right to make your voice heard. One day, your children will ask what you did when the country was falling apart. Did you take action to reshape the future and steer the country in the right direction? #YouthVote #CivicDuty #FutureLeaders #RegisterToVote

From Independent to Republican: A Common Sense Journey We explore the inspiring transition of a woman from Democrat to Republican, highlighting her commitment to common sense. Her story reminds us that understanding across political lines is possible and essential for effective dialogue. Join us in celebrating this brave decision! #CommonSensePolitics #PoliticalJourney #IndependentToRepublican #ConservativeValues #PoliticalDialogue #InspiringStories #CivicEngagement #UnderstandingEachOther #EmpowerYourVoice #PoliticalTransformation

Mark your calendars—Vote Early Day is just around the corner on October 29th! Early voting is a powerful way to ensure your voice is heard and your vote counts. Whether you're advocating for racial justice, economic equity, or the future of democracy, early voting allows you to avoid the rush and make a difference on your terms. Plan your vote, rally your friends, and let’s do this thing! #VoteEarlyDay #SocialJustice #SojournStrategies #SojournSpeaks

Many de-growth advocates and I have a lot in common— we value human rights, political freedom, and civil liberties. The issue for them, though, is that there is basically no real world examples of politically free countries that aren’t market oriented. In this week’s post, I summarize two excellent papers from Robert Lawson, Daniel J. Smith, Nicholas Reinarts, and Gabriel Frank Benzecry on this topic. Check it out!