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July 9, 2019 | Deeds Digest No. 145
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Hello #Changemakers!
It's the Tuesday after the 4th of July and, here in Austin, Texas, it's hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk. But we're keeping our cool in the Deeds' office, preparing for some important work ahead.
We're focused particularly on making sure that Texas has an accurate count in the 2020 census so that we get our fair share of congressional seats as well as our fair share of tax dollars returned from the federal level for infrastructure, education and other needs.
We're also excited about the opportunity to put together our first ever student voter guide in anticipation of the November, 2020 election and we need your input as we begin our work on this so that we can be sure the guide will reflect the issues that are most important to you.
Below, in our "Deeds News" and in our "Be The Change" sections, you'll find more information about how you can get involved in helping with both of those efforts.
Like you, we at Deeds believe strongly that every voice matters and every person has the power to make change. Take a moment to get involved. And, like U.S. World Cup Champion, Megan Rapinoe, be loud, be proud, and show the world you've got the stuff to make a difference!
Much love,
-wendy
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What is the 2020 Census?
The Census is one of the most important governing surveys for our nation. It’s mandated by the U.S. Constitution and gives us only one chance every ten years to count our entire population, including non citizens.
Why is the 2020 Census important?
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Determines seats in the U.S. House of Representatives based on your population size
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Population is used to draw school districts boundaries and governmental districts
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Plans for number of hospitals, public transportation services, nursing homes, 911 services, and more all depend on population counts
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Assures fair distribution of billions of dollars in federal and state funds, which are allocated based on each state's population
What is Deeds doing and what can you do to help?
The 2020 Census Bureau is collaborating with individuals and organizations to make sure we can get maximum participation in the Census. Deeds Not Words is part of the Austin-Travis County Complete Count Committee, and we need help formulating strategies to ensure every person is counted in our community. If you would like to help, please email tasnimislam123@gmail.com.
XOXO,
Tasnim Islam, University of Texas Sophomore and
Deeds' Summer Intern
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⚽️🔥⚽️!!! MEGAN RAPINOE Y'ALL !!! ⚽️🔥⚽️
Megan Rapinoe has always been a leader in the sports world. She's been a leader in the fight for equal pay, She's been a leader in the fight for LGBTQIA+ equality, and she was the ultimate ally when she was the first athlete outside of football to support Colin Kapernick in an effort to bring attention to racism in America. Just a couple of days ago, she successfully led the US Women's National Team to win their 4th World Cup Title! Not only that, she won the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards making her the most valuable player of the tournament. She is a FORCE!
Here's more of what's inspiring us...
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The US Women's National Team (USWNT) just won their fourth Soccer World Cup title successfully defending their title from their previous World Cup win. Although, they have won four more World Cups than the USA men's team, they are still paid less than a third of what the men are making for losing the Men's World Cup. The team has been so outspoken on this issue that it was no surprise that the World Cup Crowd Started Chanting “Equal Pay.” Equal pay is long over do, so much so that they should be paid well above the men's team for doing their job and actually winning!
Here's more of what has us fired up ...
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Here at Deeds, we’re gearing up for the next election cycle–a rollercoaster of debate, research, social media posts, and conversation that will make headlines for months to come. If you’re like me, you’re likely exhausted from the last one, so this tidal wave on the horizon is nothing short of overwhelming. In moments where a picture of awful conditions at the border is followed by another of Flint, Michigan’s still contaminated water, it’s all the more important to remember that our voices and actions are needed to make the difference we want to see.
One of those actions is simple but powerful–your decision to vote in the November, 2020 election; and it’s never too early to commit.
At Deeds, we’re here to help you learn about candidates' approaches to issues that are important to you, so that when you vote next year, you’ll do so with the best information possible. But to know what you care about and how you'll decide who you want to support, we need to hear from you, #Changemaker!
Please fill out the survey below to tell us about the issues that will drive your participation at the polls next November.
We got this,
Izzie
Deeds' Summer Intern
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This Week's #Changemaker:
Former A&M Campus Organizer Emma Watson
Howdy!
My name is Emma and I am a recent graduate (wow, I can't believe that is real life) of Texas A&M University in College Station, and I am headed to New York to pursue a Masters of Public Administration. I am a Ruth Bader Ginsburg fan; I love to cook, and my dog, Fabio, has been my best friend since I was eleven. When I am an official grown up, I want to be someone that helps people achieve something they couldn't have done without my work, and Deeds is the perfect place to start that. Deeds and I crossed paths late in my college career, but the organization gave me a means to express myself, learn from others, and inspire change on my campus.
What are you currently working on to make change in your community?
Deeds at Texas A&M is currently writing a proposal to be submitted to the President and VP of Student Affairs to lay out how we can bring free menstrual products to our campus. We have several satellite campuses that already offer free pads and tampons and the College Station campus is already aware of socio-economic issues like food insecurity; we want to make sure the school views menstrual products as the necessity they are and takes action to increase access to students who need them.
What advice would you give to others who are looking to make a difference, but don't know where to start?
If you are looking to get involved (with a Deeds chapter or otherwise), it is important to be aware of what is happening around you. It can be easy to overlook problems in our society when your position of privilege exempts you from being affected by it, but it is so important to be an ally and an advocate whenever you see the need for change. Once you know what’s happening, it is important to take action and mobilize those in your network to do the same; this may look like something as simple as voting or having a challenging conversation with a friend.
What's are you biggest hopes/dreams for the future?
A lot of people that have the same privileges as I do talk about being a voice for the voiceless, but I want to be a part of building the podium, passing the mic, and plugging in the amp. I want to be a part of institutional change. I hope to use my education and experience to increase access to healthcare and embolden minority communities. It isn't my goal to 'save' anyone; it is my goal to help people access the resources they deserve to achieve what they know they can.
–Emma Watson, #Changemaker
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