Dear Friends and Family,

It’s been a while since I last used this space to update you on the latest news and happenings from the Coalition. It’s great to get back to doing what I love the most – connecting with partners and stakeholders in the community, inspiring young advocates, and making a difference in neighborhoods that need it the most.

I want to highlight two new UAC partners – PA Youth Vote and WeEmbraceFatherhood – which are focused on advancing causes that are particularly relevant, here and now.

PA Youth Vote is a nonpartisan collaboration of students, educators, and organizations across Pennsylvania dedicated to getting all 18-year-olds in the Keystone State to the polls on Election Day. In the 2020 election, 53%-56% of citizens aged 18-24 voted – the lowest percentage of any age group. Young people can and must do better, which is why PA Youth Vote is fighting back to elevate student voices and empower youth to be civic actors who are registered, informed, and ready to vote in all elections. Committed to anti-racism and dismantling white supremacy in addition to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of its team, PA Youth Vote is the perfect complement to UAC’s powerful coalition of partners. Be sure to follow them on Instagram @payouthvote and subscribe to their podcast, PA Youth Voices, for the latest on their important work.

WeEmbraceFatherhood is a collective committed to the intentional transformation of families. Based on the idea that violence drops when father figures are present in communities plagued by violence and crime, WeEmbraceFatherhood offers mentorship and programming that helps redirect kids from a path toward the prison system to a path filled with economic possibility, family, and joy. They use public art, events, and an insistence on accountability as the catalyst for ongoing conversations about fostering strong male engagement in our communities. Recent events include a Father’s Day Celebration and a basketball clinic. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

Please join me in welcoming these two organizations into the UAC Family. Together, we can accomplish what no one organization can do alone and create stronger, more vibrant communities. We are thrilled to have you aboard.

 

Sharmain Matlock-Turner

President/CEO
Sharmain@uac.org