2020 Census

The Census, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau every 10 years, is a confidential, Constitutionally-mandated count of the United States’ population. The count is delivered to the President and Congress, and later to the states, and is the basis for reapportioning congressional seats, redrawing district maps, and distributing $675 billion in federal funds annually. Some populations, like college students, are considered “hard to count” due to factors like transience, language barriers, and more, but ensuring that the Census is a complete count is of utmost importance. One way to be civically engaged is to get out the count so that our communities are properly represented and resourced over the next 10 years. Remember, people living in the United States can self-respond online by October 31, 2020 by visiting 2020census.gov

Racial Justice

Racial justice seeks to recognize and address past and present systemic and institutional barriers that People of Color—especially Black and Indigenous Americans—face that continue to undermine true racial equality. Racial discrimination impacts access to health care, employment, housing, education, and more. Some pressing issues related to racial justice include mass incarceration, police brutality, affirmative action, gentrification, and wealth inequality.

Environmental Justice

Environmental laws impact the way we view and use natural resources. As climate change becomes an increasingly pressing issue, there has been a greater urgency to restructure individual, business, and government relationships with nature. Common concerns include carbon emissions, oil pipelines, deforestation, animal extinction, and food scarcity. Environmental justice considers issues of access to open space, safe housing, reliable public transportation, and clean air and water. It is also closely linked with racial justice, anti-colonialism and -imperialism, and wealth inequality.

Immigration Reform

Immigration reform, centered around the question of who should be allowed to enter and live in the country, has been a contested issue throughout U.S. history. Often issues of immigration have tied into race, what it means to be an “American,” and diplomatic and international affairs. Groups affected by immigration laws include students, workers, asylum seekers, refugees, people relocating to the U.S., the undocumented community, and even tourists

How to Take Action

• Read about candidates’ stances on the issues
• Vote
• Contact your local, state, and federal elected officials and share your views
• Sign a petition
• Join a demonstration
• Get involved with organizations on campus and volunteer your time
• Voice your support for or opposition to a bill
• Talk to your family and friends about the issues
• Follow leaders and influencers on social media to educate yourself
• Write an op-ed in your university or local paper
• Contact your administrators and ask your university to take a stance on an issue
• Ask your university to diversify their course offerings
• Host a speaking event with local activists
• Attend a town hall meeting
• Donate to a nonprofit or ask your organization or workplace to donate to a cause