As we saw in the last elections, people of color, newly registered and immigrant voters have vast potential and influence as voters and people who are active in their community. TWU began the New Virginians Initiative in 2007 to incorporate more people from these traditionally marginalized populations and especially immigrants into the social, cultural, economic and political life of our communities.
Leading up to the elections, the New Virginians Initiative placed particular emphasis on the large number of Legal Permanent Residents who had recently become eligible for citizenship with which they would also earn the right to vote. Naturalization Clinics and Democracy Schools were provided to eligible residents through a partnership with Virginia New Majority. In keeping with the long term vision of the initiative to build a more inclusive and active community, naturalization and electoral education is always provided within the context of long term civic engagement and political change. In this way,we can influence the development of a politic and civic life that truly reflects the composition and needs of the community.
In cooperation with Virginia New Majority, TWU provides the following:
Leading up to the elections, the New Virginians Initiative placed particular emphasis on the large number of Legal Permanent Residents who had recently become eligible for citizenship with which they would also earn the right to vote. Naturalization Clinics and Democracy Schools were provided to eligible residents through a partnership with Virginia New Majority. In keeping with the long term vision of the initiative to build a more inclusive and active community, naturalization and electoral education is always provided within the context of long term civic engagement and political change. In this way,we can influence the development of a politic and civic life that truly reflects the composition and needs of the community.
In cooperation with Virginia New Majority, TWU provides the following:
- Naturalization Clinics- Assist Legal Permanent Residents complete the citizenship applications, sign up for English classes and Democracy School courses
- Democracy Schools- Prepares Legal Permanent Residents for the citizenship exam and greater community involvement in a 9-week course.
- Integrated Voter Engagement- Staying in contact with new citizens throughout the electoral cycle to make sure they register to vote and find opportunities to connect with our community through volunteer and service work.
- Public Outreach- Broad media and grassroots campaign to promote citizenship and long-term civic participation