By Delicia Hand and Frankie Robertson
The MOBB United for Social Change, Inc. (MUSC) Policy and Advocacy Committee sets the strategic policy priorities and drives advocacy initiatives for the organization. As a committee, we set and lead execution of MUSC’s policy agenda, research policies that impact Black men and boys, identify opportunities to advocate on behalf of our sons, and guide MUSC’s approach and responses to instances where Black men and boys have been victims of unjustified force and violence by police.
It’s a new year for MOBB United for Social Change’s Policy and Advocacy committee, and we will soon be rolling out our Legislative Platform. A new resource, the Legislative Platform, will equip members to be informed about our policy priorities when they engage with partners and policy makers across the country. We will launch the roadmap with a training on February 24th, followed by a series of opportunities for members to engage directly with their representatives in March and April. Make sure you sign up for the training by emailing [email protected].
We continue to fight for progressive change and a better world for our Black sons through direct engagement in state legislatures! States all across the country are beginning their legislative sessions. The Policy and Advocacy Committee is monitoring legislation in key states on issues that align with our legislative platform. Specifically, we are monitoring legislative proposals that touch on:
- De-escalation training for law enforcement officials
- Implicit bias and diversity training
- Police oversight mechanisms such as body camera laws
- Structural intersections with poverty such as bail reform or teen life sentencing
This March and April we also will be organizing a series of lobby days, encouraging members across the country to meet with their representatives to talk about these issues and how they impact Black men and boys.
To be successful, however, we NEED your help! Below are some ways you can join and support this year's campaign.
- Monitor legislation in your state. This year, we have a one-stop-shop software that allows us to quickly access information about what is happening in each state legislature. We need people to communicate directly with sponsors of key legislation in their home states and identify opportunities for MUSC to get involved. If you have 30 minutes during the week, this is the job for you!
- Sign up to lead a state lobby day. Are you ready to connect with your representatives and let them know about the key issues impacting Black men and boys? Want to learn what is happening in your state? Interested in joining or organizing other moms to advocate for our sons? If so, join or lead a lobby day! When we organize the series of lobby days across the country this March and April, pick a date and join us to make sure your state is represented. Policy and Advocacy Committee members will train you and provide you with the resources to have a successful lobby day. Email [email protected] for more information.
If you have the drive to seek policy solutions and be an advocate for your son(s), then please join the Policy and Advocacy Committee. If you have a background in law or policy, then the committee especially needs YOU! We meet every other week on Thursdays via conference call at 10 PM ET. For more information contact: [email protected].