The last decade in American politics has created a national reckoning for every one of us — a feeling that’s shaken many of us to the core. Through hardship and these uncertain times, we’ve learned the power our voice has in our local, state, and national elections.
This is why RISE INDY is doing everything possible to educate voters about the stakes this fall’s elections have on Hoosiers across Indiana — including right here in Indianapolis. For many, this is the opportunity to think beyond the top of the ticket races and look toward the local elections that will define our neighborhoods and the broader community for the next generation.
RISE INDY’s mission is about one thing: creating a community-led approach to education that will help set up future success for our children while ensuring our local towns and neighborhoods thrive. This is why we are asking all voters to prioritize their local school board races that are on the ballots as well — especially for the IPS School Board.
For Millennial and Generation Z voters, we have seen what happens when we don’t show up to the polls. We have experienced lopsided governments — at local, state, and national levels — and our voices have been nearly snuffed out. We cannot let this happen again — because the future of our schools, our wages, our families, and our City depend on it.
That’s why RISE INDY released our web ad “Community” — urging all voters to research the upcoming elections and make their voting plan to cast their ballots before or on Election Day, November 3, 2020.
Click here: Watch “Community”, a web ad about the IPS School Board elections
One vote gives the “yes” or “no” to those much-needed pay raises for educators. One vote decides how businesses and the government prioritize the areas that we call home. We are the generation of voters who can reshape the direction of Indianapolis, Indiana, and the United States. We can determine where we go — but we must vote in order to achieve this vision.
Make your voting plan. And if you want to cast your ballot early — vote early any time at 6 sites around the city. Find your location at vote.indy.gov- we hope to see you there!
Looking to get involved and volunteer in local elections? Reach out to Jasmine Burditt, Strategic Partnerships Director, jburditt@riseindy.org. Together, we can make a difference this November!
Meet Jasmin
My father instilled in me at a young age a deep passion for service and activism. We owe it to our past leaders and future innovators to collaborate and address our present challenges. Jasmin Shaheed-Young is the Founder, President, and CEO of RISE INDY and has been civically engaged in local and state politics from a young age. Inspired by her father’s fight for equity in the criminal justice system, Jasmin created RISE to fight for educational equity for students in Indianapolis. She possesses a keen eye for strategy, long-term planning and understanding the needs of constituencies, elected officials, and diverse perspectives. In RISE INDY’s first year, Jasmin was responsible for raising $3 million from a diverse group of local and national contributors. She also built a team rooted in social justice, driven by equity, and empowered by diverse experiences in politics, policy, and education. In only a year, RISE has engaged more than 5,000 Marion County residents, built 7 community-led coalitions with over 100 members, donated $50,000 to Indianapolis schools – including the Indianapolis Public Schools Foundation, and launched the Circle City Leaders Fellowship for community members interested in learning how to run campaigns for public office. Prior to establishing RISE INDY, Jasmin served as Vice President for a nationwide real estate development and construction company, where she led business development, government relations, marketing, communications, as well as corporate responsibility efforts. Jasmin also spent more than five years working in political fundraising at the local and federal levels. Her efforts led her to building national relationships which segued perfectly to several civic activities, including board leadership positions with the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce (Business Advocacy PAC), Women for Change (Founding Board Member), and several other development initiatives. She currently serves on the board of Goodwill of Central Indiana and the Indiana University Academic Medical Center, as well as the Central Indiana Racial Equity Fund Steering Committee. Jasmin is a graduate of Hampton University. She has been a proud mentor for students in and around Indianapolis. She currently resides in Indianapolis with her husband and three children.
