Race For Justice +
Problem
Only 161 of the state’s 482 cities allow commercial cannabis, with more than half of California’s 58 counties enacting bans, despite 56% of California voters approving Proposition 64.
In Los Angeles County alone, eighty-two of Los Angeles County’s 88 cities prohibit retail sales of recreational marijuana.
Californians overwhelmingly said yes to ending the war on drugs with the legalization of recreational cannabis with Proposition 64. But Prop 64 also allowed individual municipalities to “opt out” and ban legal cannabis businesses in their jurisdictions, and a surprising majority of towns and cities have chosen to do just that.
This reality has created a patch work of conflicting legalities, leaving many of the state’s residents in a cannabis desert, where legal cannabis is difficult to acquire.
Solution
Our campaign: Race for Justice PAC. In the summer of 2019, Valiant Strategy launched its political arm, Race for Justice, to overturn these bans across the state. We’ve aimed to opening up markets for over 1 million legal cannabis customers statewide.
Race for Justice allows us to finish what we started with Proposition 64 by fighting for fair, just and equitable cannabis regulations and revenue allocation at the local level, root out the illicit market, decrease crime and most importantly, empower our communities with the ability to create community centered solutions.
Results
Qualified for 2020 ballots by collecting petition signatures from registered voters.
Mounted a grassroots pressure campaign after signatures were collected and presented petitions to local legislative bodies.
Ran data-driven ballot committee campaigns.
Advanced the promise and spirit of Proposition 64 with successful measures across multiple cities.
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Dignity and Power Now +
About
Measure R grows out of a decade of organizing to stop Sheriff violence and abuse in the jails. Last year, with the help of Jasmyne Cannick, our campaign collected a quarter million signatures to put Measure R on the ballot.
It’s the first time in LA’s history that the people have taken criminal justice reform to the ballot box (and only the second citizen’s initiative in LA County history). Measure R is founded and Chaired by Patrisse Cullors, co-founder of Black Lives Matter.
Solution
We will work with DPN and its affiliated organizations to develop a training program to introduce staff to the fundamentals of organizing, how to build strong campaigns/GOTV programs, and equip staff with the tools to be successful in future political organizing and policy advocacy efforts.
This interactive training will span over 4 days and take place in early 2019. The training will be facilitated by Bowers Consulting Staff. A short handbook that outlines the training modules would supplement the training.
Results
Successfully passed Measure R
Powered by Black Lives Matter, community organizations, and grassroots citizens– collected over 247,000 signatures to put a measure on the LA County March 3, 2020 ballot.
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New Jersey Complete Count +
About
Communication Goal: Educate all New Jerseyans that the 2020 Census is important, safe, and easy to complete to ensure that there is a fair and accurate count.
Campaign Content:
Aesthetic: Emotionally resonant messaging/imagery, people-powered/individual focused, nonpartisan, consistent, and clean
Graphics: logo, infographics, banner, poster, for online and print
Digital focus: Evocative, engaging video vignettes for social
Limitations: All content must easy modified and translated into many languages
Problem
In 2010, 21.9% of households did not respond to the Census and over 31,000 New Jerseyans were not counted.
Census data determines political representation in Congress, the Electoral College, and state and local redistricting. New Jersey lost a Congressional seat after both the 1990 and 2010 Censuses.
In FY2016, more than $22.7 billion federal dollars were distributed in New Jersey based on Census data. Census data determines funding for Medicaid, student loans, SNAP, highway construction, housing vouchers, CHIP and more.
Solution
Census messaging must promote:
Awareness: What’s the Census, who completes it, and how?
Safety: Data privacy, cybersecurity, trust in government, citizenship concerns
Personal relevance: Importance for public funding and political representation
Outreach Channels:
Social Media: New NJ Census accounts, high yield boosted/promoted posts. Content: Basic info, Census impact, news/events, fun facts/data, etc.
Website: New website. Content: Census importance, details on security concerns, how- to-help, downloadable outreach content available for replication/modification.
Physical: Murals, wraps, billboards, commuter transit, etc.
Events/Partnerships and Media Coverage: NJ Complete Count Commission and external organizations (local commissions, advocacy groups, businesses, etc.)
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#UpSkillAmerica +
About
1 in 4 adults in OECD countries reported a mismatch between their skillsets and the qualifications required to do their current jobs.
6.5 million jobs remain unfilled because employees can’t find workers with the necessary skills. much of this stems from inadequate worker training.
Problem
What if we don’t react? McKinsey research indicates that up to one-third of U.S. workers, and 800 million globally, could be displayed by 2030.
Solution
We’re empowering at-risk US workers on the brink of losing their jobs due to automation. With #UpSkill, they’ll be on a path of lifelong learning.
#UpSkill will:
- Centralize upskilling resources
- Generate awareness
- Create a national community
- Support workers in their transitions
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