Polls Need Souls: Defending Democracy, Preserving the Earth, Advancing Equity on the Road to the Midterms

Yes, you read it correctly: The series is “Polls Need Souls”, not “Souls to the Polls”. History has taught us that righteous causes need people with faith-centered souls because they are unafraid to fight for what is just. Even when they think they can’t fight anymore, they stand there and fight anyhow.

WHAT IS “POLLS NEED SOULS?”

A series of programs and calls to action to encourage Riverside to get involved and make a difference on critically important election issues—from defending voting rights and safeguarding immigrant and LGBTQI rights to protecting the earth and dismantling mass incarceration—as our nation approaches consequential midterm elections in November. 

WHEN ARE THE EVENTS IN THE SERIES? 

On Saturdays and Sundays beginning Sunday, September 25 until November 6

WHERE ARE THEY BEING HELD?

At Riverside Church and on Zoom 

WHO IS INVOLVED IN PRODUCING THE SERIES?

Sponsored by Mission and Social Justice Commission with the support of Faith Formation

WHY HAVE THIS SERIES?

Because our nation’s democracy is under attack. And because it’s up to each of us to get involved in the civic life of our communities as a way of fighting for democracy, a system that has the power to enhance human dignity in all aspects of our lives.

Riverside’s Social Justice and Faith Formation ministries understand that America’s democracy is fragile, in need of immediate care and constant vigilance. We understand, too, that it is imperfect, and that we can help to make it better. 

For those reasons and more, we are standing up, flexing democracy’s muscles and fighting for a range of critically important issues at the local, state and national levels. But we need you to fight with us. Polls Need Souls will provide you with the information, inspiration and motivation required for you to roll up your sleeves and join us. The need is urgent. The time is now.

SERIES SCHEDULE

Sunday, September 25: What’s at Stake on 11/8: A Dying or Thriving Democracy (Lift Every Voice and Vote)

Climate Justice (Beloved Earth) READING RESOURCE: Take time to see why the CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, AND GREEN JOBS ENVIRONMENTAL BOND ACT OF 2022 is important and what it could mean for all New York (PDF)

Sunday October 9: Learn about 3 NYC Equity Proposals on Midterm Ballot and Vote Yes! Yes! Yes! (Antiracism Task Force)

Saturday, October 15: Learn about Bills Supported by Equality NY in the NYS Legislature Impacting LGBTQIA Rights (Maranatha)

Saturday, October 22: Dismantling Mass Incarceration: The Power of the People (Prison Ministry)

Sunday, October 30: Learn about how you can support Immigration Justice (Sojourner Ministry)

Sunday, November 6: March to the Polls Pre-Midterm Election Rally (Latinx Ministry)