Cover Policy
Networking
Letter from the YEO Team
With overzealous prosecution , mass incarceration , and the news reports of yet another African American being shot down in the streets by those sworn to protect and serve , we must demand action on racial justice and criminal justice reform now . Here at the YEO Network , we are looking forward to 2017 when we will launch a year-long Justice Reform Policy Academy to address this inaction . We will provide you the tools to effect the change our nation so desperately needs .
After holding a criminal justice roundtable discussion earlier this fall , we are adding the finishing touches to a sign-on letter addressed to all 50 governors and the Department of Justice demanding more oversight of law enforcement , an end to the militarization of our police departments , body cameras for every officer , and more . We are so very proud that members of the Network are taking proactive steps to create oversight commissions and hold press conferences that bring attention to these intolerable acts .
This year we have also watched as our Muslim brothers and sisters continue to be subjected to bigotry , violence , and harassment . We could not be more pleased to have 250 YEOs unify in a sign-on letter pledging their commitment to combat anti-Muslim hate and bigotry . Each day , many of you ask how you can help spread the message of inclusion . Your collective voices have been heard around the nation through your resolutions , op-eds , and events .
As millions of Americans ’ voting rights are threatened by unreasonable and unnecessary restrictions , the members of our Network must keep their communities energized and mobilized . Many of you have been active in voter registration campaigns , GOTV initiatives , and voter suppression and obstruction watch trainings . These efforts show that you will not sit idly by and watch our democracy be undermined .
Networking
YEO Network Announcement
Please join us in welcoming Meshea Poore as YEO Network Interim Managing Director . Before joining the team , Meshea served in the West Virginia House of Delegates . She received a bachelor ’ s degree in political science from Howard University in Washington , D . C . While in the nation ’ s capital , Meshea worked for Congressman James E . Clyburn of South Carolina and interned for her party ’ s central committee .
She obtained a J . D . from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge , Louisiana , before returning to West Virginia in 2004 to work as a public defender for
Membership
As we draw closer to Election Day , the members of the Network must commit to shedding light on the darkness of discrimination and hate , continue calling out sexism and bigotry , continue speaking truth against the lies of division , despair and hopelessness , and stand together in your elected leadership roles . We are in the right positions at the right time , and we must unapologetically stand up and take action .
In solidarity , Meshea L . Poore
YEO Frontline News • Autumn 2016 • PG 2 www . YEONetwork . org