By Rhona Williams London
During the 10:15 am MLK service on January 19, there was a stirring rendition of “If I Can Help Somebody”. Hearing that reminded me of why the Myra McDaniel Chapter/Union of Black Episcopalians launched its voter registration drive this year.
We represented UBE eight times throughout January, assisting 41 potential voters. Many people were already registered (according to the tax office, Travis County registration is over 90%). But people who might’ve been left out of the process were able to “get into the game” because we were there and made it easy for them.
For example, at Neighbor 2 Neighbor on January 7, about 10% of the people served came to our table either to register or update their mailing address. One gentleman was so engaged, he wanted details on his options for voting because he has limited eye-sight; other people expressed how important the elections are this year. A woman who volunteered she was 90 years old was told she couldn’t vote by mail. Thankfully, because she told us about that misinformation, we were able to reassure her that anyone over 65 could vote by mail and provided a form to request a ballot by mail (with a stamp).
Not everyone was this engaged; a couple of people said they don’t vote. Still, through our presence, we were able to minister beyond the registration drive. Example: Rev. Jim Harrington had an opportunity to provide pastoral care to a neighbor who shared her story while filling out a registration form.
Our outreach extended beyond the doors of St. James’. Thanks to Ora Houston, we gained access to senior groups meeting at Dottie Jordan Recreation Center. Heritage Pointe Apartments opened the doors to us twice; one day was devoted to registration, the other focused on distributing ballot by mail applications for residents unable to get to the polls. There we met several people registering for the first time. Additional ballot by mail applications were distributed at two other senior residential communities.
UBE partnered with the Seminary of the Southwest for the final registration opportunity. We registered students eager either to register in Travis County or update addresses.The enthusiastic support provided by the campus helped to forge an even closer connection between UBE and the Seminary.
Our ability to hit more sites was limited by available, certified VDRs; 13 people received the required training and half of those were unable to serve at the scheduled times. Exploring possible partnerships with other organized efforts is one way to extend our outreach.
“If I can do my duty as a Christian oft,
“If I can bring back beauty to a world up wrought,
“If I can spread love’s message that the Master taught,
“Then my living shall not be in vain!”
-Excerpt from “If I Can Help Somebody”
