UNPACKING THE 2010 CENSUS:

New Realities of Race, Class, and Jurisdiction

Unpacking the 2010 Census: New Realities of Race, Class, and Jurisdiction is a new project, recently launched in metropolitan Richmond (VA), that examines the dramatically changing landscape of human need and what we must do collectively to address the plight of our neighbors and to build a just and inclusive community.

The project was first announced at a 2011 March forum at which Mayor Dwight Jones launched his anti-poverty commission to focus on employment, education, transportation, and health.

Heroic efforts are being made by countless volunteers to address the consequences of our unequal systems, but as yet there has been no deliberate attempt to educate people on the underlying causes and alter the basic structures that would enable Richmond area residents to move out of poverty.

Training for presenters and facilitators (Photo: Rob Corcoran)

Now a multi-media DVD presentation "Unpacking the 2010 Census: New Realities of Race, Class, and Jurisdiction" narrated by Dr. John Moeser, a Senior Fellow at the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement at the University of Richmond and a member of the Hope in the Cities Council has been completed. Teams of trained facilitators are ready to bring this presentation to any Richmond area jurisdiction, and to ensure a safe space and constructive atmosphere for these important discussions.

The Census project is presented in partnership with the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities and is supported by a grant from The Community Foundation.

The project aims to:

• Educate people on the underlying causes. This approach is unique in that it highlights the role that history has played in the current situation, and how we all have the power to make history ourselves, by taking action now to alter the basic structures that would enable Richmond area residents to move out of poverty.
• Provoke long-needed discussion about new policy options to address poverty and structural inequity in the region. The disparities in public education, access to transportation, healthcare, and affordable housing are rooted in the structures of our economic and political systems, and their historical context.
• Create a grassroots ‘domino effect’ – where those who have taken part in a facilitated discussion will be empowered to share what they have learned with others in the community.

We want as many voices as possible in these discussions!

Schedule a presentation

Presentations with facilitated diaolgue are now available throughout the region, and can be hosted by community and civic organizations, congregations, and businesses. Presentations can be scheduled between February 1 and April 30.

Unpacking the 2011 Census options

• A one-hour presentation with a focus on current data, comparing and contrasting poverty statistics in our region, and including a facilitated dialogue to follow.
• A two-hour presentation includes the same data presentation plus a presentation of the historical context for the region. This is also followed by facilitated dialogue.

To schedule a presentation

To download the presentation flyer

or call the HIC office (804-358-1764) Tuesday – Friday, 9:30am-5:00pm.