The Common Knowledge Group

Thank you Michelle Fadelli for sharing this important reminder to respect each person's name. The article calls out that assuming someone's name is "difficult" to pronounce centers your culture over theirs.

Mispronouncing Students' Names: A Slight That Can Cut Deep When people come across Michelle-Thuy Ngoc Duong’s name, they often see a stumbling block. The 17-year-old sees a bridge.

We were so proud to have partnered with Betty Reid Soskin on multiple events in 2020, including national voter registration day which coincided with her 99th birthday last year. Watch this updated coverage from her 100th birthday on Wednesday. (You can even see Faye Combs and Susan Clark on screen for a nanosecond). Hooray to Betty for how she has inspired so many with her truth telling.

School named after oldest National Park Ranger, Betty Reid Soskin, on her 100th birthday Betty Reid Soskin, the country's oldest national park ranger, has become a beloved local celebrity. She's also an author, a musician, a civil rights activist...

The Voices of Community radio show and podcast asked Common Knowledge to help showcase how public libraries have been integral to helping their communities respond during the pandemic and chart a path to recovery. We partnered with Jayanti Addleman of the Hayward Public Library and Derek Wolfgram of the Redwood City Public Library, both national leaders in the field. There are great examples of how libraries have insights both broad and deep into their communities.Tune in tomorrow, Saturday or Sunday or anytime to the podcast.
https://georgekoster.com/voc-stories-common-knowledge-library-panel

We were delighted to partner with libraries across California on a candid and informative panel discussion last week about Mental Health supports for staff, volunteers and community members.

Supporting mental health during disaster response and recovery During the COVID-19 pandemic and recent wildfires, many libraries have been reflecting on the role that they play in supporting community mental health and resilience.

For the new voters we work with, it helps to explain why the number 270 is so important as we count up votes from a Presidential election. Here is a good overview of the convention process through the electoral college.

How to watch election night in America It's Election Day in America, and voters across the nation are casting their ballots for president of the United States, the US Senate, the US House of Representatives and other down ballot races.

It's "Vote Early!" day. Be sure to use nonpartisan Voters Edge and the Easy Voter Guide to help make your choices. Remember that you do not have to vote on everything. And are you helping new voters? Visit https://www.keytocommunity.org/ for friendly advice about how to vote while Growing the Good in your Community.

Key to Community

Friends -- Today is the last day to register to vote in California's Nov 3 election IF you want to get a ballot mailed to you. Use Voters Edge to learn more about your ballot!

Today is the last day to register online to vote! Register ➡️ bit.ly/33d2zW

Join us Tuesday Sept 22 for the Sign My Name to Freedom National Voter Registration Day event. This is Key to Community's second collaboration with the amazing Betty Reid Soskin, cohosted by our friends at Richmond LEAP.

National Voter Registration Day & Betty Reid Soskin’s 99th Birthday Party Join LEAP and Key to Community to celebrate Betty Reid Soskin's 99th Birhday and National Voter Registration Day

Here is a good preview of California's 12 statewide propositions in the November election.

Here are the ballot propositions on California's 2020 fall ballot | CalMatters California voters will directly decide the fate of 12 ballot propositions on their November ballot — from taxes to rent control, bail to privacy, and more.

Demographic results are in from California's March 2020 primary. Two key points: 1 - " Total eligible turnout (the percentage of adult citizens who voted) was 37.3%, up nearly 4 percentage points from the 2016 presidential primary." 2 - "Latinos and youth did not see the increase in eligible turnout that many analysts and advocates had expected." There is upside opportunity for more inclusive participation this fall. Check out the date here (thanks Mindy Romero).

CCEP Research Fact Sheets — California Civic Engagement Project This fact sheet provides an overview of California voter turnout in the March 2020 Primary Election based on CCEP analysis of voter data from Political Data, Inc.

Our colleagues in Redwood City planned and collaborated with the community for an experience that acknowledged deep tragedy as a catalyst for new openings to listen together and learn together.

Crowd Of 2,000 Gathers In Redwood City Gathers To Rally Against Police Brutality Andria Borba reports on large crowd rallying to protest the death of George Floyd in Redwood City (6-2-2020)