Connecting For Impact

by the educational, political, and economic systems in our country. We teach, equip, and inspire people of color to exercise their rights as citizens and leverage their economic and creative powers to positively impact the vitality of their communities. We connect the dots between access to high quality education, representative government, and economic stability and growth through business ownership that would transform lives and leave a prosperous generational legacy. The initial focus and the starting line for “Connecting for Impact” is the power of our vote.
“My Vote Does Matter” is a non-partisan civic empowerment program unique in its intentions to teach citizens how government works and equip them to be educated voters and strong advocates. The goal is to increase voter turnout, particularly in underrepresented communities by teaching and inspiring current and future voters to participate in the election process according to their best interests and values in EVERY election. There is a void in our community of programs that stress voter education about the candidates and issues. Voters should know what these candidates are aspiring to do as well as their qualifications, and their platform. Going forward, people of color can strengthen their voices as a voting bloc by actively engaging with elected officials and stay abreast of legislative movements and decisions that impact our communities and families. The right to full citizenry through voting was a hard-fought battle. As liberated people whose contributions to building this country were minimized yet real, Black citizens deserved to have a voice in this country. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 secured it for us across this land. For over 50 years we could vote without fearing for our lives, but the fight was never over. Now we face opposition to our rights through legislative actions. Unfortunately, there are elected officials who are working to marginalize our voices. If we do not participate in the elective process, we stand to lose the ground our forefathers fought so hard to gain. We must be able to elect public servants and vote on issues that act in the best interests of our community. We invite people of all ages, but especially our high school students, young adults (Gen Z), and their parents (Millennials and young Gen X’ers) to engage with us. Together we will identify significant life challenges and use advocacy tools and influence to address the systemic forces that constrain us. We will understand and exercise our rights as citizens and use our power as leaders to change the economic trajectory of our community. We will fight for the dream of equity for all. Futel, Founder and Chief Impact Officer