Policy Inaction: A Social Injustice
Community Action NOW! focuses its advocacy efforts on policies that address systemic inequities and promote social justice for historically marginalized populations. These areas of focus include:
- Environmental Justice: We advocate for policies that ensure equitable access to environmental resources and protection from environmental hazards, recognizing the disproportionate impact of pollution and environmental degradation in marginalized communities .
- Equity in AI: We raise awareness about the potential biases and ethical concerns related to artificial intelligence and advocate for the development and deployment of AI systems that are fair, equitable, and inclusive for all, particularly for historically marginalized communities.
- Financial Literacy: We advocate for policies that expand access to financial literacy education and resources, recognizing the historical and ongoing barriers to financial stability experienced by communities of color.
- Criminal Justice Reform: We advocate for policies that promote diversion programs, support reentry services for formerly incarcerated individuals, and address the disproportionate impact of the criminal justice system on communities of color.
- Mental Health Equity: We advocate for increased access to affordable and culturally competent mental health services, recognizing the unique mental health challenges faced by communities of color due to historical trauma and systemic discrimination.
- Housing Affordability and Access: We advocate for policies that increase access to affordable housing and combat discriminatory housing practices, recognizing the historical and ongoing challenges faced by communities of color in securing safe and stable housing.
