Advocacy Platform
Advocacy Platform
Who We Are and What We Stand For
The Powhatan Anti-Racism Coalition is a non-partisan organization composed of community members with a singularly-focused goal of racial equality. As an organization, PARC makes no statements on any issues other than those dealing with racial inequalities. Our members are not concerned with economic philosophies (Marxism, Communism, Socialism, etc.), slogans, or mediaspeak. We are also not concerned with directions such as left, right, or middle. Furthermore, while we take no stance on issues other than those directly related to race, the individuals that are part of the organization have the same rights as any other American: a right to free speech and thought, a right to safety, and a right to come together and organize peacefully. We are committed to working peacefully toward the creation of an equitable racial dynamic in Powhatan County, and we stand by all members of Powhatan County who seek to build a more equitable community. We ask all members of Powhatan to please respect each other's rights as American citizens to engage in meaningful ongoing dialogue and work in the realm of anti-racism education and advocacy, and to be open to educated and reasonable dialogue among our residents.
~ PARC 2020
Education Platform
Develop a County-wide anti-racism toolkit for all members of our community who would like to explore anti-racism concepts. This web-based toolkit will provide research-based instructional resources, learning modules, discussion guides, book/media recommendations, and other content to help address complex and essential topics related to race and racism. Content will be grouped by age to ensure developmentally-appropriate themes and topics.
Increase BIPOC teachers, administration, and staff through strategic and quantifiable steps toward diverse recruitment and retention efforts, leadership development, and mentorship programming.
Intentional and prioritized focus on educating students about and accurately portraying Indigenous peoples, history, and present-day issues, particularly with a local lens in regard to the Powhatan Confederacy. Foster relationships and partnerships with the Powhatan, Potomac, Chesapeake, Secacawoni, Chickahmoniny, Mattapony, Nandsemond, Weanoc, and Pamunkey tribes.
Police Reform Platform
Intentional and strategic efforts to recruit, retain, and promote BIPOC candidates for Law Enforcement positions in Powhatan County.
Quarterly Reports made available to the public offering data on:
Data on Police interactions by racial demographics
Police interactions during traffic stops detailing racial demographics, time of day, and outcome (ticket, arrest, warning, etc.)
Number of Law Enforcement Officers using mental wellness services
Establishment of an Independent Civilian Review Board for cases of police misconduct or use of force
End Qualified Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers
Appoint a Special Prosecutor for all cases involving police misconduct or use of force
Community Reform Platform
Intentional and strategic effort to increase the number of BIPOC policy-makers and government position-holders in Powhatan County.
Develop affordable housing options to allow Powhatan County public employees (i.e. law enforcement, firefighters, teachers) the opportunity to live in the county in which they serve.