JC & CVK
Hey MMW readers, here’s an opportunity to take action to affect real change in the way mixed people are classified and categorized. All you have to do is print out a letter, customize it with your name and contact information, and fax it over to the senators (all explained in detail below). Please make sure you do this before the end of day tomorrow!

This campaign is being spearheaded by Mavin, Swirl, AMEA, I-Pride, and the Multiethnic Education Program. New Demographic has also sent in a letter of support. The campaign could really use your help so please take 5 minutes to help with this effort! Below is the message that Jen sent out to Swirl folks, with all the background information:

I am writing to ask for your support on a groundbreaking piece of legislation being considered by the California State Legislature.  Senate Bill 1615, the Ethnic Heritage Respect and Recognition Act, would make California the first state in the U.S. to adopt federal standards that allow multiracial individuals to identify with multiple racial and ethnic categories on forms.

Today the vast majority of multiracial individuals are forced to choose only one race on forms that ask for that information. This bill would ensure that multiracial Californians are no longer rendered invisible and allow their unique health and individual needs to be properly addressed.  The bill also ensures that multiracial Californians will continue to be counted amongst the traditional communities they identify with, thus ensuring a complete picture of California’s diversity.  It is our hope that Senate Bill 1615 will serve as a model for other states.

 

To show your support for Senate Bill 1615, I encourage you to get in touch with any other organizations you are affiliated with (I will be sending a letter of support on behalf of Swirl), and have them fill out and return the attached letter of support.  This letter can be sent to the offices of Senator Simitian, the sponsor of the bill, and Senator Joe Dunn, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee that is considering the bill.  Letters can be mailed and/or faxed, preferably both, and should be delivered by Friday, April 7.  Contact information for the Senators’ offices is detailed below.

I have attached the template letter of support as well as a fact sheet outlining the particulars of Senate Bill 1615. I also encourage you to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.

I appreciate your consideration and urge your support for this critically important measure. 

Sincerely,

Jen

Jen Chau
Founder/Executive Director
Swirl, Inc.
www.swirlinc.org

Senator Joe Dunn, Chair
Senate Judiciary Committee
State Capitol, Room 2187
Sacramento, CA  95814
Fax: (916) 445-8390

Right-click links below to download Word documents:

Letter of Support

Fact Sheet