Barack Obama & AOTL Launch ‘Redistricting University’ 2021

For Immediate Release:
July 7, 2021
Contact:
Margaret Hynds
hynds@redistrictingaction.org

Barack Obama & AOTL Launch ‘Redistricting University’ 2021 
The series of free training sessions will help mobilize
grassroots power in support of fair maps  

President Barack Obama, in partnership with All On the Line, is relaunching ‘Redistricting University,’ with a series of four free grassroots trainings to ensure people have the tools they need to make their voices heard through the final stretch of the 2021 redistricting cycle.  Redistricting U graduates will leave the trainings feeling comfortable explaining exactly what gerrymandering is and how important it is that the 2021 redistricting process creates fair maps.
 
“In a few short weeks, the final data necessary for redistricting will be released by the Census Bureau. This will be the moment when the redistricting process is fully underway across the country. And we need to be prepared,” said President Obama in an email to millions of Americans, announcing Redistricting University. “I believe that activism will prevail over cynicism. We must be ready to get involved in the redistricting process in our states. If we can achieve fair maps, the bounds of what is possible will fundamentally change.” 
 
“Gerrymandering affects every issue that touches our lives. If you care about health care, preventing gun violence, or climate change you need to care about redistricting,” said AOTL Training Director Mallory Long.  “While every person has different political leanings, there is a big difference between gerrymandering and redistricting.  As Attorney General Eric Holder says, Gerrymandering is cheating and everyone should oppose a system that protects politicians and takes power away from the people.”
 
Since the first sessions of Redistricting University started in 2019, All On The Line has reached more than 8,000 volunteers, across 20 different states through trainings. In 2020, even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, ATOL averaged nearly one training or grassroots event held every 36 hours.
 
This year’s Redistricting University includes four, one-hour-long live trainings.  Individuals can sign-up to participate in them at: mobilize.us/allontheline 
 
Redistricting 101:  R101 is an introduction to redistricting; the redistricting landscape in 2021, how to understand the redistricting process in individual states, and how to get involved locally.

Grassroots Engagement Opportunities + Tactics: This session covers effective ways grassroots activists can engage in their state’s redistricting process. 

Mapping For Redistricting: This session goes into the building blocks of any redistricting plan: the maps themselves; including information any map drawers need to know before drawing maps, what rules apply when drawing, and how to use free online apps to draw and analyze maps.

Redistricting + Storytelling: This final session shows how to share a personal story that interacts with map drawing.  It describes the framework for effective persuasion by using values, with a focus on how to move an audience to action on redistricting. 

Participants who complete three or more training sessions in the series by August 22nd, gain access to additional AOTL resources including one-on-one staff support. 
 
View the full text of President Obama’s email announcing ‘Redistricting University’ here.

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