A MESSAGE FROM UNITED WAY:
With the challenges our community faces in 2020 and beyond, we recognize that this year’s election is more important – and more charged – than ever. United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region remains committed to building a stronger, more equitable community for every person. That task means listening to every voice, bridging divides and bringing our communities together for the good of all. That’s the core of what we do. This week you have a crucial role in that work: by voting. Our nation has been a beacon to the world in how people peacefully engage in the electoral process. We encourage you to help light that beacon again on November 3.

We know the election may heighten polarization and unrest in our community, no matter the result. However, United Way aspires for a community UNITED. We stand in opposition to division, hate, violence and racism. We are unequivocally committed to values of equity, diversity and inclusion, and we invite you to join us. Learn more.

Please see below for resources and information about voting, mental health and community healing:

Resources

• United Way BCKR
  Find answers to common voting questions, as well as voter information in Spanish, Arabic and Burmese.
  
• Election Protection
  Election Protection provides Americans from coast to coast with comprehensive information and assistance at all stages of voting – from registration to absentee and early voting, to casting a vote at the polls, to overcoming obstacles to their participation. Election Protection helps voters make sure their vote is counted through a number of resources.
  
• Michigan Voter Information Center
  Find personalized voting information including voter registration status, see a sample ballot, find your clerk and a secure ballot drop box in your jurisdiction, and track your absentee ballot. For Nov. 3 general election information, go to www.Michigan.gov/Elections.
  
• Guided Meditation
  Three thirty-minute guided mediation sessions will be offered on Nov. 3. This practice will release stress, regulate the nervous system, decrease anxiety, and fear.
  
• Mental Health Supports
  Find support through Gryphon Place’s 24/7 Crisis Helpline 269.381.HELP for anyone seeking immediate mental health supports (Kalamazoo) and Summit Pointe’s 24/7 Crisis Helpline 1-800-632-5449 (Battle Creek).

• Take the Equity Challenge
  Learn more about United Way’s commitment to anti-racism and take a self-guided learning journey that examines the history and impacts of racism and how it shapes people’s lived experience in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo.