Community Service

In celebration of Women in History month, members of the Erie County (NY) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated celebrated the lives of eleven Women of Color in the Media who represented journalism in various forms of excellence - taking center stage as Entrepreneurs – Pioneers - Editors – Publishers Executive Director - TV News Anchors - Owners of Community Newspapers and a Radio Station, Columnist and Legend Keepers.

On Wednesday morning, May 1st members of the Erie County Links conducted voter registration at Health Sciences Charter School and the “Say Yes” Program. This launched “Project Connect” which is sponsored by the Erie County New York Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. The program is designed to help increase the voting rights of high school students by focusing on the voting process-civic responsibility and the outcomes of voting. It involves Students age 18, and those who will be 18 by December 2019. As a result of this successful event, 71 students registered to vote and, 10 students applied for jobs as voting inspectors.

During commencement, each new eligible registered student voter will receive a red graduation rope for their first actual act of civic responsibility and achievement as a new voter. Devorah Maclin, Project Chair, commented that the project goal for the next five years is to implement a plan that will register hundreds of eligible students

The Erie County Links thank Caressa Guerrero, the Health Sciences Charter School Career Coordinator, and the school staff for all their assistance. They also want to thank members from the Erie County Board of Elections, Arthur O. Eve, Jr., Joel Little and Thema Harbin for their support.

The project will be monitored by committee members of the “Project Connect” Committee:
♦ Fern Beavers ♦ Devorah Maclin ♦ Mary Ruth Kapsiak ♦ Madeline O. Scott. ♦ Janet E. Barnes (Chapter President)
“Voting isn’t only our right – it is our path to empowerment and change”