SOUTHERN POWER BUILDING

Grounding the South Gatherings

For more information about the 2024 Grounding the South gathering, continue to check our website and social media.

INAUGURAL 2022 Grounding the South Conference: Building Our Political Power

Join Us for the 2022 Forward Justice Action Network Conference
VOTE Headquarters in New Orleans, LA
August 22-24, 2022

Join the Forward Justice Action Network and our power movement partners in New Orleans, LA, from August 22-24, 2022, to share how we are building power in our southern states. Our inaugural gathering “Grounding the South: Building Our Political Power” will focus on re-enfranchisement, the need for reinvestment and repair after years of an ongoing pandemic, economic recessions, and environmental devastation. While building community, we will shape organizing opportunities, interrogate the necessary role of 501 c3 and c4 entities, and ultimately cultivate multi and cross-state organizing and solidarity efforts.

We are building on the rich lessons of movement building and power building in the South. Our purpose is to develop concrete strategies for shared advocacy and solidarity across states; to promote grassroots and political support for public policies that advance economic, environmental, racial, and social justice across the South. We know that we are stronger together. Join us to show just how strong we are in the South!

AGENDA AT A GLANCE

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there COVID-19 vaccination requirements to attend this event?

A: For the safety of all guests, we are requiring that all conference attendees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Per CDC guidelines, fully vaccinated means a person has (1) received their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines and is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving a second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or (2) two weeks after receiving a single dose of the Johnson/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, all conference events will follow local and CDC health and safety protocols. We encourage the use of masks, hand sanitizer, and hand washing.

TESTING

Upon arrival at the conference site, attendees will be asked complete a health questionnaire and attest to testing negative to a rapid antigen COVID-19 test taken no more than 24 hours prior to the start of the event.

Forward Justice Action Network will provide antigen testing onsite for attendees who were unable to get a test before traveling.

MASKS

Masks will be required in all indoor spaces. We highly recommend N95 masks. Please make sure masks fit securely and cover your nose and mouth completely. Attendees should expect to keep masks on throughout the event venue space. Please note that attendees will have their masks off while eating and drinking in the main event plenary space. Masks will be available on-site for conference attendees.

Q: Will there be food and beverage? How can I request my dietary requirements?

A: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and beverages will be provided throughout the day. There will be options for those with dietary restrictions or allergies. Please indicate in your registration if you are gluten-free, dairy-free and lactose-free, vegetarian, vegan, or have any other food allergies or dietary restrictions. If you have any concerns, please email us at info@fjan.org

Q: Will there be transportation?

Yes, we will provide ground transportation from the designated conference hotel to and from VOTE headquarters daily.

Q: Will you be live streaming the session?

A:  The goal is to be present in community and build in-person relationships after an extended period of separation and isolation due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Select sessions may be live streamed.

Q: Will you be taking photos and videos?

A: Yes! In addition to allowing (and encouraging) all attendees to take their own photos at the gathering, there will be photographers and videographers capturing moments throughout the day to document this event for social media and live streaming purposes.
Your entry and presence on the event premises constitute your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded and to the release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of any and all recorded media of your appearance, voice, and name for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity in connection with FJAN and its initiatives, including, by way of example only, use on websites, in social media, news, and advertising. If you have additional questions or concerns email us at info@fjan.org

Q: My plans have changed and I can no longer attend, will you host another gathering in the future?

Yes, be sure you’ve signed up on our email list to receive notifications about upcoming events.

Questions: Email us at info@fjan.org

Core Partners: