40 days.

A Note from Joy

Greetings,

It's 40 days ‘til Election Day!

At ZSR, we believe that every North Carolinian, across the political spectrum and all 100 counties, should be informed and empowered to participate in our democracy.

Voting is critical to that vision. It’s not just a civic duty; it’s a way to make your voice heard and help shape the future of our state.

So, whether it’s your first time voting or your 50th, I hope you’ll read up on everything you need to know for the upcoming election.

You can start with these fantastic voter guides from ZSR grant partners Common Cause Education Fund NC, Democracy NC, Enlace Latino NC and You Can Vote. They break down the details, from deadlines to early voting info to photo ID rules.?

North Carolina is strongest when we come together to participate in the decisions that affect our lives. Voting is one of the most powerful ways we can shape a better future for our communities and our state.

All For NC,

Joy Vermillion Heinsohn

Executive Director

Get Inspired

Stories of hope and action from ZSR grantees and partners

• In Sampson County, people who live near NC’s largest landfill are celebrating a settlement agreement to address longstanding environmental injustices. The agreement is between the Environmental Justice Community Action Network (EJCAN) and GFL, the company that operates the landfill. It requires GFL to, among other things, essentially eliminate toxic PFAS discharges from the landfill, improve air quality, create a community fund managed by residents, regularly meet with community members, and establish a complaint response and escalation process. EJCAN is represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center .
• Beloved Community Center and dozens of partners are marching across NC in late September, starting in Cullowhee and ending in Wilmington. The Long March for Unity & Justice aims to bridge societal divides rooted in past injustices so that North Carolinians can heal and unite across lines of difference.?
• It’s Hispanic Heritage Month! Learn more from Enlace Latino NC about this month-long celebration of the contributions and influence of the diverse and growing Latine community in the US.?
• The North Carolina Local News Lab Fund announced more than $2 million in funding for Press Forward Charlotte, a new local subchapter of Press Forward NC. Press Forward NC is part of Press Forward , a national funding initiative that will invest $500 million across the United States to strengthen local news.
• NC Rural Center is conducting a statewide listening tour to learn about the challenges and issues facing NC’s rural communities and regions. If you live in a rural area, sign up for an event or take a short poll to make your voice heard! Feedback will inform the Rural Center’s 2025 policy agenda and the 2025 Rural Summit.

What's New with ZSR?

• Ricky Hurtado, ZSR program officer, presented the Hubert B. Humphrey, Jr. School Improvement Award to High Point Central High School during the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce's "State Of Our Community" annual luncheon. The award, named for a former ZSR trustee, goes to the most improved high school in Guilford County. ?