UPO Sets Board Elections, Seeks Exceptional DC Leaders
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 2, 2020
Press Contact: Zohar Rom | (202) 812-4001, zrom@upo.org
WASHINGTON, DC: The Board of Directors of United Planning Organization (“UPO”) announced elections for 4 open seats. These directors will represent low-income residents of the District of Columbia who are striving towards the middle class.
“UPO is in search of remarkable human beings,” said Jacqueline Kinlow, chair of UPO’s Board of Directors. “People with compassion, grit, high character, and a unique set of experiences that define them as community leaders. In these exceptionally challenging times, nothing less will do. If that person is you, please step up. We’d like to welcome you to the UPO Family.”
UPO’s mission is to Unite People with Opportunities so DC residents can become self-sufficient. As the District’s nonprofit Community Action Agency since 1962, UPO’s innovations have changed the lives of whole families for generations.
UPO tears down barriers and builds people up by tackling inequity across the city. Its staff changes the system and empowers people to learn new skills, transform their families’ lives, and touch the future they’ve dreamed of.
- UPO runs the city’s largest Early Head Start program.
- UPO prepares youth for college and careers.
- UPO helps people manage their money so they can build wealth and keep their homes.
- UPO’s job training and placement opens doors to the first job security ever for many of our residents. Then, they become part of the UPO Family for life.
Applications for nominations are due on July 24, 2020. The online application will be available at www.upo.org on June 15. To pick up a printed application, please visit 301 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001. For more information on UPO’s Board of Directors elections, please contact Ayana Bias at (202) 231-7946 or email communityelections@upo.org. UPO community elections will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2020.
The 4 open seats will represent low-income residents striving towards the middle class in Wards 1 and 3 (combined); Wards 2 and 6 (combined); Wards 4 and 5 (combined); and Ward 8B in the District of Columbia. Candidates must live within the wards’ prescribed boundaries and be at least 21 years old. To check if you live within these boundaries, please type in your home address; if it’s inside the green area, you are eligible.
(If not, then unfortunately you are not eligible. If you’re looking for other ways to get involved, please consider volunteering. For more information, please contact Ayana Bias at abias@upo.org)
About United Planning Organization
UPO is a human and community development organization. As the Community Action Agency for Washington, DC, UPO’s federally-mandated purpose is to help people lift themselves out of poverty. UPO surveys DC residents to learn community needs and gaps in service delivery, then develops ways to bridge those gaps by Uniting People with Opportunities. Over 400 staff members and 500 volunteers help over 50,000 DC residents each year, with impacts in education, employment, health, housing counseling, and in strengthening families and communities.
UPO has a 21-member governing board: 7 are appointed by senior elected officials in DC (Mayor and Congressional Representative); 7 represent major groups and interests; and 7 are elected by UPO’s customers—low-income residents striving towards the middle class.
