Virginia Organizing has organized with other groups across Virginia to “ban the box” in many localities and on state job applications — and we were successful!

Now, we have an opportunity to make a big difference on a larger scale to encourage President Barack Obama to issue an executive order to “ban the box” on federal job applications and for federal contractors.

Here’s how you can help:

• Ask business owners in your area to sign this letter and public officials to sign this letter asking President Obama to ban the box. Return those letters to Joe Szakos at szakos@virginia-organizing.org or 703 Concord Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
• Call the White House at 202-456-1111 and ask President Obama to issue an executive order to ban the criminal history box for federal employment applications.
• Attend the “Fair Chance Hiring and Ban the Box Demonstration” rally in Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C. (just outside the White House) on Thursday, July 30 from 11 a.m. to noon.

Thank you for all your hard work to make it easier for returning citizens to find meaningful employment.

If your locality has not “banned the box” and you are interested in working on a local campaign, please contact us at (434) 984-4655 x222.