ACTIVIST SPOTLIGHT: RON KATZ
Originally from Buffalo, New York, I moved to Asheville, NC, in July, 1996. My background has been in community organizing through a variety of nonprofits. My last paid position was as Community Fund Director for the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County; I retired in the summer of 2016 after 17 years.
However, retirement for me has meant a focus around social justice and voting, with efforts to create ways for people to affect the root causes of issues through changes in public policy. In 2018, I created the website, WNC Social Justice Advocacy Guide, which connects those interested in public policy with nonpartisan organizations addressing eighteen social justice issues.
While there are many important social justice issues, I have been focusing my work in 2024 on voting and democracy rights. I am the lead for the WNC chapter of Carolina Jews for Justice on this issue. A key focus is to develop trusting relationships with other nonpartisan organizations to better coordinate efforts and support each other. The WNC Nonpartisan Voting group includes more than 30 people affiliated with 23 organizations. Through this group, A Guide to Taking Action in 2024 in WNC was created to showcase opportunities to connect with groups that are leaders in specific areas. This is a useful resource for those interested in taking action.
It is important, especially now, to help people navigate voting. In NC, several laws have been passed by the NC General Assembly that can make voting more challenging. I edit a bimonthly Voting & Democracy Rights e-newsletter that offers opportunities for people to learn, take action, and be inspired. Being inspired is important since much of the news can be discouraging. Inspiration can lead to more motivated and energized individuals, which in turn leads to an informed and engaged electorate that our democracy requires. Here is a recent edition of this e-newsletter.
The upcoming election is very important, and working with national groups like the Workers Circle makes a difference. I appreciate their good work, attend some of their online events, and promote these events in the e-newsletter so that others can learn and take action.
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