Our families and neighbors need a Fair Chance Hiring Ordinance for Spokane! Mass incarceration is hurting our families and community! Without Fair Chance Hiring in Spokane, no matter how qualified our returning community members may be, their job applications are often thrown out at first glance due to their conviction record. We can win with the power of community coming together to let our voices be heard!
When: Monday, November 27 at 6 PM – 9 PM
Where: Spokane City Hall 808 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, Washington 99201
There are 3 ways to make your voice heard:
1. Email the Spokane City Council at at citycouncilmembers@spokane
2. Testify at the City Council meeting on Monday, November 27 at 6pm! You will get 3 minutes. Come at 6pm to sign in to speak.
3. Stand in support without testifying! Come to the City Council meeting to show your support — we’ll wear stickers and stand during pro-Fair Chance Hiring testimony. Spokane City Hall is located at: 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd, enter on Post St.
Please share the Facebook Event! We need to have a huge turn out! @ https://www.facebook.com/events/2042589602626215/?active_tab=about
The Fair Chance Hiring Ordinance requires the removal of the criminal history checkbox from job applications. The ordinance prohibits employers from advertising restrictions based on arrest or conviction records, or inquiring into arrest or conviction records until after the first interview. It provides limited exceptions for jobs with children or other vulnerable populations.
Key talking points for your email or testimony:
• I support passing the Fair Chance Hiring Ordinance for the City of Spokane.
• When people can work hard for their families in a job where they are the most qualified applicant, they will be less reliant on public benefits and will contribute to our tax base.
• We must increase the available pool of qualified workers for our fast-changing local economy by insuring that people with arrest and conviction records have a fair opportunity to be considered for employment.
• Through a city-wide policy, we can create a thriving community and a robust economy.
• Fair Chance Hiring is a good business practice. City Council Members and Smart Justice Spokane have worked with Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI) to develop Spokane’s Fair Chance Hiring policy and GSI has created a model application available to all employers.
• We must not wait and count on the State Legislature to pass statewide legislation to allow people to get back to work. Spokane needs to pass a local ordinance that is best for Spokane.