Connecting local youth with summer opportunities
Dear Friend,
As a parent, I know it can sometimes feel like a challenge to find rewarding, safe activities for our children during the summer months, and I wanted to make sure we were making it easier for Indianapolis families to find those opportunities.
On May 15, I will host our first Youth Opportunities Fair along with the Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY) and Shortridge Magnet High School. It will take place from 4-7 p.m. at Shortridge, and it is free and open (no registration required) to anyone who wants to attend. I hope to see families there from across the Seventh Congressional District!
The event will feature local service providers, businesses and groups that offer youth summer programs, internships, volunteer opportunities and jobs. Our goal is to present students and parents with a variety of summer options so they can explore different possibilities before the end of the school year.
For two decades, MCCOY has been working to help empower every young person in Marion County to be successful. It's a privilege to partner with them for this event, and I hope you'll join us on May 15 at Shortridge Magnet High School to find out more about what Indianapolis has to offer our young people this summer – and how they can give back to our great city.
Sincerely,
André
Inside Scoop
Coming soon to a neighborhood near you
On Tuesday, we kicked off our in-district office hours with a stop at the Southport Library. Office hours are our way of making sure you know we put customer service first when it comes to constituents.
Once per month, my staff will bring office services to a location outside of the district office so you can swing by and ask us a question, get more information about a program or solicit our help working through a federal issue.
Of course, if you've got a pressing matter that can't wait for office hours, please know that we're available every weekday at our permanent Indianapolis location at 300 East Fall Creek Parkway or by phone at 317-283-6516.
You can find future office hours dates and locations on my website at carson.house.gov/office-hours
Connecting with your needs
Many members of Congress spent the past two weeks back in their home districts. For me, it was a time to connect with my constituents and make sure I'm effectively representing you in Washington.
I attended a number of community events during the district work period, but I know there are plenty of concerns I didn't hear and questions I wasn't able to answer.
If you've got something you want to make sure I know about, please click here to send me an email so I can stay up to date with your needs while I'm serving you in Washington.
Want to see Indy from a new perspective? Hop on a bike!
It was an honor this week to take part in the official dedication of the new Pacers Bike Sharing Program along with city officials and representatives of the many groups that made the initiative possible.
I'm proud that $1 million in startup funding for the program came from a U.S. Department of Transportation initiative to help cities improve air quality and reduce congestion. Here's a photo from ribbon-cutting at the kickoff event (and yes, I actually got on the bike!):
You can find more information about the program, which is administered by the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, here.
Voting: Our Privilege and Responsibility
One of the greatest privileges of being an American citizen is the opportunity to voice your opinion through the electoral process. The 2014 primary election is next month, and you might be wondering where and when you can vote.
Below are important dates for Indiana voters:
Today through 12 pm on May 5, 2014 – Early Voting at Marion County Clerk's Office
May 6, 2014 – Primary Election Day
May 20, 2014 – Voter Registration Begins
October 6, 2014 – Voter Registration Ends
November 4, 2014 – General Election Day