Tuesday, March 7, 10am, Congregation Tifereth Israel, 1354 E. Broad St. (free parking in rear)

The Central Ohio Worker Center (COWC) is proud to be a part of the coalition One ID Columbus organizing for a recognized city-wide Municipal ID. Many in the Columbus community, including members of COWC, do not have the benefits of a form of identification, something that most take for granted. A form of ID is a crucial need that is felt by these members of our community.

A Municipal ID for Franklin County would have many benefits, including:

• Allowing all residents to prove who they are and identify themselves as members of our community.

• Connecting residents to services, programs, and benefits, such as public transportation, public libraries, or city parks and recreation centers.

• Being used as a prepaid debit card, benefiting residents without the ability to open a traditional bank account.

• Giving cardholders access to discounts at participating businesses and cultural institutions like zoos and museums.

• Giving community members the confidence needed to report issues to law enforcement. All too often, issues such as theft and domestic violence go unreported because individuals without ID do not feel safe contacting the police.

• Helping residents who face barriers to obtaining ID, including the homeless, youth in the foster care system, the low-income elderly, the formerly incarcerated, people with mental illness and disabilities, transgender individuals, victims of domestic violence, immigrants, students, and workers.

Municipal ID is more important now than ever. With the new Trump Administration determined to incite fear in vulnerable communities, the time is now to come together in support of our immigrant, refugee, homeless, LGBTQ, etc. brothers and sisters in Columbus.

One ID Columbus has been actively meeting and gaining support from with City Council members, non-profit organizations, and congregations/dioceses across Columbus. A city-wide Summit is scheduled for Tuesday, March 7, 10am, at Congregation Tifereth Israel, 1354 E. Broad St.

Contact: CentralOhioWorkerCenter@gmail.com