Dolores Huerta Foundation’s Post

Here is a good question and appropriate priority - how to ensure elections are free and fair. It's not a simple one to answer, but the thrust here is organizing, organizing, organizing. It is a titanic David and Goliath story: how to wrest power and democratic decency from the forces bent on protecting the power of those elites that control capital

As pro-democracy funders and donors, how can we best show up for the organizations working to ensure our elections remain free and fair? This year, the call to action has never been more clear: grassroots leaders accomplish their best work when they have the resources and time necessary to plan their efforts confidently, develop robust partnerships, and invest in their employees. That’s why Tides’ Healthy Democracy Fund maximized opportunities for long-term power-building among historically excluded communities well before the start of this pivotal election year.   Approximately 1 in 5 dollars that Tides granted in 2023 went toward organizations dedicated to protecting democracy, civic participation, or community organizing. This year, we’re taking it a step further by pledging to move all the democracy-protecting dollars we can before the end of April to best support changemakers on the ground.    We’re supporting important activities including:     •    Community-informed, multi-issue organizing,      •    Advocacy to help our grantees educate voters and lead nonpartisan voter registration drives, and     •    Increasing voter turnout by reaching across language and cultural barriers to inspire voters of all backgrounds.   We are committed to shifting power to people of color, youth, low-income communities, and other groups who face systemic barriers. Join us in our work to build a healthy and inclusive democracy: https://lnkd.in/eeTf98aV (https://lnkd.in/ep5k-gut) #Tides #socialjustice #impact #democracy

There is no time off when it comes to civic participation. That’s why GoVoteNYC is providing $1m in funding now for grantees to build and sustain capacity through the 2025 elections. These grants bring the total investment by GoVoteNYC funders since 2021 to $3.5 million in grants and over $13 million in aligned funding. https://lnkd.in/eeGyx43X

It's #TakeActionForLibrariesDay! Today, advocates unite to assert their commitment to the 2024 elections. Libraries, though nonpartisan, are far from indifferent. They serve as vital pillars of our democracy, fostering literacy, empowering voters, and equipping us all for civic engagement. The American Library Association's latest initiative, the Reader. Voter. Ready. campaign, urges library advocates to pledge to get informed, get registered, and get ready to vote! https://ow.ly/tmIp50ReaVP

What was the recent general election actually like for disabled people? A BBC article explores the experience of disabled voter Elin Williams, who has a degenerative eye condition. She describes voting as a visually impaired person 'dehumanising', as she has no way of voting independently, whether by post or in person. In fact, the charity RNIB Cymru states that only 19% of visually impaired people are able to cast their vote without assistance. This goes against the assertion of the Electoral Commission, which states that 'everyone should have the right to vote independently and in secret'. Ms Williams describes how widespread the accessibility barriers are when it comes to participating in politics, such as party manifestos being unavailable in accessible formats. This creates difficulties not only in casting your vote, but deciding who to vote for in the first place. Do you think things need to change for blind voters? Check out our previous post on e-voting for a possible solution to this democratic dilemma, or read the full BBC article here: https://lnkd.in/e_bSpCky

We are so excited to announce our flagship programming - Raising Voters! RaisingVoters.org is a first-of-its-kind one-stop shop for voters. In one place, anyone eligible voter can register to vote (or update/double-check their registration), get clarity on state and local election laws, get notified about upcoming elections, find their polling location, and even locate their state and federal representatives' names and official contact info. For those who are ready to take the next step, our influencer-to-organizer program participants how to take the influence they have within your community and use it to turn out voters through relational organizing and community advocacy. A two-hour commitment is all you need to get certified as a Raising Voters organizer. No matter where you are on your voting journey, We Are Voters and Raising Voters are here to help. Democracy is a participatory sport. It requires all of us. It requires you. Head to www.raisingvoters.org to get started.

Cynthia Harris, an experienced non-profit executive and community leader, has announced her candidacy for Orange County Supervisor of Elections. Despite previous electoral defeats in races for the Orange County Board of County Commissioners and the Orlando City Council, Harris brings a wealth of experience in community engagement, conflict resolution, and event management. She aims to infuse the elections office with integrity, progressive ideas, and positive change. Insightful Summary: Despite past electoral setbacks, Cynthia Harris' relentless pursuit of public service and community enhancement positions her as a compelling candidate for Orange County Supervisor of Elections. Agree or disagree with our opinion? Please share your comments with us to continue the conversation or DM us on our socials. Stay informed with our newsletter, “The Informer”: https://lnkd.in/e_9F2s5s We appreciate it if you "Like" and comment to continue the conversation. Join our #community by subscribing to our YOUTUBE channel: @J-Washington, and hit that notification button! #Florida #flapol #vote #politicalinnovation #politics #campaigns #strategy #canvassing #campaignmanagement #trends #Election2024 #TimeToWin #CynthiaHarris2024 #OrangeCountyElections #CommunityLeader #ElectionIntegrity #VoteForChange @OrangeCountyFL @UCF @ValenciaCollege @OrlandoFL DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in the J & Washington Network belong solely to the content creators and do not represent the views or opinions of J & Washington clientele or its business partnerships.

"This year, we prepare to say goodbye to Portland's current form of government," said Straight Talk Host Laurel Porter. The City of Portland's Michael Jordan was on KGW-TV's Straight Talk last weekend. Watch the whole segment here: https://lnkd.in/gbTJ_J4d To recap, Portland is making these voter-approved changes: 1) Allow voters to rank candidates in order of preference, using ranked-choice voting. 2) Establish four geographic districts, with three city council members elected to represent each district – expanding city council to a total of 12 members. 3) Establish a city council focused on setting policy and engaging with community, and transitioning the day-to-day oversight of bureaus to a mayor elected citywide, who is supported by a professional city administrator. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gwyVPq7S #government #rankedchoicevoting #elections2024 #portlandoregon

Did you know that Elections Alberta engaged with: ✏️1,383 schools with CIVIX student vote, ✏️955 care facilities and hospitals, ✏️293 public libraries, ✏️204 Hutterite colonies, and ✏️20 disability service providers! To learn more about the 2023 Provincial General Election voter engagement and outreach strategies that reduced voting barriers, improved accessibility, and fostered civic participation among Albertans, visit https://bit.ly/3USHx9V.

This year carries significant weight for communities like the town I call home and several I'm proud to partner with. While national elections often steal the spotlight, let's not forget about the importance of local politics. Municipal elections are underway in many towns, yet voter turnout remains disappointingly low at local levels. Sadly, this is a common trend in local politics across the country. At Mirth and Joy, we're passionate about fostering local engagement. Our social media efforts extend beyond posting event flyers; they're about empowering your community to take action. We're committed to breaking the cycle of passivity—our goal is to move people from the comments section to meaningful action. Whether it's providing resources for voters, highlighting volunteer opportunities, promoting the arts, or encouraging attendance at public meetings, we're here to guide and support your community every step of the way. And we lead by example. I personally made sure to cast my vote at 7AM today. Together, let's educate, inspire, and drive change for today and the generations to come. Your voice holds weight, and your participation can shape the future of our community. Let's make it count! Visit www.nass.org/can-I-vote to confirm your voter registration status, find your polling location, and stay informed about important deadlines. . . . . . #LocalElectionsMatter #GetInvolved #CommunityImpact #mirthandjoy #socialmediamarketing #socialmediamanager #design #kindness #shoplocal #supportsmallbusiness #entrepreneur #community #positivity #powerofpositivity #spreadpositivity #womanownedbusiness #womanowned #womanownedsmallbusiness #joy #vote #electionday