Sally Bell’s Post

Arkansas’ worst-in-the-nation voter registration and turnout rankings are part of a larger challenge of civic engagement that the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute and its partners are working to address.

Our latest blog post dives deep into a concept we call relational voter participation, and how it's boosting civic engagement in communities. In this post we share some key concepts we use in relational voter participation efforts with schools and highlight a few recent examples that drove voter turnout and empowered communities. Read all about it here: https://lnkd.in/dnwYhnq7

Relational voting revolutionizes civic engagement by harnessing personal connections to empower communities. Unlike traditional methods that rely on mass communication, relational voting leverages your trusted relationships—friends, family, and neighbors—to encourage voter participation. This approach builds trust, addresses individual concerns, and removes barriers to voting, fostering a more inclusive electoral process. By tapping into your community networks, relational voting not only boosts voter turnout but also strengthens community bonds and promotes ongoing civic engagement beyond elections. It's a pivotal strategy for empowering you to shape your future and amplify your collective voice in democratic processes. To streamline this powerful approach, we developed the Civil Action App. Designed for nonprofits and civic organizations, you can customize based on organization needs, personalize outreach efforts, manage voter engagement campaigns, and empower ambassadors within your community, making voter participation more accessible and impactful than ever before. Request a demo: www.blockpower.org

Simple but true: relationships matter. Check out P.A.C.E.'s latest blog post by Sean Andersen about the power of relationships in voter participation campaigns, and learn about a few recent examples with some excellent partners!

Relational voting revolutionizes civic engagement by harnessing personal connections to empower communities. Unlike traditional methods that rely on mass communication, relational voting leverages your trusted relationships—friends, family, and neighbors—to encourage voter participation. This approach builds trust, addresses individual concerns, and removes barriers to voting, fostering a more inclusive electoral process. By tapping into your community networks, relational voting not only boosts voter turnout but also strengthens community bonds and promotes ongoing civic engagement beyond elections. It's a pivotal strategy for empowering you to shape your future and amplify your collective voice in democratic processes. To streamline this powerful approach, we developed the Act on Integrity App. Designed for nonprofits and civic organizations, you can customize based on organization needs, personalize outreach efforts, manage voter engagement campaigns, and empower ambassadors within your community, making voter participation more accessible and impactful than ever before. Request a demo: www.hub3.us

Amplifying Voices: The Power of Voter Engagement in Black and Brown Communities In the tapestry of our democracy, every thread—every vote—adds strength and color to the whole. Yet, historical and systemic barriers have too often muted the voices in our Black and Brown communities. It's more than a matter of policy; it's a cornerstone of our collective empowerment. As we look forward to upcoming elections, let's discuss voter engagement. It goes beyond the act of casting a ballot. It's about education, access, and encouragement. It's about dismantling the hurdles that make voting challenging for so many. Engagement is a two-way street. It calls for candidates to listen actively and respond to the needs and aspirations of these communities. Each of us must commit to supporting initiatives that promote inclusion and participation. Here are some ways we can make a difference: Educational Workshops: - Knowledge is power. Let's organize workshops that inform citizens about their voting rights and the issues at stake. Voter Registration Drives: - Accessibility is key. Setting up drives in community centers, churches, and local events can go a long way. Transportation Services: -Let's volunteer or partner with organizations to provide rides to polling stations on election day. Youth Engagement: -The youth are our future. Encouraging their involvement can foster a lifelong commitment to civic participation. I'm calling on community leaders, activists, and all professionals to join in boosting voter turnout and engagement in our Black and Brown neighborhoods. Let's use our platforms, resources, and networks to ensure that every voice is heard and every vote is counted. What are some other methods you've seen work well? Share your stories and strategies in the comments below. We can bring about positive change and ensure a more equitable future. #VoterEngagement #CommunityEmpowerment #CivicParticipation #ElectionsMatter

Empowering Civic Engagement: 5 Paths to Strengthen Our Democracy In a world where the strength of democracy depends on engaged citizens, fostering civic participation is essential. Here are five dynamic ways to empower individuals to actively engage in the democratic process: 1️⃣ Educate on Local Issues and Elections: Knowledge is the compass of civic action. Educate your community about local issues and elections. Equip them with the information needed to make informed choices that impact their neighborhoods. 2️⃣ Host Town Hall Meetings with Officials: Connect the community with its leaders. Organize town hall meetings where officials engage directly with residents. Open dialogue fosters understanding and accountability. 3️⃣ Organize Voter Registration Drives: The first step in civic engagement is registering to vote. Organize voter registration drives to ensure that every eligible citizen has a voice in the democratic process. 4️⃣ Create Platforms for Community Voices: Amplify community voices. Establish platforms where residents can share their concerns, ideas, and visions for their neighborhoods. Inclusivity leads to collective empowerment. 5️⃣ Encourage Youth Participation in Governance: The future belongs to the youth. Encourage young people to participate in governance and civic activities. They bring fresh perspectives and energy to the democratic process. By educating on local issues, hosting town hall meetings, organizing voter registration drives, creating platforms for community voices, and encouraging youth participation, you inspire civic engagement. Together, we can strengthen democracy by ensuring every voice is heard. Remember, the vitality of democracy relies on the active participation of its citizens. Let's take action today to empower individuals and build a brighter democratic future! 🗳️🤝🏛️ #CivicEngagement #DemocracyMatters #CommunityEmpowerment

Today, on National Voter Registration Day, NL Capital Ventures emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and the power of every voice in our democracy. 🗳️✨ Here’s how we’re making a difference: Encouraging Community Participation: We believe that active participation in the electoral process is essential for fostering a vibrant democracy. Our initiatives focus on raising awareness about voter registration and encouraging community members to make their voices heard. 📢🤝 #CivicEngagement #Vote2024 Supporting Education on Voting Rights: We are committed to providing resources and information about voting rights and the registration process, ensuring that everyone knows how to participate in shaping their future. 🗂️📚 #VotingRights #Empowerment Collaborating with Local Organizations: We partner with community organizations to host voter registration drives and educational events, making it easier for individuals to register and learn about the voting process. 🤝🏘️ #CommunityPartnerships #GetInvolved Highlighting the Impact of Voting: We share stories and testimonials from individuals whose lives have changed through civic participation, inspiring others to take action and register to vote. 🌟🗳️ #ImpactfulVoting #Inspiration Promoting Inclusivity in the Voting Process: NL Capital Ventures advocates for inclusive policies that ensure all voices, especially those from underrepresented communities, are heard in the electoral process. 🌍🗣️ #InclusiveDemocracy #DiversityInVoting Join us today in recognizing the significance of voter registration and the role it plays in empowering individuals and communities. Together, we can make a difference! 🗳️💪 #NationalVoterRegistrationDay #NLcapitalventures #CivicEngagement #VotingRights #CommunitySupport #Empowerment #InclusiveDemocracy #Vote2024

National Voters' Day 2024: Shaping Democracy, One Vote at a Time In the heart of every thriving democracy lies the power of the people, and on January 25, 2024, we commemorate the 14th National Voters' Day. This day, established in 2011, serves as a poignant reminder of the role each citizen plays in shaping the destiny of our nation through the ballot box. A Nudge for Active Participation: Initially conceived to address a concerning decline in the enrollment of young voters, National Voters' Day has become an annual rallying call for civic engagement. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's foresight, coupled with the Election Commission's dedication, birthed an initiative that encourages and empowers the youth to actively partake in the democratic process. More Than a Date on the Calendar: National Voters' Day is not merely a milestone; it's an emblem of civic responsibility. As we celebrate our constitutional right to vote, it's crucial to reflect on the weight of this privilege. Our Constitution not only grants us rights but entrusts us with the responsibility to steer the course of our nation through informed and conscientious voting. The Significance of the EPIC: Beyond being a piece of identification, the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) bestowed on this day symbolizes the empowerment of individuals. It's a tangible representation of our ability to influence the trajectory of our nation—a potent reminder that our collective choices echo far beyond the polling booths. A Call to Sustain the Spirit: National Voters' Day is not confined to a single day; it's a call to action that resonates throughout the year. Let us carry the spirit of this day forward, fostering a culture of informed, responsible voting. Our choices at the polls are not just individual; they are a collective expression of our aspirations for a united, prosperous, and inclusive nation. In conclusion, National Voters' Day is not about grandeur; it's about recognizing the silent strength embedded in each vote. As we celebrate this day, let's renew our commitment to democracy, embrace our civic duty, and recognize the profound impact our votes hold in shaping the narrative of our great nation. #NationalVotersDay #DemocracyInTheMaking #CivicEmpowerment #thepublicistandco

🗳️ New Mexico Black Leadership Council (NMBLC) and New Mexico Black Voters Collaborative (NMBVC) invite the media and our communities to join us for a press conference outlining our statewide, non-partisan Get Out the Vote (GOTV) campaign on Tuesday, September 10th, at 4:30 p.m. at the NMBLC offices, 1314 Madeira Dr. SE, ABQ, NM, 87108. NMBLC will also host a presidential debate watch party that same evening from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. RSVP via the link in our bio. NMBVC’s 2024 GOTV campaign aims to encourage election participation by mobilizing and engaging eligible voters during the lead-up to Election Day through: our transformative civic engagement mural project, “Love Trumps Hate,” created in collaboration with artist Noé Barnett in Albuquerque’s International District; voter registration pop-up events on Sept. 9, Sept. 17, Sept. 26 and Oct. 7; a candidate forum on Tuesday, Oct. 8; and an original GOTV commercial featuring NMBVC cohort members; and a voter engagement social media campaign in coordination with National Voter Registration Day, Sept. 17, which will continue running through Election Day, Nov. 5. “One way we advocate for civic engagement is by asking people to be a boss at the ballot box—not by defacing buildings or continuing to engage in uncivil discourse. We are transforming a message of division to say that love trumps hate,” NMBLC founder and CEO Cathryn McGill said. “To reclaim the word. It is a verb and love does, in fact, trump hate. That's what we're about at this organization and this is a call to action for individuals who have maybe not understood or taken seriously their duty to go to the polls.” 🗳️ Learn more about the “Love Trumps Hate” civic engagement mural project at bit.ly/lovetrumpshatenm. #newmexicoblack #getoutthevote #gotv #civicengagement #democracy #invitation #rsvp #election2024 #newmexicoblackleadershipcouncil #newmexicoblackvoterscollaborative #mural #voterregistration #commercial #lovetrumpshate #useyourvote #useyourvoice #vote2024