Make a Plan
Getting Started with Voter Engagement
Download this section as a two-page PDF checklist.
Get Started
Before you begin, think about why this work is important. Make a list of the benefits to your organization, your community, and the individuals you serve. This might include advancing your issues, building clout, or empowering your clients by promoting engaged and active citizenship.
Capacity
- Get buy-in from your Executive Director or other leadership
- Choose a staff lead who can involve and motivate other staff and volunteers
- Consider ways to engage the people you serve in your election activities
- Identify assistance and resources from a community partner, your local or state elections office, or online tools from Nonprofit VOTE and others
Featured resource: Voter Participation Starter Kit for Nonprofits and Social Service Agencies
Knowledge
- Understand the guidelines for 501(c)(3)s on how to stay nonpartisan
- Learn about voting in your state – deadlines, how to register, and early voting options
- Find out what’s on the ballot in your locality and state for the upcoming election
Featured resource: Nonprofits, Voting and Elections: A Guide to Nonpartisan Voter Engagement
Plans
- Choose your target audience – clients, constituents, staff, your local community, or others
- Select appropriate opportunities for engagement: as part of daily services, in classes, at trainings or events, as a project for a youth group, or incorporated into community outreach
- Create a specific timeline for your plan
Featured resource: Making a Plan for 2012 Webinar