Nonprofit Nonpartisan Election Tips: Engaged Nonprofits
Nonprofits serve a crucial role as the trusted nonpartisan supporter of communities and, during an election year, this role is increasingly important.
A healthy community of engaged voters is grown in an environment where information can be trusted and nonprofits have the ability to be the trusted voice of the public good without the subtext of political motive. Navigating how to be active, yet nonpartisan, as a nonprofit isn't as daunting as it sounds.
We pulled in three nonprofit leaders who are navigating the pitfalls of the current political landscape with actionable steps to keep nonprofits and their communities informed, prepared and engaged this election season:
Make sure your nonprofit is informed on the impacts of shifting election laws and actively sharing the information with the service community.
Tsiporah Nephesh, Executive Director at New Mexico Thrives, shares resources for staying informed of registration and election day requirements in your state, and stresses the importance of nonprofits being involved in election season.
Organize a candidate forum for your community.
David Heinen, Vice President for Public Policy and Advocacy at North Carolina Center for Nonprofits outlines the logistics and details of how to plan a successful candidate forum that informs both voters and future elected officials.
Use your connection with underserved communities to ensure they are registered to vote.
Lydia Camarillo, President at the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, shares their strategies and techniques for ensuring all eligible Latina and Latino voters are registered to vote through in-person and virtual registration events.
Stay tuned for more useful tips to ensure your nonprofit is ready to be community advocates this election season.
More resources:
Voting and Community Engagement, National Council of Nonprofits
Permissible Election Activities Checklist, Nonprofit Vote
Keeping Nonpartisan During Election Season, Alliance for Justice
Election Checklist for 501c3 Public Charities, Bolder Advocacy