Here’s how Reproductive Health, Rights and Justice advocates can engage this Election Season!
It is officially election season! Early primary states have already voted and in a few short months, the political parties will have their candidates secured. While there is so much at stake this season, it is no secret that reproductive care is at the front of people’s minds. People all across the country are working so that voters can directly have their voice heard on things like the Equal Rights Amendment and Abortion Access. With all of the partisan politics, misinformation and disinformation, charity organizations understand that it is possible for them to participate in election work without risking their tax status. Defining lobbying for community based organizations will keep us in compliance, and in a powerful place to engage in politics this election season.
Top Methods for Nonprofit Civic Engagement
When organizations are planning their engagement, it’s important to build on the current work that the group is already doing. For voter registration, the main thing to keep in mind is that all of your volunteers are trained and have the most updated information. Most departments of elections have guidelines and helpful tips to help make every voter registration event successful!
One of the areas of civic engagement where organizations that focus on reproductive health, rights and justice can shine is participating in voter education events. Some examples of voter education include but are not limited to creating materials for distribution, hosting town halls events and/or hosting candidate forums. A huge part of voter education is making sure that the community understands two things, the issues that are on the ballot and the candidates stances on these issues. Keep these things in mind for non-partisan engagement;
Do’s
~Voter registration
~Voter education
~Support get out the vote (GOTV) efforts
~Assist with voter protection
~Post-election advocacy
Don’ts
~Show bias nor partisanship
~Endorse candidates
~Lose your core issue
~Prioritize special interest groups above community groups
Hosting Public Events with Elected Officials
When an organization is planning to create materials or host events, it is necessary that organizations focus on the issue and not on the person speaking on the issue. When you focus on the person that can leave the comment being the claim open to critique. Leaning on the issue also allows organizations to demand that different kinds of stakeholders take a stand, including elected officials and incumbents, without bias. If an organization decides to host a town hall event, it’s important to have a proven track-record on the issue. This allows the public and candidates, union, parties and for profit organizations to attend the event for informational purposes. If an organization hosts a candidate forum, it is necessary that all candidates for the position(s) are invited to participate and given equal time to present to the audience. It’s okay if everyone does not agree to participate, as long as the organization tries to have everyone participate. In the event that a candidate shares one of the organization events in a way that could appear as a campaign event, the organization may want to consider canceling the event.
Remember This
As it gets closer to the Get out the Vote and Election Day, organizations can continue to register and educate their communities. During this time, it is completely allowed to lobby for legislation that furthers your cause. This policy advocacy helps your community understand what is on the ballot and how they can exercise their right to vote! Typically, people are not aware of the sample ballot for each state. The Department of elections should have this information for each state. Some places even mail the sample ballot to voters. Using the tool allows people time to do research and make an educated guess. Sadly, voter suppression still exists and can take the forms of misinformation and voter intimidation. Organizations are allowed to combat this by sharing research on voter protection problems and can join with partner organizations which could be 501(c)(4) organizations or labor union unions on 501(c)(3) activities.
Election day is not the end of civic engagement! Organizations do not have to cut off any ties made before, during or after election season. Year-around engagement is the key to making sure that you can align with the needs of the community and continue to build your understanding of the electoral process. Folding in the different kinds of civic engagement into regular programming also provides a cover for the organizations. And remember, elections are a start to the conversations, not the end of them. Happy Lobbying!
Resources
- Alliance for Justice: Commenting on Candidates’ Statements about Reproductive Rights Fact Sheet
- Alliance for Justice: Praising and Criticizing Incumbents: How 501(c)(3)s Can Hold Elected Officials Accountable for Official Actions Fact Sheet
- Alliance for Justice: 501(c)(3) Contact with Parties and Candidates concerning Election Protection Efforts: Before, During, and After Election Day Fact Sheet
- Alliance for Justice: Hosting Candidates at Charitable Events: Ensuring Candidate Appearances Remain Nonpartisan Fact Sheet
- Alliance for Justice: Hosting Candidates at Charitable Events: Ensuring Candidate Appearances Remain Nonpartisan Fact Sheet
- Alliance for Justice: 5 Ways Nonprofits Can Respond to Dobbs v. JWHO fact sheet
- Alliance for Justice: 501(c)(3) Contact with Parties and Candidates concerning Election Protection Efforts: Before, During, and After Election Day Fact Sheet
- Alliance for Justice: Hosting Candidates at Charitable Events: Ensuring Candidate Appearances Remain Nonpartisan Fact Sheet
