Voting is a fundamental right enshrined in our Constitution. Every person eligible to vote deserves to have their voice heard in shaping America’s, Oregon’s, and their community’s future. Nonprofits can and do play important roles in helping our communities get registered and vote, provided we operate in a nonpartisan way that does not favor one political party versus another or any specific candidates. We are uniquely positioned as trusted messengers and credible resources to groups that are often overlooked, underserved, and under-resourced: our rural communities, people experiencing economic hardships, communities of color, and LGBTQIA+ groups.
While voting is easy in Oregon thanks to our vote-by-mail system, there are still people who face barriers. Nonprofits can help. Research proves that when nonprofits encourage voting – on a nonpartisan basis – by holding registration drives, providing information on when to mail or drop-off ballots, helping people access official voter guides in various languages, hosting candidate forums, and more, people vote at significantly higher levels. When nonprofits encourage people to vote, they can make a difference, especially for those that serve marginalized communities. It truly makes a difference when people know they matter, and our efforts can significantly increase voter turnout.
NAO is proud to partner with Nonprofit VOTE and the National Council of Nonprofits to bring you this Nonprofit Voter Engagement Guide. The Voter Engagement Guide provides a roadmap for how charitable nonprofits can effectively engage in elections on a nonpartisan basis, leverage their networks for greater impact, and build relationships with elected officials. When nonprofits engage, more people exercise their right to vote and have their voices heard, potentially advancing your organization’s mission and improving the community.
We’d also like to invite you to a free webinar hosted by NAO supporters, Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), on Election Season Essentials: Navigating Nonprofit Lobbying and Political Activity Rules happening on September 25th. This timely webinar will provide clear guidance on the often-misunderstood rules surrounding lobbying and political activities. Participants will learn about what constitutes lobbying, the distinctions between lobbying and political activity, and how these regulations impact public charities, private foundations, and other nonprofit organizations.
Please also join the conversations in Portland and Eugene on how to conduct civil, respectful conversations across political differences. NAO invites you to join us for an important, interactive conversation with Jennifer Edwards and Katie McCleary, co-authors of Bridge the Gap: Breakthrough Communication Tools to Transform Work Relationships from Challenging to Collaborative and TEDx speakers. Jennifer and Katie know the power of collaboration between diverse, talented, and smart people. This event is a “Don’t-Miss” for anyone wanting to work across differences and build bridges toward more collaborative and understanding workplace relationships.
Regards,
Phillip Kennedy-Wong,
NAO’s Director of Public Policy