Student Driven Approaches to Voter Outreach
Alberto Olivas, DirectorCenter for Civic ParticipationMaricopa Community Colleges
Introduction & Overview
Benefits of a Student-driven approach A Menu of Options Key Principles & Elements Support resources Lessons learned
Small group ACTIVITY & discussion!
W.I.F.M.?
• Students learn best what they teach to others• Increases individual accountability• Provides unique and competitive experience
• Increases capacity to provide outreach resources
• Raise awareness of institutional commitment• Provides unique and competitive experience
The “Civic Spectrum”
AWARENESS INVOLVEMENT
• ISSUES• PROCESSES• STRUCTURES • MECHANICS
• EXPERIENCES• PRACTICAL SKILLS• RELATIONSHIPS
• Accountability• Obligation
PASSION• SELF• FAMILY• COMMUNITY• WORLD
A Sample of Options
Be a “Ballot Expert!”: Ballot Measure Presenter Training (est. 2.0 hours)Learn how to explain the basics of voting and
what will be on the ballotLearn how to explain the meaning of each
ballot measure, including the effect of a “Yes” vote and a “No” vote, utilizing an easy-to-use PowerPoint guide and handout for participants.
Learn how to use a simple discussion guide to lead an impartial deliberative discussion on each ballot measure.
A Sample of Options
Be a “Ballot Expert!”: Ballot Measure Presenter Training (est. 2.0 hours)
A Sample of Options
Let’s Party!!! Debate Watch Party Organizer Training (est. 2.0 hours)Learn tips for organizing and promoting a
debate watch eventLearn about using a “Logic fallacies” worksheet
to help participants critically evaluate candidates’ remarks
Learn how to use a simple discussion guide to lead an impartial discussion after the debate ends
A Sample of Options
Voter Registration Drives 101: Volunteer
Train-the-Trainer Workshop (est. 1.5 hours)Learn how to prepare volunteers to run a voter
registration project and assist voters with the registration form.
Learn how to respond to the most commonly asked questions, fears, myths and misconceptions about voter registration.
A Sample of Options
Student Poll Workers – The Most Democratic Fundraiser EVER! (est. 30 min.)
Did you know you can be as young as 16 and work at the polls during elections?
Did you know you can earn up to $125 in a day?!
Learn what it’s all about and how to recruit students to work during elections and to pool their earnings as a great club fundraiser or to raise funds for a cause of your choice.
Glow the Vote!
Key Elements & Principles
Impartial & Objective Information Sources
Faculty & Administrative Oversight
It must be fun!
Community BasedSupport Resources
Official voter information resourcesPublicity pamphlets, online election dept. web
sitesSecretary of State / State Elections
DepartmentCounty Elections / County Recorders
officesLocal G.O.T.V. & civic organizations
Kids VotingState Bar Association Foundation offices
Campus BasedSupport Resources
Student Life & LeadershipStudent Gov’t, Honors, PTK, MEChA, BSA, etc.
Faculty & Adjunct faculty representationMarketing / Public Relations Service learning offices, faculty
Lessons Learned
Identify partner faculty early, plan for integration with syllabi / curriculum
Work with campus Institutional Advancement to help promote student efforts
Work with faculty to develop an assessment mechanism
Get a good photographer!
Small Group Activity
Answer the Group Discussion questions10 minutes!!
Give a presentation to the “Board Meeting”1-2 minutes MAX!!
Board feedback and dialogue
Student Driven Approaches to Voter Outreach
Alberto Olivas, DirectorCenter for Civic ParticipationMaricopa Community Collegeswww.maricopa.edu/[email protected](480) 731-8156
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