student driven approaches to voter outreach alberto olivas, director center for civic participation...

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/civicalberto.olivas@domail.maricopa.edu(480) 731-8156