Walk Your Precinct

1. John Chrastka Executive Director EveryLibrary john.chrastka@everylibrary.org Building voter support for libraries Walk Your Precinct Using tips from the best political campaigns to activate citizen support for library funding

2. Building voter support for libraries About EveryLibrary Founded on the fact that libraries, as public entities, cannot expend their own funds to do electioneering. Associations, as 501c3 organizations, cannot engage in political speech.

3. Building voter support for libraries About EveryLibrary Set up as a 501c4 Social Welfare Organization chartered to support local library ballot measures like bonds, referendum, levies and mills.

4. Building voter support for libraries About EveryLibrary Set up as a 501c4 Social Welfare Organization chartered to support local library ballot measures like bonds, referendum, levies and mills. Includes support for legislation that impacts the ability of libraries to function as districts.

5. Building voter support for libraries About EveryLibrary We cannot work with libraries themselves. Must work with local ballot committees and PACs set up by citizens to support the measure.

6. Building voter support for libraries About EveryLibrary EveryLibrary will work with local ballot committees and PACs to provide: • Technical assistance with campaigns • Campaign consultancy • Seed or sustaining funding for campaign work

7. Building voter support for libraries Voter Attitudes What do we know about voter perception of libraries? • Users vs. Non-Users • Progressives vs. Conservatives • Any Tax is a Bad Tax

8. Building voter support for libraries Voter Attitudes What do we know about voter perception of libraries? • Users vs. Non-Users • Progressives vs. Conservatives • Any Tax is a Bad Tax • Nothing Impacts More than their Perception of the Librarian

9. Building voter support for libraries What do we know about voter attitudes and libraries? • Only 37% say they will definitely support libraries at the ballot box* *OCLC From Awareness to Funding, 2008

10. Building voter support for libraries What do we know about voter attitudes and libraries? • Only 37% say they will definitely support libraries at the ballot box* *OCLC From Awareness to Funding, 2008 Of all voters: 37% will Definitely vote yes 37% will Probably vote yes 26% will Probably or Definitely vote no or may vote either way.

11. Building voter support for libraries What do we know about voter attitudes and libraries? 37% Definite + 37% Probably does not equal 74% *OCLC From Awareness to Funding, 2008 Of all voters: 37% will Definitely vote yes 37% will Probably vote yes 26% will Probably or Definitely vote no or may vote either way.

12. Building voter support for libraries What do we know about voter attitudes and libraries? 37% Definite + 37% Probably does not equal 74% It equals 37%. You have to earn the other 30% plus 1 vote to get it to pass *OCLC From Awareness to Funding, 2008 Of all voters: 37% will Definitely vote yes 37% will Probably vote yes 26% will Probably or Definitely vote no or may vote either way.

13. Building voter support for libraries Running a Campaign • Types of Campaigns • Messaging That Works • Techniques That Work • Funding Partners

14. Types of Campaigns Building voter support for libraries Informational Campaign • Planning • Know your limits • Marketing and Awareness Vote Yes Campaign • Planning • Filing • Awareness and GOTV

15. Messaging That Works Building voter support for libraries The Library as: • Educational Partner • Economic Development Engine • Social Leveler • Connect with Changing Technology • Legitimacy as Institution • Trust in the Librarian

16. What Doesn't Work Building voter support for libraries • Demands for Services • Entreaties from Patrons/Customers • Appeals about Effectiveness • Perceptions of Service • Whining

17. Techniques That Work Building voter support for libraries Informational or “Say Yes” Campaigns: • Walking • Phoning • Events • Social and Web • Signs • Mailers

18. Funding Partners Building voter support for libraries Allies in “Say Yes” Funding: • EveryLibrary • Labor and Unions • SEIU/AFSCME • Fire and other Public Sector Unions • Construction and Building Trades • Business Community • Individual Donors

19. Building voter support for libraries In Every Case... • Walk your Precinct • Actively say “Vote Yes” • Answer Challenges with Legitimacy

20. Building voter support for libraries What Else for Advocacy? • What's Working Around the Country • The California Library Legislative Agenda • Your Personal Leadership

21. Building voter support for libraries Around the Country New York and Oregon PACs • Candidate focused • Highly targeted Wyoming Foundation Initiative • Infrastructure for funding and advocacy • Long term civic development

22. Building voter support for libraries CA Legislative Agenda SCA7 and the 55% “Solution” • Game Changer • Union Interest • Coalition Opportunities Calls to Action for Advocates

23. Building voter support for libraries Your Own Leadership Why are you here? Why are you involved in libraries? Why should they continue to exist?

24. Building voter support for libraries Your Own Leadership • Where is Your Precinct? • Grassroots or Grass Tops • Leverage Personal Relationships

25. Building voter support for libraries Your Own Leadership • Be the Candidate • Be the Entrepreneur • Be the Visionary

26. Building voter support for libraries Walk Your Precinct

27. John Chrastka Executive Director EveryLibrary john.chrastka@everylibrary.org Building voter support for libraries Thank You www.everylibrary.org @everylibrary facebook.com/everylibrary everylibrary.tumblr.com