Student Driven Approaches to Voter Outreach

1. Student Driven Approaches to Voter Outreach Alberto Olivas, Director Center for Civic Participation Maricopa Community Colleges

2. Introduction & Overview • Benefits of a Student-driven approach • A Menu of Options • Key Principles & Elements • Support resources • Lessons learned • Small group ACTIVITY & discussion!

3. 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

4. The “Civic Spectrum” AWARENESS INVOLVEMENT PASSION • ISSUES • PROCESSES • STRUCTURES • MECHANICS • EXPERIENCES • PRACTICAL SKILLS • RELATIONSHIPS • Accountability • Obligation • SELF • FAMILY • COMMUNITY • WORLD

5. 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 ballot • Learn 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.

6. A Sample of Options • Be a “Ballot Expert!”: Ballot Measure Presenter Training (est. 2.0 hours)

7. 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 event • Learn 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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Glow the Vote!

11. Key Elements & Principles • Impartial & Objective Information Sources • Faculty & Administrative Oversight • It must be fun!

12. Community BasedSupport Resources • Official voter information resources • Publicity pamphlets, online election dept. web sites • Secretary of State / State Elections Department • County Elections / County Recorders offices • Local G.O.T.V. & civic organizations • Kids Voting • State Bar Association Foundation offices

13. Campus BasedSupport Resources • Student Life & Leadership • Student Gov’t, Honors, PTK, MEChA, BSA, etc. • Faculty & Adjunct faculty representation • Marketing / Public Relations • Service learning offices, faculty

14. 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!

15. Small Group Activity • Answer the Group Discussion questions • 10 minutes!! • Give a presentation to the “Board Meeting” • 1-2 minutes MAX!! • Board feedback and dialogue

16. Student Driven Approaches to Voter Outreach Alberto Olivas, Director Center for Civic Participation Maricopa Community Collegeswww.maricopa.edu/civic alberto.olivas@domail.maricopa.edu (480) 731-8156