Student Driven Approaches to Voter Outreach Alberto Olivas, Director Center for Civic Participation Maricopa 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” ISSUES PROCESSES STRUCTURES MECHANICS EXPERIENCES PRACTICAL SKILLS RELATIONSHIPS Accountability Obligation 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 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.

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 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

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 Based Support 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

Campus Based Support Resources  Student Life & Leadership  Student Gov’t, Honors, PTK, MEChA, BSA, etc.  Faculty & Adjunct faculty representation  Marketing / 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 questions  10 minutes!!  Give a presentation to the “Board Meeting”  1-2 minutes MAX!!  Board feedback and dialogue

Student Driven Approaches to Voter Outreach Alberto Olivas, Director Center for Civic Participation Maricopa Community Colleges (480)