Civic Participation

Introduction to Civic Participation Organizing (Electoral Training for 501(c)3 CBO's) - 3-hour session

As a movement, we can no longer afford not to build power in the electoral arena-but when considering how to have a real impact in this arena, the task may seem daunting. This introductory session will help Community-Based 501c3 organizations think through what it would take to develop a civic participation component to their work. We will give an overview of key topics your leadership will need to consider, such as: the pro's & con's of electoral work, basic legal parameters to doing the work, integrating voter outreach with community organizing, developing long-term and short-term electoral strategy and the nuts and bolts of setting up an electoral operation. Using tools developed from SCOPE's work in Los Angeles, participants will leave this session having identified next steps to move forward n engaging the electoral arena.

Tools & Techniques For Running a Field Program - 3-hour session

Beyond the big picture of developing a strategy and program for doing electoral work, putting together an electoral field program includes a myriad of details that are not to be missed. Using tools and templates that SCOPE and its allies have developed over the last 14 years, we will roll up our sleeves and think through what exactly it will take to run an efficient and effective program. The models and materials we will share include: recruitment and tracking of volunteers, producing and organizing voter lists, training precinct walkers, reporting and analyzing results and much more. Participants will also receive a binder and a CD with templates that can be tailored for use with your own program.

Strategic Targeting - 3-hour session

This session will take a more in-depth look at how to develop an effective long-term civic participation strategy for your organization. Aside from identifying geographically where your base lives and votes, an understanding of the overall demographics of voters, voter propensity, density of target constituencies, is key to developing plans that integrate electoral work with organizing as well as shaping a strategy to win. Using GIS mapping, voter participation data, demographic analysis and power analysis, this session will help guide participants through the basic steps to developing a plan that integrates with the strategic goals of your organization.

Integrating Organizing with Electoral Work - 3-hour session

Participants will explore the challenges and opportunities of integrating organizing with electoral work. We will look at case studies from around the country to draw lessons that apply to the local context, focusing on questions like: How has this taken attention away from/put attention to traditional organizing? To what degree has it impacted community organizing strategy? How has targeting neighborhoods, issues, demands, etc. been impacted by electoral experience? Discussion will center on an examination of the actual work of your organization, upcoming electoral battles and ongoing (between election cycles) civic participation work and how to integrate these three streams of activity into a broader power-building strategy for your organization.

Hands-on Community Organizing - 3-hour session

For groups ready to kick off an electoral program, SCOPE staff can also provide hands-on assistance with key staff and leaders to help prepare for and implement an electoral field program. We will work with your organization starting well in advance through a tailored approach to develop detailed plans and help train staff and leaders for their roles in carrying out the program.