I work for a nonprofit and I vote

Think about it: if everyone who worked or volunteered in the environment voted, we'd have better environmental policies. If everyone who worked or volunteered in the arts voted, we'd have better arts funding.

Just here in California, the nonprofit community includes nearly one million employees (1 in every 16 California jobs is at a nonprofit) and 7 million volunteers. We are already a voting bloc, but we don't act like it.

Many nonprofits are active and effective at mobilizing voters. But what about everyone else? It doesn't take much:

• Put up a sign in your lobby or breakroom: Come to the office and we'll give you the info on how to register to vote online in 20 minutes or less. And we'll let you use one of the office computers to do so! (Note: many younger staff and those in lower-paying jobs do not have access to computers -- and it's hard to do anything other than text on your phone.)
• If you're a Meals on Wheels: put a registration form on every tray, and later put an application for vote-by-mail ballots there.
• If you have board member requirements (such as "attend 75% of meetings") add this one: "In every election while I am on the board, I will vote."
• Simple reminder to staff and volunteers: "Our mission is to strengthen the role that women -- especially from low income backgrounds and of color -- play in society. As you vote this month, as yourself: how can I make my vote count for our mission?"
• Slightly more complicated reminder to add to above: "This election, voting No on Proposition 5 will help keep tax dollars available for funding our organization and others helping families."
• Fun reminder: The amazing Nancy Berlin (CalNonprofits Policy Director) and I are doing a webinar on the legalities and practicalities of nonprofit involvement in voting on Tuesday, September 25. Register here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/5715356447770/WN_QJyxx3yLQGiaStRtLbx2Sg
• Buy a box of Avery 22830 sticker sheets and print out your own stickers: https://calnonprofits.org/publications/article-archive/610-two-new-resources-for-california-nonprofits-for-the-november-election

Remember: if all of us voted with the individual goals and values that brought us to the nonprofit community, the world would be a better place. And it only need take 15 minutes!

-- Jan Masaoka, California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits)