Leveraging the Power of Collective Action with The Nonprofit Vote
By Kirsten Boda, Research Manager and Alexa Briggs, Director, Policy & Research
CCVO would like to share the exciting news of the official launch of The Nonprofit Vote! Recognizing the strength and depth of the 26,000+ nonprofits in Alberta, this platform was developed to create a space for collective advocacy among nonprofits across the province, amplifying our voice, and giving us a platform to leverage our strength. The nonprofit sector in Alberta; often overlooked, but ever crucial to our people, our communities, and our economy.
The launch of The Nonprofit Vote coincides with municipal elections taking place across the province. Elections provide an opportunity to highlight important issues and increase civic engagement on the specific issues that impact your organization. By raising awareness of these issues, you play a role in helping others to be a part of making their community a better place to live for all. With the elections approaching, we encourage nonprofits to:
Be bold: Engage in political discourse, it’s allowed! If you’re worried about appearing partisan, the site contains resources to help you navigate. For example: https://www.thenonprofitvote.ca/rules-of-engagement
Take the lead: Promote and share the issues that your nonprofit knows firsthand. We’ve got resources for that, too! Go here: https://www.thenonprofitvote.ca/tell-your-stories
We also invite individuals, whether you are employed or volunteer in the sector, or are someone who cares about the vitality of the sector, to get involved in local municipal elections. For folks located in Calgary, Edmonton, and Wood Buffalo, you can pledge to vote in #nonprofitsvote campaigns here: https://www.thenonprofitvote.ca/take-action.
For folks outside of those cities, that shouldn’t stop you from joining in the fun! Commit to vote on social media, tag The Nonprofit Vote on twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and include #nonprofitsvote.
This election is just one moment in time for civic engagement. The need for collective advocacy is ongoing in our pursuit to be a part of creating communities that are better for all. While The Nonprofit Vote is starting with this campaign to get out the vote in the upcoming municipal elections across Alberta and will continue to be there for future elections in Alberta, it will promote and encourage civic engagement between elections.
Moving forward, what we do with this platform is up to all of us. With several partners at the table, there’s always room for more! Get in touch with us at info@thenonprofitvote.ca if you’re interested in becoming a supporting organization and send us your ideas - we look forward to engaging with each of you!