With civic engagement high on the list of priorities at United Way of Southwest Michigan, it’s only natural that they have teamed up with the organization “When We All Vote,” in a bid to boost voter registration and participation in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties.
United Way of Southwest Michigan has announced this morning their partnership with “When We All Vote,” a nonprofit, non-partisan organization launched in 2018 to promote voter engagement. The local United Way is launching efforts to reach eligible voters in our area by way of digital events, social media, traditional media, and online advertising.
Heather Cole, Director of Advocacy for UWSM, says, “Civic engagement is a top priority for United Way of Southwest Michigan, and it starts with awareness, education, and participation.” She adds, “When We All Vote is on a mission to increase participation in every election and help close the race and age voting gap. Together, we will work towards changing the culture around voting—starting here in our counties.”
Through the United Way co-branded “When We All Vote” website, everyone can:
- Check voter registration status at this link: http://weall.vote/checkregistration
- Register to vote at this link: http://whenweallvote.org/uww
Key dates this year for voters to remember, include:
- August 4th – Michigan State Primary Election
- September 22nd – National Voter Registration Day
- October 24th – National Vote Early Day
- November 3rd – Election Day
Funding for UWSM’s digital voter engagement campaign comes from an “Engaging New Voters 2020” grant from the Michigan Nonprofit Association. In addition to funds, grant recipients including UWSM receive materials, swag, digital tools, trainings, technical assistance, peer learning exchanges, and evaluation and analysis from MNA.
Already this year, UWSM has participated in United Way Worldwide’s civic engagement campaign “United We Count. United We Vote.” That campaign is mobilizing local United Ways, partners, and caring citizens in ensuring our communities are counted in the census and can exercise their right to vote.
From racial injustice to rising unemployment, people are looking for safe and meaningful ways to fight for systemic change in our communities. For over 130 years, United Way has brought together leaders in communities to solve problems in a non-partisan manner. That’s why more than 200 state and local United Ways are leading voter and census engagement initiatives across the country.
Cole says, “At United Way, we know change doesn’t happen alone, that we need every voice to matter and every vote to count.”
United Way of Southwest Michigan fights for the Health, Education, and Financial Stability of every person in every community. They have the influence and relationships to make sustainable change a reality. By harnessing resources from corporate, nonprofit, and public partners, they provide immediate assistance to the most vulnerable populations among us while addressing the root causes of the community’s longstanding challenges and changing lives for the better. To join the fight—through giving, advocacy, and volunteering—visit online at www.uwsm.org.
