Get Out the Vote in the Arab American Community Presented by: Linda Sarsour and Rachid Elabed

What do we mean by GOTV?  Get Out the Vote efforts are typically started 2 – 3 weeks before Election Day. We focus on getting our community members who are registered to vote out to the polls on Election Day.

Why should we engage in GOTV?  It creates stronger and healthier communities.  The more members of our community that vote and participate, the more public policies that represent our communities.  It provides for extra publicity and clout for our organizations.

We have limited or no resources but we want to participate – how?  You don’t need much resources, just some dedicated volunteers – this includes current volunteers, clients, friends and family.  NNAAC can provide you with materials. Templates for fliers that can be distributed to community members encouraging them to vote. You would list your organization on materials as a resource if people have questions.  Phone banking – calling voters to remind them to vote. You can do this in the evenings and on weekends as not to interfere with your day to day operations.

Continued…..  Have local religious leaders speak about the importance of voting and civic engagement at Friday prayers and Sunday mass.  If you currently have English classes – have this be a discussion topic during the week before elections.  If you have youth who need community service hours, have them hand out fliers at local businesses and community centers.

Why should non profits do this?  Size of our sector – non profit sector is so vast and has a great reach to grassroots communities.  Trust – our community trusts and respects us and the work that we do on their behalf. Trust and rapport are what drive the Arab and Muslim community. Once members trust you they are more willing to follow your direction.  We have access to underserved and underrepresented communities – specifically the Arab and Muslim community.  We have missions people believe in.  We have interest in good government and so does our community.  We are non partisan

What u can and can’t do as a 501c3? It’s simple.  You CAN register voters, conduct voter education, and engage in Get Out the Vote Efforts.  You CAN NOT support or oppose a candidate for public office or a political party.

Some events in the network:  Candidate’s Night in NYC - AAANY.  Training on new voting system - AAFSC  Trick or Vote in MI  GOTV efforts in Chicago  We want to hear what else is going on? Tell us what you are doing and how we can help you?