The Power of the Vote
Read time: 3 minutes
United Ways of California is a nonprofit organization. Like all 501(c)(3) nonprofits, we are prohibited from speaking for or against any candidate or political parties. We are nonpartisan, but we are never neutral about improving lives and advancing justice, and we firmly believe in working with people on all sides of the aisle in the pursuit of a California in which all have the opportunities and resources they need to thrive. We do, therefore, speak out on issues and policies to support and oppose ballot propositions, bills in legislatures, court decisions, and other public policy measures.
Our communities need bold leadership that seeks to forge unity, rather than to divide. At United Way, we are in the business of bringing people together, of bridging gaps to find common ground to drive substantial positive change. During these times when so many resources are targeted at driving our communities apart, we must do what we can to bring in more voices to express their view of the common good.
Over the years, we have made meaningful progress to close gaps and support the wellbeing of Californians by committing to health, education, and financial stability. But there is so much more to do, and we need policies at the local, state, and federal levels in order to continue making progress.
One simple, nonpartisan thing we can do is to encourage everyone to make their voice heard, at the ballot box as well as in community meetings and events.
Engaging citizens and encouraging them to be actively connected to people and programs in their communities is at the heart of how we advance our mission. We know that it takes engaged people, working in good faith, from all sectors—community, business, labor, government, and charitable—to improve the quality of life in our communities. Every day, United Ways work to mobilize the caring power of communities for the common good.
If we are to create a more equitable California where every individual has the resources and opportunities they need to thrive, all members of our communities must have a voice in policies that shape their communities.
This is why we are committed to expanding participation in our democracy. Voting is how our communities express their hopes and dreams for our shared future.
Just look at the November ballot: Statewide measures have implications in education, housing, wages, disaster response, equity, and so much more. (See which statewide ballot measures California United Ways are supporting this fall.) Then there are local measures further impacting the way we live, learn, and work in our individual communities.
Helping our neighbors become active, engaged, and empowered residents is critical to
creating strong, healthy, equitable, and resilient communities.
Also, candidates and campaigns seek out and respond to communities with higher voter registration and turnout rates. When our communities participate, we have more access to decision-makers, increased influence, and a greater chance to have our issues addressed. Individual voices can lead to more collective power.
Our U.S. United Ways have worked for many years with Nonprofit Vote to promote voter registration. This year, we at United Ways of California are going further to link our bridge-building work and the need for every voice to be heard.
We hope you’ll join us this fall—and beyond—to encourage your communities to actively participate in our democracy and help shape the place we call home.
Democracy thrives when we all participate. Let’s empower every voter to take part in shaping our future.
To get started, check out our voter engagement resources, including information about voter registration, key dates, statewide ballot measures, and more.
