VOTER EMPOWERMENT
POINTERS FOR ACTION
Due to 501c3 status the NAACP cannot endorse candidates for public office or political parties.
We cannot affiliate with political party campus groups.
Voter registration campaigns must have a start date and an end date. There must be a goal in mind.
A good thing to do is to find out the Voting Age Population
(VAP) data and the amount of registered voters.
Subtract the amount of registered voters from your VAP to find out number of
unregistered voters in the area.
When beginning a voter registration campaign begin early. Contact the State Board of Registration or the Secretary of State for an election manual.
Always identify yourself as the NAACP when doing voter registration.
Once you have registered a certain amount of people contact the NAACP Office of Voter Empowerment with the totals.
Types of voter registration: door to door, table registration, event registration.
There can not be an item of any value in exchange for voter registration.
NAACP units usually use music, large NAACP signage, and food to bring attention to voter registration.
There must be a focus on high schools. They are the future for the community. They must be informed and registered.
MEMBERSHIP
POINTERS FOR ACTION
Make sure you have check lists for your campaign (signs, applications, volunteers)
Know your target audience.
When having social events make sure that members get charged differently (less than non members).
Set realistic membership goals for the semester but reach high.
Make sure to report new interested members.
Start canvassing with people you know.
Renewal memberships are very important. For every member that you lose, you must recruit TWO members to show growth.
Open the floor for membership at EVERY event.
If you have a membership campaign keep members updated on your progress.
Always present yourself in a positive manner. You will never get the chance to make a 2nd first impression.
Maintain a KEEP IN TOUCH relationship with the members. Sponsor “IN YOUR FACE” programs to get attention.
Be responsive to interested members.
Get members involved with activities.
There is always an opportunity to tell people about the NAACP.
Do not forget the Life memberships that are offered by the NAACP.
When recruiting, make people feel like they are needed.
ALWAYS keep membership applications on hand. You may miss out on the perfect opportunity to get a new member.
Make sure that you know what the UNIT is working on.