Making our voices heard: Helping our community get out the vote
By Dana Shapiro • Community and Volunteer Engagement Manager
At Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minnesota, we believe that strong communities are built when people have opportunities to connect, participate, and make their voices heard. Civic engagement is one important way we can do that.
JFCS is excited to share opportunities to support non-partisan voter outreach and help community members access the information they need to participate in the upcoming elections.
Why voter outreach matters
For Rochelle Rubin, a retired attorney and public affairs professional, long-time community volunteer, former JFCS Board Member and Advocacy Committee chair, and current Vice Chair of the Network of Jewish Human Services Agencies (NJHSA), voter outreach is an especially meaningful part of this work.
“Our representative democracy relies on us making our voices heard and taking action – as limited or extensive as we each choose to make it,” Rochelle said.
While some people may feel that their individual participation cannot make a difference, Rochelle sees voting as one of the most direct ways each of us can take part in our democracy.
“The most important and straightforward way is to vote, and ideally to encourage or help others to vote as well,” she said. “Our elected officials represent us, and that is where our power lies. We must use our power, express our opinions, and help set the direction we see for the future.”
Voter outreach can help make participation more accessible. Questions about where, when, and how to vote – or even how to find reliable information about an election – can sometimes become barriers to participation. The Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office provides non-partisan voter education and registration resources to help community organizations address those questions.
“It is incredibly empowering to exercise your vote, and equally so to empower others to vote,” Rochelle said.
Make your voting plan
With Minnesota’s general election coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 3, now is a good time to make your voting plan – and help your friends and neighbors make theirs. Early voting begins Oct. 16, and ballots are available for in-person and mail voting beginning Sept. 18. Visit mnvotes.gov for information about voting options, deadlines and more.
Preparing to help our community participate
JFCS and PRISM staff and volunteers participated in Voter Engagement and Outreach 101, a training offered at JFCS by the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office. The training helped prepare everyone to support community members with non-partisan voter information and resources.
The training is one part of preparing staff and volunteers to make voter outreach welcoming and accessible. You don’t need to have all the answers yourself. Instead, you can help community members find reliable information and connect with the resources they need.
Rochelle sees this as an important role volunteers can play.
“The issues some people consider obstacles are often easily solved; questions like where, when and how to vote, who and which offices are on the ballot, and why my vote matters, often can be answered with readily available resources and direction,” she said. “We can be the ones to help others over those hurdles to make their views known.”
Sign up for a voter outreach volunteer shift at PRISM
JFCS is teaming up with our neighbors at PRISM to fill voter outreach volunteer opportunities this fall. Volunteers will welcome community members in the PRISM lobby, share non-partisan voter education resources, assist with voter registration, and help connect people with official voting information.
For Rochelle, participating in voter outreach with PRISM has been a meaningful way to put civic engagement into action.
“Participating in the voter outreach efforts we organize with PRISM has been so impactful for me and all our partners – helping to clear the path so your neighbors, community members and others can participate,” she said.
Volunteers participating in this seasonal opportunity will receive resources and ongoing support from PRISM staff. Shifts are available Monday through Thursday throughout the voter engagement season (Oct. 6 through Nov. 3), and there are two volunteer spots available for each shift, making it possible to sign up with a family member or friend.
If you are interested in volunteering, contact Liam Boris, PRISM’s Volunteer Manager, at volunteer@prismmpls.org and let him know you are with JFCS.
Join us for an event with NCJW on Tuesday, Oct. 6
There are many ways to participate in civic life, and they can look different for everyone. For some, that may mean voting. For others, it may also mean helping a neighbor find reliable voting information, volunteering at a voter outreach event, or encouraging someone else to participate.
JFCS is partnering with the National Council of Jewish Women Minnesota (NCJW|MN) to present Social Action Arts: Get Out the Vote on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 5:15–7:30 p.m.
The evening will include conversation, community, and civic engagement, including a screening and discussion of the classic animated short Betty Boop for President. Following the screening, participants will take part in a handwritten letter-writing activity encouraging voter participation. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
The event will take place at a western suburban location, with details provided upon RSVP.
Learn more and register here for Social Action Arts: Get Out the Vote
Showing up for our communities
Rochelle offers a simple reminder about why this work matters, “The world is run by those who show up.”
Civic engagement doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. Whether you vote, volunteer, help someone find accurate information, or encourage someone else to participate, there are many ways to show up for your community.
At JFCS, we’re grateful to the volunteers, staff, and community partners who help create opportunities for people to participate, connect, and make their voices heard. Join us to help get out the vote!
For more information about JFCS Volunteer Services, click here or contact Dana Shapiro, Community and Volunteer Engagement Manager, at dshapiro@jfcsmn.org.