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TO: YWCA Leaders

FROM: YWCA USA Public Policy & Advocacy

DATE: September 27, 2016

SUBJECT: Voter Engagement Tools Inside!

Dear YWCA Leaders,

As we enter the final stretch of this year's election season, we are excited to share YWCA's 2016 Election Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Toolkit!

Many YWCAs participated in the voter registration and election year communication webinars that we hosted in May and June, and are already actively engaged in voter registration activities. Seven YWCAs are working with other nonprofits as part of NonProfit Vote's state voter registration initiative, and other local associations are running voter registration drives in their communities.

We hope this GOTV Toolkit will help support the good work that is already underway, and identify clear, easy opportunities for every YWCA to get involved. We invite you to:

• Check out the online GOTV Toolkit. This new online resource outlines a variety of election-related activities your local association may choose to undertake. The toolkit provides short downloadable one-pagers on topics like permissible 501(c)(3) activities, voter registration, finding out where the candidates stand on the issues, engaging voters on our issues, and getting voters to the polls. The toolkit also includes a sample social media messages.
• Download the 2016 Election Issue Guide. This guide provides a concise overview of YWCA's current priority issues, and suggests sample candidate questions and social media posts. Local associations can use this guide to raise awareness about what matters in our communities and what's at stake in this year's election.
• Sign Up for National Voter Registration Day on September 27. It's not too late to join non-profits across the country in celebrating this important day. Raise awareness on social media about the importance of registering to vote, and list the voter registration events and activities your local association has planned.
• Register for the Nonprofits Get Out the Vote in 2016! Webinar. This YWCA-sponsored webinar will get into the nitty-gritty of GOTV tactics and what to do to help and encourage your constituents get out.

When voters go to the polls in 2016, they will cast their ballot for elected officials who will make policy decisions on major issues that impact the lives of women, girls, and communities of color. Together, we can make a difference by making sure our communities and our voices are heard!

Sincerely,

YWCA Public Policy & Advocacy